~ canons of page construction - type in context ~

Golden ratio

Golden ratio = 1 to 1.618 which equates to 100cm = 38.3cm + 61.8cm

This can be applied to graphic design via page layout (web and printed media) by creating columns and rows you can use to asymmetrically and appealingly place image and type.

Hand drawn examples of the golden ratio in practice to create grids.

It can also be used to decide a harmonious combination of pt sizes, choose the body copy pt size then times that by 1.618. 

Van De Graaf

Van De Graaf's canon determines the margins of the page according to the page and spread dimensions. 

This shows how diagonally dissecting the pages and spreads it determines the place text and image can be effectively placed.

Muller-Brockmann grid - grid fields 

Brockmann says you should separate columns by the header type size used, this is a modernist approach to page construction.

Applying canons to my design

Inspired by both the golden ratio and Van De Graaf's canon I created a hybrid of the two.

This hybrid graph then can be applied to my publication design in a multitude of ways. The Van De Graaf canon was partly thought to be successful due to the large space at the bottom of the spread allowing you to hold the book without your hands covering the content. For this reason the image placement above is the most effective of the 3. Although the photo doesn't follow golden ratio itself the overall layout and page format uses its principles for a mutually appealing layout design.