.jpg)
DESKTOP PUBLISHING
Desktop Publishing
is a modern printing process that uses personal computers and design software
to create and edit layouts for producing all kinds of materials including
reports, books, magazines, brochures, flyers, and newsletters.
Modern day graphic arts communication
benefited from the development of paper, block printing and inks for writing of
the past. The Gutenberg Press in Germany was a significant invention in the
history of printing that preceded inventions and innovations in photography and
photo copying as steps that lead to the modern technologies that are utilized
today for desktop publishing.
Desktop Publishing allows a computer
user to have access to traditional printing processes. Though this electronic
medium offers the personal computer users greater access to creating printed
materials, there is still a need for a student to understand the importance of
applying basic design fundamentals such as space, texture, color, line
elements, balance and rhythm to a design layout.
Each technological innovation attempts
to improve upon existing technologies and processes. It is important to
understand the origin of terminologies and protocols in desktop publishing to
better appreciate their significance. Though the modern personal computer
allows an individual to produce an printed materials, the quality of that
product will depend on an understanding of the elements and principle of
design.
There are some basic rules and
guidelines in desktop publishing that provide the graphic designers with
options for creating and producing attention-grabbing effective visual
products. A well designed layout must do what it is intended to do, be well
organized, and effectively communicate a message to its target audience.
Elements of Design
- Lines:
Connects points to form a visual image. Lines may be used to create
patterns, convey an emotion, or describe a personality. Lines can also be
used to design shapes that can be used as a universal language in communications,
for example our alphabet.
- Shapes:
Shapes are connecting lines that have dimension (height and weight). The
three basic shapes are the square, circle, and triangle.
Universal Images
- Mass:
The amount of space between or around objects. Mass is really noticed when
there is too much white space in a design or when items are cluttered in a
design.
- Texture:
An image of feeling visually. The look or feel of a surface.
- Color:
A powerful tool used to grab attention and enhance your design. Color adds
dimension to a design. Color may also disguise your intended message when
used inappropriately.
Principles of Design:
The principles of design help the
graphic designer appropriately place each of the design elements.
- Balance:
A formal or informal distribution of elements in a design.
- Rhythm:
A repetitive pattern of shapes.
- Emphasis:
The element that grabs your attention. The HEADLINE of your design.
- Unity:
Bringing all the elements of a design together so they look like they
belong with one another.
Designing a Tri-Fold Brochure
Printed materials can be expensive to
produce depending on the use of color and images. They are, however, an
excellent way to communicate information.
A well-developed brochure for
advertising a product or communicating a message to a specific audience can be
designed to be cost effective as well as practical. Brochures can be mass
produced on a printing press, office photocopier, or with a desktop printer.
The quantity and quality of brochures needed will determine which printing
process best fits your budget.
The size and shape of your brochure
may vary depending on desired aesthetics and function. You may be as creative
as you like. Your only limitation is the size of the paper you are going to
print on and folds for your intended margins. The most common type of brochure
is the tri-fold. If you have a tight budget and a small format printer you may
be limited to a traditional tri-fold style on 8.5x11 paper. You may change the
fold positions to add something unexpected. It is best to experiment on blank
paper to determine the folds you use.
These are samples of a traditional
tri-fold brochures. Concepts are shown for a cover, the front, and back views
of tri-folds before folding along the overdrawn pink lines.
Brochures are used for a variety of
promotional needs. Some department stores may create a tri-fold mailer to
promote upcoming sales that could include coupons. Brochures are used in the
tourism industry to promote resorts, hotels, and area attractions. Organizations,
agencies, and clubs may use a brochure style to promote their efforts and
educate its readers about important public issues. The main reason for the
design and use of a brochure is the convenient size to read, fold and put into
a pocket. It is important to understand that the brochure's creative design
should reflect good elements and principles of design.
No comments:
Post a Comment