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Seven Rules of Basic Yearbook Design
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1. Implement a column base for the spread. Columns give vertical structure, ensure alignment of elements and standardize copy and caption width. Three or four columns on each page work best for beginners. Leave one pica between each column. All elements begin and end on a column line.
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2. Place a Dominant Photo. The dominant photo should be two to three times as large as any other photo on the spread. The dominant usually crosses the gutter or is at least near the center.
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3. Establish an eyeline. Eyelines are usually one pica of horizontal white space or a rule line that crosses the spread to help the spread appear as a unit. The eyeline should be at least 12 picas from the spread’s center. It is acceptable to break the eyeline with one element. Curriculums
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4. Add Four to Six Pictures. Vary their shapes and sizes. Group them around the dominant. One picture may cross the eyeline if the dominant does not. Leave one pica between each picture. Curriculums
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5. Place a Caption for Each Picture. Try to have each caption touch the photo it represents. Place captions one pica from other elements. Keep captions toward the outside corners to avoid trapped white space. Stack a maximum of two captions on top of or next to each other. Curriculums
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6. Place a Headline and Copy Block. The headline should touch one side of the copy block. Place them toward the outside of the spread. Curriculums
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7. Maintain Margins. Make sure all external margins are touched by at least one major element. Keep all elements one pica apart for a consistent internal margin. Curriculums
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8. Plan White Space. Captions and unused white space should have two ways off the page to avoid being trapped. Trapped captions and white space are undesirable because they grab the readers’ attention away from the dominant photo and headline. Use white space to draw readers’ eyes toward headlines or other important elements. Curriculums
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Grid Design Advanced designers use smaller columns typically made of three to six picas called grids. Grids make it easier to use white space and add flexibility. Curriculums
W E ’ R E W I T H Y O U E V E R Y S T E P O F T H E W A Y GRID DESIGN Number of GridsNumber of Picas Wide
W E ’ R E W I T H Y O U E V E R Y S T E P O F T H E W A Y Modular Design This method offers even more design flexibility because each section can have multiple modules for alternative copy and graphic coverage. Use the library pallet in PageMaker to create modules that can be easily imported and adapted for each spread. Ask your Herff Jones rep for a demo of the HJ guide to modular design that even includes predesigned modules that are ready to use. Curriculums
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