Layout Workbook

Title: Layout Workbook
Author: Kristin Cullen
Publisher: Rockport Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 1-59253-158-X
Pages: 293
Reviewed by: Ryan Via (ryan.m.via@gmail.com)
Rating: 5/5 stars

The Layout Workbook, by Kristin Cullen, is straightforward in presenting the reader with principles of layout design. The book emphasizes layout design in terms of functionality, process, structure and organization, and design analysis.

Kristin stresses functionality of layout design, formed by communicating a message to the designer’s intended audience, in Chapter One, which then leads into the layout design process.

Kristin Cullen is adequately knowledgeable in conveying the layout design process by helping the reader understand the methodology. She does this by breaking the design process down into seven major components: value of process, developing a project brief, research and information-gathering, brainstorming, conceptualization, experimentation and development, and execution.

Design structure and organization build the basis for the designer’s visual appearance to the viewers. Structure and organization are achieved through grid systems. Kristin educates the reader on the importance of a grid’s anatomy and how to work within the grid itself.

In the Layout Workbook, design analysis is essentially being able to ‘see the whole and its parts’ by evaluating functionality, process, and structure and organization.

The Layout Workbook by Kristin Cullen is easy to read; the book contains colorful visual imagery that complements the narrative.

The skills learned can be applied to everyday design projects and help the reader/designer created a strong foundation in layout design.

Whether, as a designer, you choose to break the grid or ‘play’ within it, knowing what layout design and grids are all about is essential to any designer.

In closing, I highly recommend this book to any designer wanting to strengthen their projects by applying excellent layout design principles.