Project Objective
Homophones, which are words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings, were the focus of an assignment in my type two class. Tasked with creating a story using a set of random homophones, I followed a grid layout to design a booklet. The specific homophones assigned to me were "cell" and "shell." The grid I utilized had dimensions of six rows and three columns, each separated by a 0.2-inch gutter. Additionally, the margins were fixed at 0.75 inches on all sides.
Working Progress
Layout researches
From this module, I gained insight into utilizing a grid for creating layouts that are both unconventional yet organized and clutter-free. Through deconstructing everyday books using tracing paper and markers, I discovered the underlying grid structures used in their design. This process facilitated idea generation and provided a clear visualization of potential outcomes. However, I also learned firsthand the time-consuming nature of deconstructing grids, particularly when dealing with books featuring intricate layouts. Many of the selected books had minute grids, leading to nights spent without sleep and fingers tinged pink from the effort.
Layout Sketches
I embarked on a creative journey using ChatGPT to craft a narrative centered around the themes of "cell" and "shell." The story unfolded with Clara and Max, two curious friends, stepping into the intriguing world of Mr. Thompson's shop. As they explored its depths, they stumbled upon unexpected lessons about cells and selling, realizing that the shop was not merely a commercial space but a hub for learning, camaraderie, and societal betterment.
Design on Grid
To complement this narrative, I envisioned a booklet with an anime-style aesthetic, radiating a sense of coziness and tranquility. Employing Midjourney, I meticulously generated illustrations that seamlessly intertwined with the storyline.
The cover posed a creative challenge as I sought to visually capture the intersection between the modern world and humanity's thirst for knowledge. Despite the initial struggle, I settled on a minimalist illustration complemented by handwritten typography for the title.
Moving onto the first spread, I strategically integrated definitions of "cell" and "sell," seamlessly blending them with scenes from the illustrations to maintain the flow of the design aesthetic. Careful attention was paid to spacing, allowing the reader's eyes to comfortably navigate between terms and definitions, fostering a cohesive reading experience.
Given the busy backgrounds of the square-sized illustrations, I experimented with diverse compositions to sustain reader engagement. This variation injected a sense of dynamism and intrigue into the narrative, enticing readers further into Clara and Max's adventure.
Final Work
Concluding the story on the last spread, I repurposed the illustration of the flower shop, imbuing it with the warm hues of the golden hour to evoke a sense of closure and tranquility. This final touch served as a fitting denouement, leaving readers with a lasting impression of the journey they embarked upon within the pages of the booklet.
Knowledge Gained
Discovering the significance of hierarchy and composition was a pivotal lesson for me. Armed with this understanding, I skillfully guided the reader's gaze through my booklet effortlessly. Without this foundational knowledge, I would have been apprehensive about deviating from the grid, potentially resulting in a cluttered and uninspired layout. However, equipped with confidence, I crafted a harmonious, readable, and engaging design that struck a perfect balance between elements.
