Discussion Point 3: Christian Andree

I believe that typographic conventions within contemporary publishing are as relevant as ever within the design field. It is through the conventions that we are provided with a set of rules (or should I say guidelines) that help guide us to create something that visually works instead of having to reinvent the wheel for each design we are involved in. Although saying this I do believe in pushing the boundaries and knowing when to break traditions is of key importance of each graphic designer as it allows the creation of unique and interesting pieces of work that have the ability to stand out from the crowd.

It is through conventions that allows for coherence within design publishing. Take for example a magazine such as Vouge. If we were to abolish the conventions associated around typographic and page layout the magazine would be a total mess. It is these conventions that create continuity, whilst also saving the designer time by having set style guides. Within this spread it follows many of the traditional conventions for example a clear sense of visual hierarchy, a tight grid formation, title leading to subheading leading to bodycopy as well as the use of a drop cap (however used in the lower 1/3 of the page!).

Within this page layout however there is a big contrast as it rejects the general conventions allowing for an eye-grabbing piece of communication. The rules are followed in a vague sense, as there is still a visual hierarchy within the bold title overshadowing the rest of the text. A 3-column grid is used for the body copy however it isn’t seen as consistent.

All in all I believe that through these 2 examples that there is an underlying importance of the use of typographic conventions however knowing when to break them in today’s contemporary scene allows for the production of interesting works.

 Refrences:

http://www.behance.net/gallery/Vogue-Magazine-Redesign/968531

http://paperstorage.tumblr.com/post/32385085405