We went through the procedure of setting up creating a document showing the potential processes we can go through to make a professional Indesign layout. We also got given a large collection of useful sources to help creative design.
Layout
When creating any project within the Indesign software it is important to create a bespoken modular grid system. To give a sense of unity and control, a grid system is key. Depending on the subject matter, the grid may be different but as a standard you tend to find a 960 grid for web or alternatively a 24 column layout for print.
Grid should fade into the background. They are a useful guideline that isn't obvious, its main job to makes the work stand out. Though it guides your document layout it is also possible to go against the grid and 'break the rules'.
When creating a publication it tends to have three different consistent fonts : header, subhead and body copy of text. This gives enough difference that it remains visually interesting but keeps it consistent. When looking at what fonts work well together you can look into font pairing to see what/how people have used different fonts together. These were the complimenting fonts I used and an example of them used together:
The standard text size for a body copy for print is 8-12 points title size, The title/header has a lot more freedom and tends to go as whatever looks correct. For web design the fonts tend to average 16 pixels.
Center text is sacrilege for longer pieces of text; Do not center text longer than 3 lines.
Left align and style it best to fit the type. As a designer it is important not to justify the gaps. It makes the overall viewing of the document unappealing and unkempt. Altering kerning and type is key as a designer.
A fun activity we did to practice laying out text correctly was through a simple game where you adjust the kerning of text to the correct positioning try it here.
Extras
Convert images into CMYK colour space before inserting the images into Indesign if possible. Once the images are placed in Indesign you can also create hyperlinks in images if needed.
After creating the document we learnt about the importance and convenience of package a document. Doing this creates a self organised folder of fonts, assets and anything else you or you employer may want from you. It is a powerful tool to ensure your document remains small.
Indesign also has the ability to publish your document online. Similar to a Web Viewer it allows public and private viewing of your PDF Indesign document as long as it isn't being monetised.
This Creative Workshop really helped me understand the potentials of Indesign and is encouraging more experimentation within the software.
