Creating optimal print layout/design strategy
Booklet Layout & Design
The project was introduced as a design exercise to strengthen fundamentals in grid systems, typography, and paragraph styling. The brief required working within strict parameters: a 24-page maximum, use of black and white photography only, and consistent, professional typographic treatment. The goal was to test adaptability within constraints and ensure that content was both visually engaging and easy to read.
Challenge
To respond to the constraints, I developed a design system rooted in simplicity and flexibility. I adopted a three-column by five-row grid as the foundation for page layouts, then introduced an additional break at the midpoint of the second column and third row. This adjustment expanded placement options and allowed for a greater variety of balanced layouts while maintaining structural cohesion. Typography was styled to be clean and uniform, with paragraph styles created for hierarchy and readability.
To elevate the black-and-white imagery, I leaned into a monochromatic color palette accented by bright highlights. This selective use of brightness enhanced the photos’ contrast and helped key visuals stand out without overwhelming the minimal aesthetic. Content was paced carefully across spreads: images and text were given equal weight, with shorter chunks of copy distributed evenly to avoid reader fatigue and encourage engagement with both visuals and written material.
Approach
The final 24-page booklet delivered a cohesive and modern design that demonstrated strong control of grid systems and typographic structure. The use of a minimal palette with strategic pops of brightness enhanced the required black-and-white imagery, making the pages visually dynamic. By balancing text and visuals equally, the design achieved a clean rhythm that made information easy to process while maintaining visual interest. This project showcased my ability to design within constraints while applying thoughtful structure, hierarchy, and aesthetic choices to create an effective and engaging final product.
Results
