Basic Elements of Graphic Design: Layout

Layout is the preparation of the design elements that relate to form into a field of artistic composition. It can also be called the management of form and field. The main purpose of a layout is to display the elements of the image and the text to be communicative in a way that allows the reader can receive the information that is being presented.

Layout in Graphic Design

Grid System: Grid Layout

A grid was created as a solution to the problems of the arrangement of visual elements in a particular field or area. Grid systems are used as a tool to facilitate creating a visual composition. Through the grid system is a graphic designer can make a systematic order to maintain consistency in doing reps of a composition that has been created. The main purpose of using grid systems in graphic design is to create a communicative design and aesthetically satisfying.

The Golden Section

Before we can create grid systems, we need a field to put it. Within the scope of graphic arts, the Golden Section used as the basis of making the paper size, and the principles can be used to draw up the balance of a design. Golden Section has been discovered from ancient times to present a perfect and beautiful proportions.

Dividing a line with close ratio 8: 13 means that if the line is longer divided by a line that is shorter then the result will be the same as the solid line long division before being cut.

Golden Section is also known in terms of the Fibonacci number sequence, the sequence of numbers where each number is the sum of the results of the previous two numbers, starting from zero. The sequence numbers have a ratio of 8: 13 is the ratio of Golden Ratio. This number is often used in the measurement of building, architecture, artwork, letters to the layout of a page because the proportions are harmonious.

An object that has the golden ratio is able to satisfy the eye and reflected on natural objects. Fern leaf tips, and the spiral form in the snail is the most popular example.

The Symetrical Grid Layout

In a symmetrical grid, the page on the right will be exactly the opposite of the left page. This gives the two the same margin, outer margin and inner margin. To keep the proportions, outer margin has a wider field. Classic layout pioneered by Jan Tschichold (1902-1974) a German typographer is based on the size of the page to proportion of 2: 3.