Development 02 - Layout

Development of layouts for the catalogue; from the previous post I spent most the time trying to develop a structure for laying out the information for the equipment, focusing on the margins, gutter and type specifications. I used the pens initially to visualise this as they have the most information for them, with these I've tried to refine the arrangement of the text, images and overall layout of the spreads, while introducing smaller details such as the location of the titles, page numbers and the colour swatches for each pen.

Open publication - Free publishing - More layout

Binding Method

Initially, I wanted to bind the catalogue by sewing a single thread through, giving it a nice tactile finish to the catalogue. I needed to test it out to see how the pages would attach and how accurate the bind would be.

I tested out booklets, each with increasing number of spreads to test the amount of paper the bind could handle ranging from 8, 10 and 12 sheets.

Saddle stitch with staple; I found that although I did like the stitch with thread, I didn't really fit well in context of the library shop. Instead I binded another book of 10 sheets of paper with a stapler, which delivers the same results but with more subtlety, something that seems to work better in relation to the context of the catalogue.

Development 01 - Layout/size/specification

Open publication - Free publishing - More information

Spread development for the catalogue design. Developing from the initial layout ideas I had drawn, I have started to interpret these digitally, focusing more on the essential details such as margin widths, type orientation, column and gutter specifications etc which is more efficient when working on it digitally as opposed to hand drawing them all. I think my thought process can be identified quite clearly in these, with the first one being quite bold and simple, I experimented with different variations while considering the readability, functional aspect and overal tone and aesthetics of the catalogue that I want to deliver it as.

So far I have just worked mainly on the pens & markers section, using a few initial vector drawings to illustrate my ideas. At this stage, I think i will be going ahead with the vector drawn approach for the products and have a final index at the back. As it's quite a short brief (2 weeks) and I'm already onto my second, I really need to start making some decisions on the design direction and work on the rest of the catalogue's content.

Breaking these up into different sections, these are the things I still need to do to meet my print deadline on friday:

- Type out all the information including ref numbers, normal prices & discount prices etc
- Photograph and draw out all the stationary and document all the colours available
- Collect all stock
- Decide on the size of catalogue
- Decide on final fonts specifications for the whole catalogue
- Make a decision on the stock to print catalogue on
- Decide on the binding format
- Finish all spreads
- Develop front cover

Layout development

A set of initial layout drafts that explore the range of layout possibilities, working on several different grid specifications.

Initial Ideas

The brief was quite straightforward really as the target audience, content and subject matter's already been defined, so it was just a matter of exploring a range of possible design directions for the catalogue.

Catalogue information

The current shop leaflet; essentially this is what I will be redesign but delivering the information in a more functioning and informative way, especially for items that were quite specific such as fine liners or certain pain brushes. I found the information quite easy to navigate, but quite often wanted to know more about the items, especially when viewing these away from the shop such as in the studio or at home.

Before getting into the design process to much, I wanted to get a better idea of how much information I'll be working with, and fortunately managed to obtain the spreadsheet of the stock lists and the details of it.

Rationale / Statement of Intent

Revised statement of intent for this year, changed a few things on here since the last crit on this so hopefully things are a lot more refined now.

Open publication - Free publishing - More rationale

Brief 01 - LCA Shop Catalogue

Revised old work

Went to visit a couple of studios today and get some feedback and to network around abit. Came home and did some context research and thoughts on the new briefs. I know I really should get started so planned to make a start on a brief tomorrow morning. In the meantime, I spent some time revising some old work, this has mainly been initiated after speaking to a few studios who all wanted to see more printed materials. I felt that there were 2 projects in particular that I could take to show but didn't due to the final execution of the solutions. So spent a few hours revising my book of 100 brief from back in first year.

I chose to revise this as I felt that the concept was strong and research was substantial, I had the content ready so just had to redesign the finish ready to print to take to future studio visits. Here are the before & after for the book of 100. I'm pretty pleased with the finish, taking on a completely different direction with the design, focusing more on readability and function. There has been a few minor changes such as a few icons at the back, type/layout, orientation of the texts and overall layout of the icons for the poster size. Altogether I think the developed one looks stronger and more effective.

10 written briefs