Assignment #3: Grids

Most of the examples we saw during your book series presentations used a single-column grid, also called a block or manuscript grid. Discuss at least 2 other kinds of grids, show visual samples, and use vocabulary that describes the specific, anatomical features that make up a grid.

When working with layouts, grids can be an easy way to effectively establish order on a page when arranging type and imagery. Grids are made up of horizontal and vertical lines that establish a skeleton on the page; a framework that the designer can use to his or her advantage, or break if he or she chooses. 

Here is a picture of what is called a modular grid and some information taken from Layout Workbook by Kristen Cullen that illustrates all the different parts of grid systems:

1. Flowlines - support vertical columns by dividing the page into horizontal intervals to provide additional alignment point throughout the grid. they help the designer consistently position the visual elements as they rise or fall along the column edges. 

2. Margins - define the active area of the page and direct the viewer toward the visual elements. they may vary in size depending on the format, as well as the type and quantity of content. The margin space may also be used for the placement of subordinate elements such as folios and footers. 

3. Column Intervals - also known as gutter widths, are inactive, negative spaces that separate one comlumn from the next and prevent textual and visual elements from colliding into each other.

4. Columns - are vertical divisions of space that are used to align the visual elements. Single or multiple columns may divide the page, depending on the quantity and complexity of information included. Column widths may also vary according to the function of the design, as well as the level of flexibility required by the designer. 

5. Grid Modules - are spatial areas that support the textual and visual content of the design. Depending on the quantity of the visual elements, the number of active modules may vary from one design to the next. 

When you start looking, grid systems become apparent in many designs. 

Here is an example of a poster done by Wolfgang Weingart for a special exhibition at the Mustermesse Basel, Jewelry 1976:

When we draw in the apparent flowlines, columns and margins, we can see a design well-organized around a multi-column grid:

With this grid, the most important lines are those defining the columns, although we can see some flowlines that create grid modules as well. 

Although most grids are based on horizontal and vertical lines, alternative grids are sometimes developed that create interesting, but organized compositions in all directions, such as this work by Patrick Crawford:

If we draw some lines, we can see that even this layout follows a gridded structure:

And there you have it, the basics of the grid, and some ways to apply it.