We started the session by using the same text but with different point sizes and leading to fill the column. It's not smart design to fill the whole space with point size; additional leading makes the text much easier to read and break down. After the comparison, I felt the second example gave the perfect mix of visual space and correct point size to aid in the readability of the text.
The second screen shot demonstrates the most visually pleasing column width. The results were quite interesting, as I chose the second column as my most preferred on screen, but thought the third column was the most visually correct after the document was printed out. It's a different perspective once you get a physical feel for the work.
These two screenshots demonstrate the effect of different typefaces and weights on the size of the type. All four examples are the same point size, so this is a possible method for working to a specified size.
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An example of using the same column width, length and copy to cram in extra point size whilst regaining readability. I removed the line spacing, introducing indents in their place and reduced the leading to the absolute minimum without sacrificing readability. I increased the point size from 9.2 to 9.6; not a huge margin but could make the difference when working to an older target audience where point size is vital.
Something I did here, however, was indenting the paragraph more than 3 characters. This can lead to widows on a line in the rare cases that the only trailing word is three characters long. Indents are only used in place of a line space, where there isn't much room for the copy to fit. Using both is unnecessary, and looks ineffective visually
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These experiments introduce longer copy, and are designed to teach us how to keep the layout interesting with long winded articles. The first example (text on its own) I chose to use two columns, because I found it easier to read without needing to break off onto a new line as often.
When an image was introduced, however, I felt that three columns was the better option. The image wrapped around the text smoother and it broke the whole article down more effectively.
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The last two tasks encouraged us to prioritise type when working with image. The first image demonstrates the process of working the text around the biggest image possible, where I bleed the image off of the margin slightly. In emergencies, this allows for a bigger image without sacrificing much of the space for the text.
Whenever a page of text needs an image, white space needs to be created to be able in include it. Reducing point size and line spacing is the best option to free up this space; reducing the leading should be a last resort.
To make the text more appealing, the layout should be allowed to breathe. Introducing white space to make it easier to break down is essential; the whole design cannot be too dark or it can look too daunting and unpleasant to read.
This is what I was experimenting with in the last screenshot. Considering the 'colour' of the piece is vital in the creation of a visually effective layout. This isn't the literal colour as such, but the ratio between text and space on the page. Effective leading, line spacing and guttering can create a visually light design that will be easier to break down and more enjoyable than a darker piece.
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