Essential Design Terms

Terms Used When Discussing Design Spread—refers to 2 facing pages. Design should consider both pages when building a new page. Copy—refers to ALL text within the book. This includes headlines, captions and story text. Column—a group of text that is placed in a rectangular shape. All text must be organized in columns Gutter—thin amount of space where the 2 pages meet, where the book is bound; text can not be placed across the gutter White space—blank areas used to create a resting place for the eye. Should be kept to the outside edges rather than in the middle.

Dominant photo—the largest photo on the spread, should be your best photo Eyeline—a small visual element that guides the eye across the page. This could be blank space, an actual line, a graphic of some sort, etc. Every spread should have one. Sidebar—a portion of the spread that acts as one unit and complements the main focus of the spread. It could be a mini-article, a series of graphics and text, survey results, etc. Folio—page number and any graphics that support or reinforce the theme of the book Terms Used When Discussing Design

Measurement Used in Design Yearbooks are measured in picas. This is the standard unit of design and the default measurement system in InDesign. Six picas make an inch. All elements on the page must have at least one pica space between them. This gives the eye a resting place and allows it to distinguish between elements.

Design Rules At least 1 pica of space between each element, but no more than 3 should exist. Text columns must be the same width on a spread. Length may vary, primarily with the last column of text. Columns containing story text should be grouped together. Don’t separate or interrupt with a large photo or graphic. A smaller inset photo or pulled quote is acceptable. Headlines should be on the same page the story BEGINS and in close proximity to the first column of text.

Design Rules No more than three captions can be stacked together. Captions should be placed as close to the photo it goes with as possible. Remember to give a placement indicator (Above, Below, etc.) White space should be left to the outside edges of the page—not trapped in the middle. Dominant photos should be balanced with several smaller photos.

Design Rules All captions will be written in Arial, 8 point font. All stories will be written in a plain easy- to-read font such as Arial, Times or Rockwell. Stories must use a font between points. No more than 3 fonts should be used on a single spread. Headline font should have visual impact and be different from the story font.

Create Your Own Spread 13 photos total, all must have captions Dominant photo is horizontal At least 5 of the photos are vertical At least 1 photo is square 4 columns of text Headline is “A New Reign Begins” Be sure to establish an eye line somewhere Don’t forget to leave room for your folio on both the left and right hand sides OR on the top and the bottom Apply the design rules we just learned and code them properly on your planning sheet

Critique a Spread Think about the rules of design we reviewed yesterday. Swap designs with a partner and list one strength and one weakness of the spread.

Practice! Practice! Practice! ◦ Create a second option for a Homecoming spread with the following requirements: ◦ A sidebar of some type ◦ 14 photos all with captions ◦ Dominant is horizontal and goes across the gutter ◦ 6 verticals ◦ 2 squares ◦ Eyeline ◦ 2 columns of story text ◦ Headline is “Homecoming Week In Review” ◦ Folios on both left and right ◦ Use crayons/colored pencils/markers to shade in eyeline and sidebar features, or to add some “life” to your design.