Creating ALayout

5 Factors to Consider• Objective of Layout• The Message• The Style and Format• Layout Requirements• Printing Requirements

ObjectiveThe Objective is a statement that describes the intent or purpose of an identifiable end product.• Does it inform?• Illustrate?• Sell?

MessageThe message helps determine how to plan the layout.• Who is the audience?• The mood? (Lighthearted,

humorous, dramatic, etc.)

Style & FormatStyle includes the text type, display type and illustrations used. (For example, textbooks will use different type than magazine ads). Choose which works best!

Format is critical – single sheet? Booklet, flyer, poster, 1 sided/2-sided? Typically, the end use will determine the format.(posters not printed 2 sided)

Layout RequirementsOftentimes all three layouts are required – thumbnail sketches, rough layout and comprehensive

Sketch – quickly drawnRough – more illustrative/detailComprehensive – simulates final product

Printing RequirementsThis will be a strong determining factor on how the layout is developed

Size, quantity, paper needed, color used, binding & finishing operations like cutting, folding, scoring, gluing, etc. will have an impact on the layout.

Design StepsThumbnail Sketches

Rough LayoutComprehensive Layout

(all done by hand)

After OK’d, Build on Computer in

InDesign, Illustrator or Photoshop

Step 1: Thumbnail Sketches

Create 4-8 thumbnail sketches on one sheet.

• Show many ideas.

• Small, rough sketches.

• Usually made with pencil.

Step 2: Rough LayoutDiscuss the Thumbnail sketches

with a partner, choose the best or a combination and then Create a Rough Layout on a new sheet. A rough is:

• Drawn full-size if possible.• Shows more detail.• Some color may be added.• Indicates Font & Font Size• Font style• Where graphics are

coming from. If clip art indicate Page # & Graphic Name

• Scaling

Step 3: Comprehensive Layout

Create a Comprehensive Layout.

• Drawn full-size, if possible.

• Shows very accurate details & colors.

• Shows all the specifications for the job such as type style name & size, ink color, etc.

Step 4 Computer Page Layout

• All pieces (type, Graphics, lines) combined together.

• Everything is accurate & perfectly laid into place.

• Type is usually imported. This is all done on the computer.