Objectives

Lesson Objectives CTE Standards Alignment
Research and discover poems in the public domain in order to prepare for a typesetting assignment ACCTC.01.02 – Analyze how culture, history, and trends influence visual art and design.
Use grid systems to create harmonious page layout ACCTC.02.01 – Apply artistic elements and principles in the development of creative projects.

Alignment with CTE Standards (Arts, A/V Technology & Communications)

Task

Create a two page spread for the yearbook using grid systems.

Resources

(No specific resources were listed.)

Concepts

Margins

These new document settings above will create a two page spread for the yearbook that is within spec for our NHS Yearbook. (Refer to the New Document Settings for a yearbook layout image for a visual guide).

  • Units: Picas
  • Width: 48p
  • Height: 62p
  • Pages: 2
    • Facing Pages: Yes
    • Start#: 2
  • Columns: 12
    • Column Gutter: 1p
  • Margins:
    • Top: 3p
    • Bottom: 6p
    • Inside: 1p
    • Outside: 3p
  • Bleed:
    • Top: 4p
    • Bottom: 4p
    • Inside: 0p
    • Outside: 4p
  • Slug: 0p

Setting Margins in InDesign

  • Margins are specified when creating a new document in InDesign.
  • Select the chain button to unlink proportions.

Grid Systems

For this layout, the quantity of horizontal grids are created as column margins. For this assignment, you should take what you have learned about page layout and experiment with different solutions.

There is no right or wrong quantity of vertical divisions, but in order to create unity, try to keep your gutters to a uniform 1p.

If you would still like to add vertical grids, you can use the Layout > Create Guides Tool to add rows to your layout. Experiment with the quantity of rows until you find a subdivision that you like. (Be sure to select Fit Guides to: Margins)

Process

Grids

  • Use the concept of grid systems to help you layout your text. (Think Unity on the Grid)
    1. Begin by laying down placeholder frames by using the Rectangle Frame Tool (F).
    2. Create a harmonious pattern of rectangular frames. Experiment with using multiple frames to create larger “multi-image” frames.
    3. Ensure that your gutters (the space between rectangles) are congruent across the page.

(Refer to the An example of a layout using wireframes image.)

Placeholder Content

  1. Use text boxes to create columns for the articles and image captions. Generally, the article should be 3–4 columns wide, with the captions occupying less space on the page.
  2. Choose no more than two harmonious fonts.
  3. Create a visual hierarchy that includes no more than 3 point sizes. (9, 12, 20 is a good starting place).
  4. Find placeholder graphics on Pexels.com to help you fill your page.

(Refer to the An example of a rough page with placeholder content image.)

Refine

Background Color/Images

  • To set a page background, create a rectangle shape that fills the bleed area (red margins outside of the page).
  • Send the rectangle to the background (Right Click > Arrange > Send to Back).

(Refer to the images demonstrating dragging the rectangle to the bleed line and sending it to the back.)

Gradient Fill

  • Create a color scheme and apply styles to text and background.
    1. Use gradient fills to create more dynamic pages.
    2. Use lines and shapes that organize the information and relate thematically to the page.

(Refer to the images demonstrating how to set and adjust a gradient fill.)

Vector Images

  • Use vector images to add organic lines to your page and create contrast.
    1. Use the text wrap function to make your text wrap the outline of your SVG graphics (Window > Text Wrap).

(Refer to the image demonstrating how to wrap text around a vector image.)

Deliver

  • Export the page as a .PDF (File > Export > Adobe Print PDF). (Refer to the An example of a final 2-page spread image for an example of a final product.)
  • Convert PDF to .PNG for web distribution using Preview

Publish your work to your Google Sites Portfolio

  1. Create a new page on your Google Sites Portfolio to catalog your work.
    • Your work should be exported in a web-safe format in a manner that allows for the work to be embedded without requiring Google Drive permissions
  2. Your work should be accompanied by a detailed project description
  3. Submit the published portfolio page to your LMS (Schoology)