OUGD404 - Studio Brief 02 - Evaluation

Throughout this brief, I learnt a lot in terms of layout, in particular grid systems and their importance within Graphic Design. One thing which I felt was successful within the three Penguin book covers was this use of the grid. These book covers followed the same layout as the Marber Grid, a grid system produced by designer Romek Marber specifically for the use within Penguin Classic crime book designs. This allowed consistency between all three book designs, and effectively communicates the information presented. This new knowledge into the Marber grid and other grid systems will continue to help throughout other modules to ensure an appropriate and consistent grid system within pieces of work for different purposes.

Although such systems ultimately ensure consistency, a suggested improvement would be to experiment more with the manipulation of these grid systems, such as designer David Carson did in his own work. This would mean that my work would not conform to a certain 'style' or layout and its subjectivity could be used as an expression of individuality.

Another success of the Penguin book covers was the format of the images. These played to strengths and interests within Graphic Design, and used contemporary collage as a method of production. Such imagery worked well to communicate my aim in making the traditional books chosen appeal to a more contemporary readership and demographic, which may not otherwise consider reading the books. However, the format of imagery within the exhibition poster designs could have been improved. Although the process taught me a lot in terms of paper folding and stock choices, these images could have been photographed in a more engaging way rather than using a plain background and a lot of negative space within the overall design.

The use of type could have also been improved within the poster designs, taking into consideration type size compared to the scale of images. This use of type could also have been more experimental in its form which would have perhaps helped the minimal image to become more engaging within the overall poster design. On the other hand, the use of type within the Penguin book cover designs can be seen as a strength, using research into the traditional typefaces used for existing Penguin books and replicating these within my own designs.