Simple Grid Structures

This is a simple 2 column grid I found in the latest issue of Essence Magazine. Sidebar: I've noticed most women's magazines have gotten away from the traditional magazine story and are now filled with advertorials and multiple page-image/picture spreads. This structure was very easy to identify because of the simplicity of the layout. The columns each spread about half of the page with accompanying images that span the full width of the page. (the left hand page) This wasnt one of the best layouts I've seen, rather pretty easy to interpret.

Nice Layouts!

I chose this layout on "Love,Sex & what I weighed" because the layout is familiar to what we discussed in class. I usually pick up a magazine and read the article based on my interest in the subject. Assisgnment 3 has forced me to look more into the layout and design of the spread. I'm huge on graphics or pull quotes which tend to break up the monotony of reading the article from beginning to end. Graphics are a great way to distract the reader from simple text on a page. The first two pages of the spread are limited in text. What drew my eye to the article were the bright contrasting colors and the various weights of the text. The second page of the spread is a full page graphic. On the 3-4 page of the layout the designer is working on a 8 column grid with the last two columns on the 4th page combined for a testimonial/quote section. Throughout the spread the designer used pull quotes and animated graphics to break up the text. The pull quotes and graphics appear on the 2nd, 4th, and 6th columns. This spread seemes simple enough to duplicate, yet was very visually pleasing without bombarding the reader with too many graphics or text. Its actually a great balance. I picked this spread because it was well executed and a great precursor to whats expected in our third assignment.

Building Ideas for PBDS502

Since I've begun working with InDesign it seems as though everyone is soliciting my help for graphic design projects.

That information aside, I generally sketch ideas before I begin working with the program. Becoming more familiar with the software has allowed me to actually follow through on a lot of my visions for projects. My very first assignment using InDesign was a disaster. But as the semester has gone along I've gotten better at incorporating more creative ideas into my design while learning the seemingly endless possibilities of the program. I look forward to other project and ways to use the software effectively.