Sunday, January 19, 2014

Chapter 5 Response - Allison Nolden

Chapter 5: The Typographic Grid

Chapter five covers the typographic grid used as a skeletal framework in design.  It covers the use of grids by designers as a way to make their designs clear and visually pleasing.  The book defines a grid as the “underlying structure composed of a linear framework used by designers to organize typographic and pictorial elements.”  Chapter five reviews the background of the grid and its structure and proportions.  Space is used to create subliminal divisions that create spatial structure.  The divisions set up proportional relationships and give the space movement.  Designers should use proportional models that have been handed down to work effectively.   The chapter then goes on to explain different types of grids – the square, single column, multi-column, and modular.  I found chapter to be the most helpful and informing.  In the previous chapters I felt like I was reviewing information and putting typographic terms to things I have already learned.  I thought this chapter was especially helpful because I knew very little about the different types of grids before reading this.  The square is the division of the golden section.  Single column grids are used when text appears as a linear narrative.  Multi-column grids are made of a network of horizontal and vertical lines.  Three interdependent variables need to be balanced when working with multi-column grids: type size, line length, and interline spacing.  Modular grids are more complex grids of horizontal and vertical lines.  The chapter ends on improvisational structures.   They evolve “in response to the specific elements of information.”  Using improvisational structures requires an “understanding of asymmetrical composition, the dynamics of positive and negative space, and the role of visual contrast with typographic elements.” 


I chose this image from the internet to accompany my response to chapter four because learning of the different types of grids reminded me of working in InDesign. 


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