I designed these three layouts in a way that made sense to me with the given grid structures. I chose to keep certain elements in each layout consistent by using horizontal lines. My target audience would be 20-25 years of age and well educated. I say that because I purposely left certain blocks of text because I knew my target audience would be able to read through the text without losing their attention or feel overwhelmed. The colors I chose were very picture oriented because I wanted each page to have unity.
Hey Chris, I really like your first layout. The image you used I think I may have the same one as yiu and it really is a strong one. I like the type overlay on the image, but I’m not the biggest fan of the drop shadow. Maybe play around with it and see if you see what you like better. Also maybe play around with san serif typefaces like you have in your third layout, I think it may fit the magazine and the nature of the content more. Design wise I think the first one really strong with the image and then the running bar underneath it. I also rally like your approach in the third layout with the 4 images building a box around your text. Just some things to look for is type size, and the choice of typography but seeing as this is the first attempt I think you have a pretty good start, and can’t wait to see what
ReplyDeleteHey Chris- As usual I love your work!! I really like the first layout. I think it is appropriate for the audience and the type is very readable. I like the consistency carrying horizontal bars throughout all three. In the first layout, however I see more of a white bar than the cropped section of the photo. I think if you made the white bar smaller it would also lessen the distraction of the eye trying to figure out what foods are left in the bottom section of the picture. Conversely, I would make the bar at the bottom thinner since it is is just filled with texture and have it line up with the margin.
ReplyDeleteFor the second layout my eye for some reason immediately goes to the crumpled up bag of potatoes because that is the part of the photo that is most in focus. I know it's just a stock image and I love the colors but I thought I would just say that. I think I would move all of the columns and the headline down a little to lessen the white space at the bottom or maybe change the bottom boundary of the type box so that it runs parallel to the image.
As for the last layout, I really like the images and how you chose to crop them. I don't particularly like the typeface for the headline, or maybe that food is the only word with a capital letter. It looks like you may be trying to emphasize the word taste by putting in the green bars but I read it more like two pauses, that could just be me though.
Lastly, such a a small detail and you already have a plan for it but page number/Issue some place? Overall I you did a great job and I can't wait to see the rest of it!
Chris - I agree that your first layout shows good promise. And, as I look at the unique approach to the heading, it appears that if you were to repeat this heading design for your department titles - that alone would create a repeated element to serve in the same way others are creating icons, etc. Do look closely at the type in this “box” and make sure you are taking into account the negative space and alignment opportunities between both sides of the box. Please begin another article on this page - "Farm to Table Will Trickle Down" needs to begin here (or one of the other articles I gave you to use for this purpose). That title will need to appear as if it’s a Bhead (or next level of subheading) - so it sits under the main title “Food that’s good for us will taste better.” I think the content follows well, actually. Just remember that if you want to use this text - it cannot appear again as part of the Feature article where it came from. Layout #3 shows promise because of its quite wonderful photos that surround and “nest” with the headline. I suggest you consider using this design technique in an additional department page in the future for your magazine. However - your challenge will be to include the “box” element I’ve suggested you repeat for each department page with this 4 column layout. Lastly - don’t be shy about using photos of your audience.
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