- So when it comes to graphic design
and layout specifically,
one key principle we should always consider is alignment.
Now alignment is how we make sense of a design,
how we can create order, structure and suggest relationships
between visual elements,
which can all lead
to a clear sense of visual hierarchy in our design,
which is something we should always be striving for.
When we design a poster or anything for that matter,
we should always be thinking about alignment.
Now, one of the key ways to focus on alignment
and help with alignment in our design is to use grids.
Starting with a blank canvas can often be bewildering,
but if we start with a grid,
it can help give us a framework
to help layout our visual elements.
So if you sometimes struggle
with your design and want more ideas and inspiration,
then this may be the video for you.
This video is going to be really important for those
of you who want to improve on your layouts
and learn about grids
and how you can use them in your design.
In this video, I'm going to discuss grids
and the various grids you can consider using in the context
of poster design,
but these grids can also be used
in any layout design you wish to create.
So let's get into it.
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So what is a grid?
Well in design,
a grid is an underlying structure that can be used to align
and contain visual elements.
Most often grids are invisible frameworks
the design can be based,
but in some instances
a grid can be part of a visual design.
Traditionally grids have been used extensively
for print work in magazines, posters, and books,
though today it's very common to use a grid
in web design, type design, logo design and app design.
So why are grids so important?
Well, there are lots of reasons why grids are beneficial
and why a designer will choose to use one.
Ultimately grids help solve layout problems.
When it comes to layout design
a grid can establish a solid foundation
to work from which can help create order,
structure and establish consistency in a layout.
A grid can help break a page
into sections to contain and align visual elements,
which can help develop relationships between elements
which leads to more structured and pleasing layouts.
So what are the different types of grids?
Well, there are a variety of grid systems you can consider
in your design, which all serve different purposes.
Some of the classic grids that are commonly used
in design are column grids, modular grids,
hierarchical grids and baseline grids.
However, there are some alternative grids
one can consider such as axial grids,
diagonal grids and radial grids.
So one of the most common grids to use
in design is the column grid.
The column grid is one
of the most simple and practical grid systems.
A column grid separates a page into vertical zones
and typically columns are contained in a margin
which is the space around the outside of a page.
Depending on the amount of information intended for a design
a column grid can vary from two to several columns.
In a column grid, columns can sit seamlessly together
or you can add a gutter.
A gutter is a space between the columns
which can be customized to increase
or decrease the space between contents inside a column.
This can help add breathing space
to your design for a cleaner appearance.
A column grid can easily divide your page
into clear sections in which you can assign content
or align type or images.
Here are some examples
of posted designs that use column grids.
The column grid is especially practical when dealing
with large amounts of type
as a designer can flow the type from one column
to the next and maintain a consistent paragraph width.
Content looks great when aligned in columns
and it gives content a clear sense of structure.
Achieving visual hierarchy is easily done using
a column grid because the flow from left to right is clear
and they do help section off various visual elements.
Column grids are commonly used in type heavy designs,
such as magazines, newspapers
and websites to organize content,
so it is easier to read though.
The column grids can also be used effectively
in poster design.
Another common grid used in design is the modular grid.
Now the modular grid builds on top of the column grid,
with the addition of horizontal rows.
The rows are created with water referred to as flow lines
which create horizontal gutters.
Where the column grid divides a page
into zones and sections,
the modular grid divides a page
into multiple squares or rectangles.
These squares and rectangles are called modules
and the gutters between help add breathing space
between content contained or aligned to modules.
Depending on the amount
of information intended for a design,
a modular grid can vary from a few modules to many.
When using the modular grid,
content can be placed into
or aligned to a module,
though when multiple modules are assigned
or grouped for a specific area of content,
this is called a spatial zone.
So here are some examples of poster design
that use modular grids.
Content can look really neat
and considered when aligned across multiple modules.
And it gives content a clear sense of structure.
Because modular grids create many areas,
this helps solve a problem of organization
and can encourage a designer to place content
in more alternative ways,
leading to more compelling
and dynamic compositions.
Because of this versatility,
modular grids are particularly popular in poster design.
Another common grid used
in design is the hierarchal grid.
Where the column and modular grid
will typically present in neutral structure
of repeated modules and columns of the same proportion,
the hierarchal grid will typically include modules
or various proportions to outline order and priority
and establish a clear primary hook or focal point.
Even though it's possible to use both a column
and modular grid to establish a clear visual hierarchy,
the hierarchical grid is used for the sole purpose
of establishing a very clear visual hierarchy.
A typical hierarchal grid can include a column
or modular grid base that'll contain additional areas
which can cross and overlap
to establish a focal point with supportive elements.
Here are some examples
of posters that use hierarchical grids.
Hierarchal grids can be used in any media
where you want to establish a very clear hierarchy.
Hierarchal grids are particularly popular
in poster design because of the nature of the media.
There will always be a primary hook
or focal point required for a poster
to capture the attention first.
So a hierarchical grid can help establish
a visual hierarchy, clearly in a posted design.
Content can look really
impactful when based on a hierarchal grid,
as it gives content a clear sense of visual hierarchy.
So another common grid used in design is the baseline grid.
Now the baseline grid is made up of a series
of horizontal lines that typically fills the entire page.
Just like a page from a notepad that can be adjusted.
The baseline grid is not commonly used to structure
or align image content like the previous grids,
but more so to manage type
and define lines where type can set.
Here we see some examples
of poster designs that use a baseline grid.
Now baseline grids are great
to achieve consistency with type.
They create a vertical rhythm
throughout the document and set a place to anchor type,
so it's not placed arbitrarily.
Baseline grids can also be used to establish clear rows
which can be clear anchors
for type and compartmentalizing your page.
Type can look really neat
and considered when aligned to a baseline.
It can give a composition a really professional result.
Baseline grids are common in design that include a lot
of type such as in magazine and brochure design
but can also be used
in poster design with lots of type elements.
So those are some of the common grids designers will use,
but there are some other grids to consider using
for more alternative layout approaches.
The first to consider is the axial grid.
Now, unlike the previous grid systems,
the axial grid is free from technical columns
and modules and encourages a more free and simple layout.
And axial grid consists of a distinct
access line running along or through a system.
This access line can be horizontal,
vertical or tilted in different directions
and will typically divide a composition
into two distinct zones where text
and image can then be placed
or lined on either side of the access line.
Here are some examples of poster designs that use
and axial grid.
Axial grids are more custom
and are not easily generated in software
such as Photoshop, InDesign or Illustrator.
So when working with an axial grid,
one will typically have to create this themselves.
The access line can exist anywhere in the system
which can create a symmetrical or asymmetrical composition.
An axial grid is good at drawing
and leading your eye because it creates very high contrast.
Because of their simplicity,
content can look really striking and edgy
when aligned an axial grid.
Axial grids tend to be quite dramatic
and are not particularly common in design that has a lot
of content and type such as magazines and websites.
However, they can be used to great effect
in more impactful designs like posters, leaflets and flyers,
where you want to capture more energy and movement
and to lead the eye in more unconventional directions.
Another alternative grid system to consider
is the diagonal grid.
So diagonal grids are column,
modular or hierarchical grids placed
on a diagonal rather than a vertical
and are used to create more edgy and alternative layouts.
In essence, diagonal grids are a little
like axial grids where they can suggest a clear direction
and movement of content.
However, tend to be more complex,
sometimes using multiple and contrasting directions
and include more visual content.
Here are some examples
of poster designs that use diagonal grids.
Like the axial grid, diagonal grids are more custom
and are not easily generated
in software like Photoshop, InDesign or Illustrator.
When working with a diagonal grid
one will typically have to create this themselves
and like the axial grid,
diagonal grids can be used to great effect
when you want to add a bit
of flare to your layout to capture more energy,
movement and lead the eye in more unconventional directions.
So the last alternative grid system
to consider is the radial grid.
Now, unlike all the previous grid systems
that tend to be rigid in their approach,
the radial grid offers a far
more organic alternative,
where other grid systems flow vertically,
horizontally or diagonally,
the radial grid revolves
around a central point,
pulsating and emitting outwards.
Here are some examples
of poster designs that use a radial grid.
Visual elements align to a radial grid,
tend to gravitate around
or emit from a central point of focus,
which can stem from anywhere in a composition.
Depending on the nature of the design,
the I is either drawn, pushed out or moved around.
Like the axial and diagonal grids,
radial grids are more custom
and are not easily generated in creative software.
When working with a radial grid, one will typically
have to create this themselves
to base their layout on.
Content can look really charming when aligned
to a radial grid.
And if managed well, can have pleasing results.
Now radio grids tend to be more conceptual
and are notably used when a designer
wants to make a statement, be more playful
or when the idea of using a radial grid, is significant.
Radio grids can be quite impactful in a poster design
when you want to capture more energy and movement
and lead the eye in more unpredictable directions.
So in conclusion, grids simply make sense
and can give us confidence as designers to know
that there is order and structure to our design.
Also grids are good
if you have a strong idea initially for your layout,
to help you achieve your creative vision.
When you have a clear idea in mind,
you can choose the right grid to suit your approach.
So what can we learn?
Well, it's not always necessary to use a grid,
much design is created without one,
but they can be very beneficial as a basis for your design.
So in application when you're designing posters or anything
for that matter, be sure to consider using a grid,
as it can help you solve your layout problems.
Also, when you look and observe other designs
ask yourself what sort of grid has been used.
Is there a clear sense of structure?
How have they used the grid in their design to achieve it?
And how well does it work as part of the design?
Well, I hope you enjoyed this design theory lesson.
If you did, hit the like button
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Now, this lesson is part of a bigger series on poster design
and part of my poster design eBook.
If you were to take a closer look
at the examples I demonstrated in this video
and learn more about poster design
with tutorials on how to make a poster design
and undertake poster design challenges,
you can invest in the poster design eBook.
Link is in the description.
Now this video was created
for all my members of the GDS design school community.
If you'd like to join the GDS design school community
where we chat about design
give each other feedback and where I set design challenges,
you are all welcome to join for free.
Again, link is in the description
and I look forward to seeing you there.
So until my next design lesson
unleash your creativity and I'll see you next time.
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