Typography and Page Design

The personality of a publication is expressed in the stories published, how they are written, and how they are presented. Type is ultimately the foundation for a well-designed publication, which aims to reflect the elements of a product’s personality. The typographical choices are interwoven with the overall design of the publication. The typography and layout choices combine to give an overall cohesive graphic presence.

The aim of the design for a publication is to attract attention, rate the importance of stories by size and placement, and provide organization to the publication. A designer’s job encompasses making choices that allow for easier and faster reading, while recognizing ways that type can be differentiated.

Type choices differ by size, style, and weight. Many are part of the same family, with many different variations available. The choice of type is very crucial to a publication, because it directly affects readability and consumption.

Concerning the design, there are basic principles that are followed to deliver a proper publication. Balance is introduced to the paper by forming unity through manipulating elements like the weight or sequence of design. Next is Contrast, which emphasizes one focal point with smaller contrasting elements. The dominant element conveys higher importance compared to the other smaller subjects surrounding it. Proportion is also considered, focusing on the ratio between elements on a page. Typically, the ratio used is 3:5 in the shape of a rectangle. Finally, unity is created through consistency with design themes on all pages and individual layouts. All elements of the design are related and interwoven to create the overall completed publication.

In order to layout pages properly, there are design elements to consider. The body type, display type, borders, open space, art and color are all elements that need to be controlled in order to create a unified piece. The body type is the specific format the text is in, like whether or not it is justified, and what size font is used along with line spacing choices. This elements balances with the display type, which is the headlines for the stories, and how their format affects the presentation. The borders are what help separate one page element from another, which contrast with the open space or white space and how it’s utilized. Then the accompanying photos, or art, that normally affect how the page is laid out must be incorporated. Finally, the color choices which draw attention and aid in readability must be introduced in the design.

Source: “Creative Editing” by Dorothy A. Bowles, and Diane L. Borden