www.thegridsystem.org

In my opinion the grid system comes in a close second position (after typeface) for being the most crucial element for any graphic designer. We have an idea how to make anything aesthetically pleasing but without the support of a functional grid it would be very hard to find a consistency in any design. I have always acknowledged the use of grid system in design but never understood the actual precision needed to create a fully functional grid taking everything to account.

• Deciding on a functional leading, margins,columns and rows for your design.
• Number of rows for baseline grid = leading size divided with the size of page minus the margins.
• The columns then need to divide the page into equal sections that fit within the document grid.
• Need to fit an f height line within the grid (f is the highest letter in the alphabet)

This may seem an easy task, but having been working on a grid system for an A1 page for my current editorial project I have found that process is no joke. Finding an appropriate width for the columns has proven to be very time consuming.

Having been introduced to the grid system properly from an induction by John Walsh (Creative Director of Flux Magazine and one of my tutors at university) I'm eager to learn how to use the grid system properly in future. Making the grid might be time consuming but I believe that it will pays off at the final stages of a product in any design situation, adding an element of sophistication to the design.

The grid system will be something that I will study further this summer after I graduate because I feel passionate that this will be beneficial in my designing career.

As well as owning "Grid systems in Graphic Design" by Josef Muller Brockmann one other resource that I found useful is www.thegridsystem.org. Having joined the forum, designers from varied professional backgrounds discuss ways in which the grid may be applied to their work and professionals are willing to answer any questions regarding the grid.

“ The grid system is an aid, not a guarantee.
It permits a number of possible uses and each
designer can look for a solution appropriate to his
personal style. But one must learn how to use the
grid; it is an art that requires practice. ”

Josef Müller-Brockmann