Sunday 13 May 2018

OUGD603 - Year Book - Designing photography year book

As this book is so long and the time frame is only short Ben and I decided to start designing. We first produced a grid system that we would stick to throughout the publication. Consistency in layout is essential throughout the book so we determined that we would be strict with how images interact with this grid system.



Once the text on each page was determined, Ben started adding images to the page, however this would be changed substantially later in the design process. This was because we later decided that each page would be designed specifically to the images on the page rather than them follow a pattern as the 49 degree concept focuses on how important each individual person on the course is.









After Ben added each of the images to their respected pages I sat down with him and gave my opinion on each page. This included where images should go in relation to the grid and other images on the page, where the photographer names and projects should go and the use of page numbers. This part of the process became more of a collaborative part of the design process as Ben and I sat down and designed it together. This led to a more successful design outcome as we were both able to input our different ideas. Repeatedly going over the layout as we did gives us a fresh mind each time we go back to the top. This means we are able to spot any imperfections and change them with ease. Whilst doing this we were conscious that each of the pages work next to each other. One example of this was varying where full bleed images were in the book.









After producing this draft we decided on changes such as putting the book in alphabetical order by last name. This is how you should order names and felt it would be more appropriate for the book as it is also how their register is ordered. We were also able to refine the layout further as a fresh look at the pages gave us the opportunity to almost start again. The contents page I designed for the Graphic design year book was kept as shows each name in a more unique and interesting way. The equal spacing between each text signifies the consistencies in grid and design within the year book and also relates to how each student is equal. Other improvements included adding information about each project at the back of the editorial. Although it meant the reader would be flicking from the front to the back of the book, the layout became more focussed around the photos linking to our initial idea that it is designed more like a photo book to display everyone on the course's work.

This draft also led to changes in the page numbers. I felt that each student should be designated a page number. This would then be placed in one of the corners and set to their respected degree so the number looks like it's turning when used like a flip book. This was one of my ideas that Ben first disagreed with, however after feedback from peers and showing him how it would look we both decided this would be the best way to show the numbers. 







After producing this layout we went to the tutor Orlando looking for feedback. This proved to be vital as we were able to get a completely new opinion on how it should both look and function. His feedback was predominantly positive and ideas for changes were often minute. This included showing the photographer's project title in Title Case on each page rather than uppercase as some titles may be more obscure (e.g. unTitleD). It would also contrast well to the uppercase name on the opposite page.

Orlando also felt the content page should be changed as the concept wasn't clear and he didn't personally think it looked as good as we had originally thought. He lastly felt the contact and information page should be on white not black as it was inconsistent with the other layouts in the publication. This feedback was taken on board and applied to to next, final draft.

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