any graphic designers out there that can help me??

Question

I have recently started my first graphics job and am enjoying every second I am there. The thing I need help with is alot of my job involves layout of magazines and leaflets, posters etc which is where I am struggling a bit. Ideas come fast and are great but when it comes to layout I become unstuck sometimes.

Quark is good to me usually and grids and things I can do its just how/where can I learn about layouts?

any help would be most appreciated.

thanks guys and gals

Answer 1

I personally use InDesign. I think it is more efficient when you are trying to import art from Photoshop and Illustrator, since they are all on the Adobe base.

A big part of being a successful designer is learning from other people's success. Pick up a good magazine where you love the layout. Examine it and figure out WHY you like the layout, why it really strikes you. Then try to use those same principles of design in your own work. Be experimental. Never stick to the same grid and same stagnant ideas. Always be willing to try something new.

Answer 2

It is so important to know the basics of good typography and all the elements of good design as a foundation for your creativity. You should have learned design layout principles in school, but if not, you can get books that explain the basics of what makes good typography & layout, etc. Here's a book I found as an example (I haven't read it), but there are lots like that out there. http://www.amazon.com/Layout-Workbook-Real-World-Building-Graphic/dp/159253158X/sr=8-4/qid=1169823955/ref=pd_bbs_4/105-3438775-9462060?ie=UTF8&s=books

And like others have said, it helps to find examples of good layouts -- not to imitate, but to learn from and use as inspiration.

You should continue doing your layouts in Quark or InDesign (which is fast replacing Quark). Photoshop is best for photo manipulation/art, and the occasion layout, but is too clumsy and not set up for magazine layout, for instance.

Answer 3

The best idea is to look at what layouts the magazine is accustomed to using. Study them and see how images are used with sidebars. Sometimes new ideas/change can be hard to implement so try baby steps like changing the way a sidebar looks. Also try looking at other magazines and their design trends to see what's in. Then try to present them in your own way.

Answer 4

Hi
Quark is gud, but I do alot of my stuff in photoshop, you're probably thinking that's in apprpriate but I get on just fine in there.

a good web stie to have a look at is www.good-tutorials.com
I use it quite alot for all different things from photo manipulation etc

Answer 5

Look at other mags.

Answer 6

no sorry