Editorial Layout Design
6 weeks · 0 milestones
Design and lay out a multi-page publication, report, or magazine to print-ready standard. Triad: concept/ideation artifact (layout concept document specifying the grid system chosen and the hierarchy rationale — why this grid, what it does for the content), technical execution artifact (InDesign, Affinity Publisher, Scribus, or equivalent file at print-ready specification: correct bleed, colour mode, and minimum 8 pages of resolved layout), critique/documentation artifact (design decisions document: column grid, baseline grid, typographic hierarchy, and image treatment decisions all justified). Proof Accessibility Rule applies: Scribus is a free open-source desktop publishing alternative; Canva Pro is available at student pricing. Studio critique: art director or graphic design tutor reviews layout decisions, hierarchy, and print specification at a documented session. Proof: layout concept document, production file (exported PDF), design decisions document, critique notes. Verifier: graphic designer or art director — no peer-only verification.
Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Establish a grid system for your editorial project (magazine spread, book chapter, or long-form digital article). Define: grid columns (number and gutter width), baseline grid (leading and vertical rhythm), and your typographic hierarchy (minimum body, subhead, heading, caption, and pull quote styles). Apply the grid and hierarchy to a minimum of four test spreads.
Proof required
Submit your grid specification document (grid parameters, type styles with point sizes, weights, and leading values) and four test spread screenshots or exports showing the grid applied.
What gets checked
- Grid parameters are fully specified — not 'I used a grid in InDesign'
- Typographic hierarchy has minimum five styles (body, subhead, heading, caption, pull quote), all defined with values
- Four test spreads show the grid applied consistently — not ignored when it becomes inconvenient