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Format
The format of a design is the physical size/dimensions of the area in which your design will take place. Remember that format does not have to be just an area to place your design , it can often be as important to the design as the elements within it.
Be Creative with your formats
Okay granted, we all can't always just pick and choose the ssize or dimensions of the media we choose (clients will be clients), but if we can the lets be a little inventive.
Format can dictate the look and feel of something as much as color or images. So depending on the project, examine a few different options for format, and at least one crazy one...you might be surprised with what you can come up with.
As an example, I worked on a project for our Economic Development Commission and we were tasked with the creation of a business directory that would contain 100+ business in different industry sectors. After banging several ideas around we decided on a CD sized format that would slip nicely into a sleeve, the book would end up being roughly 65 pages. Many factors had to be considered - uniqueness, durability, readability and retain ability. As part of the format process we choose very carefully the dimensions of the pages so that we would maximize page usage on a press sheet (Thanks freakyclean for your help on this project) thus reducing cost to the client. The paper stock was chosen for durability and richness.
Now this may seem to be frivolous and excessive but in reality its one of the most important considerations. Its far better to start with the right format than have to go back and change it from the beginning, this can be tiring, frustrating and costly.
Things to consider
If you are unsure of what sizes or formats you should use, you may wish to consider the following things:
1) How much information is going on this page(s)
2) Were is it going? Is it going to be mailed? If so then it needs to fit a standard sized envelope.
3) How will it be stored? If it's a book, will it fit in a normal bookshelf well? If its pamphlet, will it sit nicely in a file folder or in a rack placement somewhere?
4) Budget of the project. Can you go with irregular sizes?
Remember that if you are designing a project for print that the pre-press guys are your friends, or at least they should be somewhat civil. Ask them questions, because their answers will save them time in the end too.
I am sure Freakyclean will have more to add to this, but that's it for now.
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