Graphic Guidelines & Standards Manual
Most places of business will have their own version but there are some standards uniform to all. The word 'Guidelines' is in fashion, but implies flexibility. The appearance and exposure of the corporate/collegiate brand must be constant. In even the most entrepreneurial corporate culture where "all permissions are granted unless expressly denied," identity must be the great exception, in which all permissions are denied unless expressly granted. Otherwise, chaos will rule.
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Designing the Format
The "Format" means the size and shape of the printed piece. There are many sizes of publications, from 8.5 x 11 (from 11 x 17 folded), to tabloid (11 " x 17"), to broadsheet (17 x 22) among others. But that doesn't make these "standards." They're convenient because they're based on standard paper sizes. I've seen quite a few based on 8 1/2" x 11 folded to 5.5 x 8.5, and 8 1/2" x 11 folded and trimmed to 4.25 x 9 or 10.
So, in terms of "format" there are not standards beyond the availability and costs of standard sheet or roll paper stocks, and the printing limitations of your commercial printer. I encourage you to ask your commercial printer or paper house for convenient sheet sizes, then begin folding and experimenting with different formats that might suit your message best. Don't overlook web/newsprint printers, because they have a unique set of specifications that can make for a unique look. |
Designing the Grid
The grid is probably the most important aspect of the overall design -- and it deems the most amount of attention to establish it. Although it demands a lot of work in the beginning, well planned grids are wonderful because they eliminate a lot of work later, especially if the publication is a periodical.
The grid for your publication will dictate how many columns you will put on the page and where key elements will be placed. On the 8.5 x 11 page, your choices range from one to five columns or more.
A one-column grid is not always advisable because unless you have generous margins and white space between lines and paragraphs the line lengths will be too long -- too many characters per line. In the same regard, if you are trying to squeeze a five to seven column grid into an 8.5 page width, then the line lengths will be too small, characters per line too few, and the reading will be choppy and slow-going.
The decision as to the number of columns and how they are used should be determined partly by the number of photos or graphics you will use.
Modular grids can be helpful, and provide exciting variations in your periodicals, as we'll see in part two of this article. Alternate grids can also be incorporated into a publication for those special or unusual content items. But be careful: when you break from the grid, it will be noticeable. The reader should not be aware that you've switched grids!
The grid for your publication will dictate how many columns you will put on the page and where key elements will be placed. On the 8.5 x 11 page, your choices range from one to five columns or more.
A one-column grid is not always advisable because unless you have generous margins and white space between lines and paragraphs the line lengths will be too long -- too many characters per line. In the same regard, if you are trying to squeeze a five to seven column grid into an 8.5 page width, then the line lengths will be too small, characters per line too few, and the reading will be choppy and slow-going.
The decision as to the number of columns and how they are used should be determined partly by the number of photos or graphics you will use.
Modular grids can be helpful, and provide exciting variations in your periodicals, as we'll see in part two of this article. Alternate grids can also be incorporated into a publication for those special or unusual content items. But be careful: when you break from the grid, it will be noticeable. The reader should not be aware that you've switched grids!
Copyright
![Picture](/uploads/2/3/8/7/23873444/4849471.png?564)
As tempting as it is to use artwork or photos from publications, ads, or other “public” sources, remember the copyright law. Before using any material which could be protected by copyright, investigate whether or not it’s in the public domain. Violating copyright law could get you considerably more than a slap on the wrist—like a hefty fine.