OUGD504 STUDIO BRIEF THREE - INTRODUCTION PAGE DEVELOPMENTS

Following on from feedback suggesting that the leaf pattern was overused in the book, more introduction spread layouts were created digitally and on mock ups as well, to experiment with stock choices too, as this was also something that was brought up, to try printing on different stocks to see how the ink sits on them.

Digital experiments

Black leaves only applied on the right hand side, as this is the main page with all the information, and also halves the use of leaves used. The leaves surrounding the text also act as a frame for the text, so it doesn't look like it's floating.

The same design as previously only with just black outline leaves as with them filled in black they looked a bit too dark and dense. These outline leaves work better as they aren't as dark, however all the lines look a bit too complicated, and get mixed up slightly with the text as well being linear.

The leaves on the left hand side reflect the layout of the first double spread in the book, which was commented that it works well and looks desirable. This also allows the text to stand out more on it's own without the pattern swarming it.

The outline leaf pattern was applied to the whole double spread, just to see what it would look like as this was the initial design layout. However this really doesn't work at all compared to the previous layouts that have been explored. It looks far too busy and full with the leaf pattern on mass.

This is a much more understated layout compared to any of the previous ones, with only a leaf border around the introduction to frame the text, so it doesn't look like it's floating mid air. However this filled in leaf border looks slightly feminine, as the leaves so small appear a bit like flowers or decorate things like this.

The outline leaves border work slightly better than the filled in ones in that they don't look as feminine, however the linear appearance makes the text get mixed up with them, so there's not as much contrast between the text and leaves in stroke weight.

Another layout experiment, however the addition of the leaves on the left page don't add anything to the borer leaves, but if anything makes it more complicated unnecessarily.

The leaves on the left side work nicely in this filled in pattern, however as before the text looked a bit like it was floating, this layout has small lines on two sides of the text to frame it and keep it in place, which is understated and effective, and doesn't take away from the text or over complicate the spread being minimal.

Test prints
The majority of the previous digital layouts were printed out onto standard printer paper just to see how they looked at this new page size, and also to see how they look when they're in your hand, as layouts can look different printed out as on screen. Some of the layouts were also printed out in grey as well, as the black can sometimes appear a bit too overpowering and strong, and a more muted but still minimal colour is needed.

After printing these layouts out, the layout with the filled in leaves on the left side and the text with a two sided line border works the best, as it is very similar to the first double spread in the book, so a consistent, effective appearance will be achieved. The leaves being on the left side also allow the text on the right to stand out on their own and are easy to read as well. The leaves fill the space on the left effectively, yet don't get in the way of the information, and bring the whole spread together.

Stock experiments
It was commented that experiments with stock should be undertook to see how the designs look on different stock, and how the ink sits on the stock as well, as this could result in varying aesthetics depending on the stock used and it's properties.

Black leaves on Accent Antique by G F Smith stock.

As you can see this is a very textured stock, with deep notches and grooves, so therefore the ink doesn't cover it as well as a smooth stock, creating a bobbly and slightly patchy appearance when you look up close.

Grey leaves printed on Accent Antique by G F Smith stock

The grey leaves, although looking more understated, create a slightly wishy washy appearance, and aren't as bold as the rest of the appearance of the book. Again you can see the textured appearance of the stock has created a slightly patchy appearance of the leaves, as they may of printed evenly but the effect of the textured stock creates shadows which make it look as if it's been printed patchy.

Dark green leaves printed of Gmund Bier Weizen by G F Smith stock. This stock is unusual as it is very smooth, however it is produced using beer, and has an unusual orange speckled affect to it, which looks slightly woody. It is quite environmentally friendly, which is why it has been experimented on, because of it's unusual appearance and how it has been produced. The green leaves aren't that obvious that they're green, however in person you can tell that it's green, which makes them look less in your face and obtrusive. The partial outline around the introduction as well works really effectively printed out, an adds a bit of sophistication to the design.

This is a close up to more clearly see the unique texture of the stock, and to see slightly more the green outline around the text and of the leaves as well. 

After experimenting extensively with different stock, layouts and colours, the last layout, with green leaves on the left printed on Gmund Bier Weizen by G F Smith is the most effective, with the green of the leaves hinting at nature, and making the bold shapes appear not too obtrusive. The unusual stock has a smooth, desirable feel to it, which accompanied by the speckled appearance makes it look unusual yet doesn't detract from the potential images and illustrations, and also being smooth these images print effectively onto the stock as well, and aren't compromised by the texture.
This stock is what would be the most preferred for the content of the book, as it has all the elements that are desired, however it is rather expensive and hard to get by, so a cheaper, for easily available stock might be what the book is produced in eventually.