Advanced Layout Design Training

graphic design layout

Advanced Layout Design The art of what goes where on a page or an editorial spread is called layout design. And although the end results may appear effortless, designing layouts can be a creative challenge for a graphic designer.

In this 3-lesson course, led by Thom McKenna, you will tackle advanced-level layout projects that will trigger the creative juices in your brain. You'll build strong foundations for your pages, explore creative applications for various elements, and learn tricks for maintaining page structure. Case studies will analyze specific examples of layout design considered to be classics. Course projects include a 4-page magazine spread, a book-jacket design, and even a calendar. Stretch out and add sophisticated print designs to your portfolio.

On this page: enrollment details | instructor | class projects and objectives | prerequisites

Class Title: Advanced Layout Design Start Date: Classes start daily. Enroll today and gain immediate access. Class Length: Three months of access to class materials and instructor feedback. Instructor: Thom McKenna Other details: Self-paced, online, 24 access to online learning environment
	Tuition: $408

TOP: Image from Advanced Layout Design. The rule of the golden spiral, like the golden rectangle, is a visual guide for the eye.

Class Instructor Bio: Thom McKenna is the Owner/Senior Creative Director of FlatironWorks, a graphic/multimedia design firm based in New York City . Thom has over 12 years experience in the graphic design industry, including multimedia and television work within the advertising, design and publishing world. As Art Director of Emerging Markets, an international daily newspaper covering the major IMF/World Bank and Regional Bank meetings, Thom has published on-site in the following countries: Argentina, Bulgaria, China, Ivory Coast, England, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, The Philippines, Portugal, Russia and Spain. His current clients include Sports Illustrated, JP Morgan, American Express, AIG, Thomson Financial, Thomson Publishing, Berlitz International, Citibank, Tower Air, and Merrill Lynch.

Class Projects and Objectives:

This online class is packed with projects and tips.  Students can expect to: 

• Learn about the important role of structural foundations in layout design.
• Read case studies on excellent and poor layout design.
• Learn the fundamental elements typically placed in a page layout.
• Learn how designers use different grid structures to organize their page content.
• Create an editorial layout for a 4-color design magazine.
• Compose a layout using a grid system as a foundation: manuscript, column, modular, or hierarchical.
• Work with supplied copy and images (or personal images) to create a compelling layout.
• Post a schematic showing the underlying structure of page layout.
• Learn how a geometric approach to composition can add structure to a design.
• Learn about ratios and proportions such as the golden section, Fibonacci sequence, golden spiral, root 2 rectangles, and rule of thirds.
• Discover ways in which to use lines and shapes as graphic elements.
• Look at the importance of balance, negative space, and focal points in a composition.
• Create templates for geometric proportions discussed in the lesson: golden rectangle, golden spiral, and root 2 rectangle.
• Come up with a creative cover design, working from given text and images (or supply personal images).
• Experiment with shapes and lines as graphic elements.
• Create a schematic showing geometric foundation.
• Create a logo design for a publishing company.
• Learn principles for unifying designs, including framing, page bleeds, layering, and proximity.
• Examine ways to add context through text layout.
• Explore alternative techniques and approaches to composition.