CoP module evaluation

Evaluation

Throughout this module, it has been both challenging and enjoyable. For the contextual side of the module, completing the research project for the dissertation has enabled me to gain a better knowledge and understanding of the principles and rules of successful layout design. By researching high end fashion publications, it has allowed me to go further than just analysing how the visual elements are displayed on a page; this lead me on to research more about the consumer and how brands achieve consumer satisfaction. Throughout the written part of the module, I feel that I have researched a sufficient amount, and was able to produce a written response that clearly answers my question, 'what is the role of layout in high end fashion publications?' The discussion includes three chapters, which allow me to discuss in depth the fundamental rules of layout, the impact layout has on the consumer and the difference between the successful, and unsuccessful. I feel that the completed dissertation answers my question well, however, if I could revisit this I would consider including primary research and surveys on how the target market views high end publications in order to give me a more substantial body of research.

For the practical element, i have produced a look book, with the intentions of creating a successful layout which communicates elegance and luxury to the consumer. The synthesis from the written element to the practical, is clearly shown by using my knowledge and understanding learned from my research, and used in my practical piece in terms of layout. For the layout I have considered the most practical forms, and chosen to base my design upon the Van de Graaf grid, however altering this slightly to make the most of my content. 

Overall I am pleased with my context of practice submission, I feel that the synthesis is clear, and I am happy with the final printed practical, however if I was to change anything I would have taken more time to conduct some practical research for the written element, as I feel this would of allowed me gain a better understanding of my topic. 

Final Look Book

Design sheets

Practical development

Van de graaf: 

From looking at the secret law of page harmony throughout this research project, the Van de Graaf canon seemed to be the most practical and efficient format to use, as it allows a harmonious balance between textual and visual components on a page. 

"Van de Graaf’s canon is the result of looking and understanding.

He gave his attention to the books printed over a fifty year period beginning with the first — Gutenberg’s Bible in 1455. Looking at the books of this time, Van de Graaf came to the conclusion that many books used some system in determining the position and size of the textblock.

The brilliance of the system that was used by these early book designers is that they had virtually no standard measuring unit. Yet the pages of their books were always laid out with the same spirit."

Source: http://retinart.net/graphic-design/secret-law-of-page-harmony/

"The Van de Graaf canon is a historical reconstruction of a method that may have been used in book design to divide a page in pleasing proportions."

Working out how to use the van de graaf grid on my own document, however making the length of the area slightly longer in order to create a larger space for the images.

About grid structures in layout 

In graphic design, a grid is a structure which is usually two-dimensional, and it is made up of a series of intersecting straight (vertical, horizontal, and angular) or curved guide lines used to structure a content. A grid system is a framework that is supposed to help the graphic designers in the logical and consistent organisation of information on a page. Graphic designers have started to build a rigid and coherent system for page layout. Grid systems are an established tool that is often used by print and web designers to create well structured and balanced designs. The grid provides a structured framework for a layout, but it should not limit design or stifle creativity.

They enable the graphic designer to organise whatever content they are working with consistently onto a page, using any combination of margins, guides, rows and columns. Grid systems are commonly seen in newspaper and magazine layouts with columns of text and images. Grids can also be used across an entire project so that the structure is consistent throughout. The gird will not be noticed once the finished product has been printed, but before print, it enables a consistent design to be produced. When starting a project, using a grid system will help position the elements of your design on a page.

Rule of thirds

There are several types of grid systems a designer can use. The simplest method is to use the rule of thirds. This consists of dividing a page into thirds with two equally spaced vertical/horizontal lines so that the important compositional elements can be placed along these lines or intersections. This is commonly used in photography. 

Golden ratio

The golden ratio is another popular method (approximately 1.618) for proportioning. The ratio has been studied by mathematicians. It has been used for centuries by architects, artists and book designers for its aesthetically pleasing qualities. 

Baseline grid

A baseline grid is commonly used in publications such as newspapers and magazines, the page is divided into several equal sized columns. This consists of a set of horizontal lines on a page, the baseline of all type sits on this.