Production
dtp
A big part of graphic design is Desktop Publishing (DTP). This is designing a layout with images and text in an inviting and organised way. A style is created or an existing style is used based on letters, shapes, images and colors. The reading direction is decided and ensures that the reader will effortlessly follow the story, without missing any information. The application plays a big role in this experience and is (usually) chosen beforehand. That way there is no confusion in (for example) a folder, with a specific folding direction. There is a lot more to it, than just creating an attractive layout. Desktop Publishing is a profession in its own right and often goes hand in hand with printing.
Poster, folder, magazine or packaging. They all come to life when it is tangible. The choice of application is usually the first thing that comes to mind, but the material plays an important part as well. A business card for a webshop with natural products, will not be suitable on a snow-white and coated glossy paper. Or a flyer for a luxury event on 90 gram uncoated paper, will feel like a cheap party. Functionality is another big decision maker. You will not find many children’s books without a glossy laminate or a magazine with a paper thickness of 250 gram. The audience helps deciding the material, but also the application. Will a flyer reach this audience? Or would an animation fit them better? Every design is different and requires its own approach.
