Canons &
Grids
Van De Graaf Canon:
- A grid is like scaffolding, it will help structure the elements it's holding.
- How you would divided up a double page spread. This canon is also known as "the secret canon", and is used in many medieval manuscripts.
- The construction works for any page size, similarly to the golden ratio.
- The reason why there is a larger margin on the left and right is so that your fingers don't cover up the information.
Example of Usage:
My drawing of the Van de Graaf Canon:
Columns:
A
column width is more than just design or format. It can effect legibility.
Printed text is read at a distance of 30-35cm.
According
to empirical rule there should be 7 words per line for a text of any
length.
To
keep the area light and open (in appearance) we must consider the
leading.
i.e
the vertical distance from line to line.
Readers
find over long lines strenuous to read.
This
is because too much energy is spent keeping the horizontal line in sight over
long periods.
Margins:
Too small - looks over full
Too large - exaggeration
Head - top of margin
Tail - bottom of margin
Bottom margins should always be large.
Is it all just about aesthetics?
