Layout Workbook : A Real-World Guide to Building Pages in Graphic Design

New in Paperback! An inspired resource for creating excellent layoutsLayout Workbookis one of five volumes in Rockport's series of practical and inspirational workbooks that cover the fundamental areas of the graphic design business. In this edition, author Kristin Cullen tackles the often perplexing job of nailing down a layout that works.More than a collection of great examples of layout, this book is an invaluable resource for students, designers, and creative professionals who seek design understanding and inspiration. The book illuminates the broad category of layout, communicating specifically what it takes to design with excellence. It also addresses the heart of design-the how and why of the creative process.Cullen approaches layout with a series of step-by-step fundamental chapters (a "how-to" of layout) addressing topics such as The Function of Design, Inspiration, The Design Process, Intuition, Structure and Organization, The Interaction of Visual Elements, Typography, and Design Analysis. The book offers inspirational quotations and a unique, progressive design that truly reflects its content.

Kristin Cullen teaches graphic design at the University of Cincinnati and has also taught at the University of Illinois and the Rhode Island School of Design. For years, she worked as a designer at award-winning Chicago design firms, where she created a wide range of communication materials. Kristin lives in Cincinnati, OH.

The Function of Design
     Communicating Messages
     Establishing function
     The role of the designer
Inspiration
     Cultivating Creativity
     Discovering inspiration
The Design Process
     Understanding Methodology
     The value of process
     Developing a project brief
     Research and information gathering
     Brainstorming
     Conceptualization
     Experimentation and Development
     Execution
Intuition
     Trusting the Inner Voice
     Design fundamentals
     Intuition defined
     The benefits of intuition
Structure and Organization
     Building Foundations
     Grid systems in graphic design
     The anatomy of grids
     Working with basic grids
The Interaction of Visual Elements
     Establishing a Hierarchy
     Hierarchical development
     Compositional factors
Typography
     Shaping the Page
     The function of type
     Typographic characteristics
     Typeface selection
     Designing with type
Design Analysis
     Seeing the Whole and Its Parts
     The importance of analysis
     Evaluation Considerations
Profiles (Case Studies)