Design Principles #1; Experimenting with layout

How layout influences our design (Part I)

Whether you are working in publishing, online or advertising, the fundamental ideas (which may overlap) about the practice of good ‘layout’ composition will always form the basic structure of your design. The elements form the ‘vocabulary‘ of the design, while the principles constitute the broader aspects of its composition. Here I have compiled a loose set of principles that all revolve around the fundamentals of layout graphic design.

This is Part 1 of a 2-Part series: To jump forward to this second part please click here

1. Spectrum of colour

If you find yourself searching for inspiration and you have a tight deadline (usual story!) you can always gather a choice selection of compelling images and apply this technique. Essentially you are creating with the creative, it’s an effective demonstration of imagery and a (relatively) easy application of technique – what client wouldn’t be happy with this exciting, *warm colour spectrum of ideas?

*Warm colors are a group of colors that consist of reds, yellows, and oranges.

2. Text Manipulation

Through the calender year designers have the luxury of using calender promotion to deliver a punchier design. Here Valentines Day is effectively used and it is the negative space that forms an important part of the layout. There are two types of this type of space: positive and negative space.

3. The Douple Page Stread (DPS) as a DPS

Elevating your design by including a homage to past layouts is a trusted and effective design principle. See he News of The World’s final edition for the ultimate example.

4. Subject Matter

Taking the subject matter of ‘Golf’, I have crafted a layout that touches a wide market appeal – this is a simple trick that draws in the fans of that subject.

5. Design for colour groups

Having at your disposal an extensive range of images can definitely help with this principal. Here colour is used as a layout guide to help the potential end-user of these images realise an application. The relationship between these light and dark colour groups gives the layout depth and perception – this is also referred to as tone.

6. The youth of today

Demonstrating your quality and breath of photography using the designers classic CMYK technique is as popular as ever. As a principle, the repetition of familiar form provide graphic designers with another string to their bow.

This is two part examination of broad design principles russellwebbdesign generated for the design community. Please contact us further to discuss if your brand (ot it’s design) can really wants to benefit from effective communication and good graphic design: info@russellwebbdesign.co.uk

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