Before you can apply a grid you must understand the requirement of the grid for the work to be produced. Typeface, text, illustrations, print method and paper quality must be confirmed beforehand. Always Start with small sketches Thumbnail sketches will make your job of final layouts easier and productive. Thumbnails sizes should be proportionate to the final format, to make your job of final layouts easier and productive.
Before drawing you sketches, consider the number of columns needed. For example 1 column for text and illustrations gives you little freedom of layout. 2 columns, logically, gives you more scope: 1 column for text, 1 column for illustration and they can be mixed together. 2 column division can be subdivided.
Disadvantages of 6 column grids are :
Lines of text will have to be narrow.
Small typeface will have to be used.
But..
This solely rests on the function.
For statistics, figures, graphs and trend line publications use 4 columns per page.
This is a way to make boring information look interesting and visually pleasing.
Remember that 4 columns can be subdivided into 8 and 16+
The width of a column dictates the size of a typeface.
The narrower the column the smaller the typeface - it is no longer aesthetically pleasing
Thumbnails in design process..
Make a variety of thumbnails of layouts/designs. Do not rely on one set of thumbnails. Enlarge a small selection of appropriate thumbnails by 1:1. Compare them and select and repeat process until you are confident with the design. Do not just rely on digital thumbnails!!!
Apply type to columns
The first line must fit flush to the top limit of the column grid. The last line must stand on the bottom limit. Keep calm, it is difficult to find the final solution the first time around. It could mean that your gird field is too high or too low.
10pt type
15pt leading
Column length 15cm
loosely means use 15pt leading.
At this length there must be 10 lines per field.
Meaning 30 lines every per 15cm
The depth of my fields assertions how many 10pt lines I have.
Font Heights
4pt type
6pt leading
Caption Text
7pt type
10pt leading
Header and footer text
Type and picture
8 field grid
A4+ format
8x20field grids
8field grids are used frequently for advertising material and brochures.
If using 8 field grids, you can subdivide into 16 grid fields.
8 and 16 grids fields give you a range of possibilities.
8 Grid fields allow various sizes of illustrations to be portrayed. You can use with or without text. You need to have a good perception of composition.
The grid is only an instrument.
I found an example of a grid on one of my favourite design blogs aisleone.
I think this is very interesting as it puts the grid into perspective. I do not fully understand the grid system but seeing it put in practice is one way which helps me to understand it more.
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