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.

Creative Print Pieces

I chose these three ads from both Glamour and Essence magazines. Starting with the Fresh Step ad, I think the image was a very creative way to advertise the product. The text was limited to one line but justified the use of the accompanying image. The cat is ceneterd in the middle of the page drawing direct focus. The text reads, "Cats everywhere are having a hard time smelling their litter boxes." The second ad,is very creative given Coach is a leather goods company. The text is centered below the image. There is very little text which allows for more interpretation of the image. The colors are contrasting and vibrant. I think the designer did a excellent job of using the space on the page.


















The verdict is still out on this ad. I think it may be a bit too much text, but the text is quite and does a great job of advertising and explaining the purpose of the product.

Asymmetry vs. Symmetry

Symmetrical Design

I've always noticed these HSBC ads in the airport terminals. The ads are very simple usually consisting of four pictures, four words, and a red border. These ads are perfectly symmetrical generally flip flopping the images and words playing with the observers point of view.









Asymmetrical Design

I found this ad online looking through fashion spreads and performing a fashion search. The design of this ad is my idea of subtle asymmetry. When comparing both images there are a few differences. For example the arm of the model in the right image is higher, the head is tilted slightly, and the pocket book is facing the side. These subtle asymmetrical differences make the ad more interesting.

InDesign PBDS501

My experiences this far using InDesign have been both good and bad. I tried to use the software prior to Allison's brief tutorial and the experience was a complete mess. Once the basics were explained the software seemed a bit more comprehensible. I did try using InDeisgn for the first assignment in PDBS502. What I thought was a great design turned out to be an absolute mess, but I guess any time spent using the software is helping me to grow a bit more accustomed. It seems as though opportunities are endless once you know how to use the software.

My worries are that my limited knowledge of the program will prevent me from being able to complete the vision of my designs. I usually sketch the design prior to creating in InDesign. I find it very difficult to transfer my sketches onto the page. I do think InDesign is a very cool tool to use. I would like to use this program for a lot of my communications design work in the future.

Zipcar & the Basic Principles of Design

Disclaimer: The camera on my phone is the WORST
As I was walking to class last week I picked up a Zipcar brochure. I've been seeing zipcars more often in Baltimore over the last few months so I guess its a pretty reliable service. I'm not certain if our post for the week is supposed to be a one sheet or single page ad, but I thought this was a well put together advertisement.


The 4 Basic Principles of Design

Alignment
The ad keeps a consistent half inch border around the entire brochure. The lettering is strategically aligned in the middle of the space throughout the brochure. If you notice the paragraphs are all aligned left but centered in the page. The items on the page seem to share a similar axis. The text and images are within close proximity in the center. Which leads me into...



Proximity
The image of the vehicle is centered in the page with two accompanying images. The accompanying images are pictures of the driver in front of the vehicle (in the forefront-tilted) and a picture of scenery (in the background-tilted) Its fair to assume these are pictures of people who have rented zipcars and have traveled using this service. Placing the images within close proximity to the image of the vehicles pulls the ad together.

Repetition
Each page of the brochure maintains the following features
Image of a vehicle
2 accompanying images (picture of driver, picture of scenery)
Bold orange type face (Brand of car and model name)
Bold green typeface adjective (describes the features of the Zipcar service)
The designer did a excellent job of maintaining continuity throughout the brochure. The repetition pulls the ad together and makes the brochure easier to assess.



Contrast
Each page has contrasting words and colors to distinguish elements on the page. At to top is the bolded green adjective describing a feature of the zipcar service. Further down the page is a contrasting bolded orange Vehicle brand and model name. The very last page of the brochure is a yellow page with contrasting green images. The designer plays with contrasting colors within the color palate.

Please let me know if you agree with my assessment of the Zipcar advertisement!