University Brochure Design

[bailey1769]

Just needed a critique for this brochure. I've been looking at it too long and don't really have enough time to forget about it, and then come back to the project, thanks!

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...IDE_2_EXAM.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...COBROCHURE.jpg

[tommylogic]

Liked the textures esp. on the first one.. given the image posted, I just can't tell how hard that black page is going to be to read though.

[jeffross]

I think it's looking pretty good. Are you calling it done, or will you be working on it a bit more? I say don't give up yet, and keep at it. If you can get all that text/copy to work a little better, then you'll have a nice finished product.

[LaurenMarie]

You've blended the typography in well in the green hued version. I think that is by far your strongest layout.

It looks like this the outside an inside of the same trifold brochure, yes? They have similar but too different of a feel to be seen as the same piece, imho. The front and inside panels (if I'm reading it right; they are Helping Change Lives and Join Our Team pages) are different than all the other panels--they are very crisp and clean with the vectors. Why not make them the same green and tan hues from the inside? Try blending in the texture more on the outside, too, similar to what you've done inside--the right inside panel looks particularly nice (green shirt guy).

The images could use some work. Right now they are just slapped up there. What about "grunging" the edges so they mesh better with the style? Create a mask on each image in Photoshop and use a grunge brush to take away some of the edges. Then update it in the layout and the background of the brochure will show through. I think that'll give it that extra boost of unity you're looking for!

For "Join Our Team" decrease the leading to match the Helping Change Lives on the front.

On the inside right panel (guy in the green shirt): This is the only place where your body copy is center aligned. I think it would look ok to make it left aligned and ragged right (not justified).

Hope these suggestions are useful. Over all, it looks really nice. Make sure to show us the final result!

[zumojuice]

Yeah my only points were doing to be the leading on join out team. But also give a little more space between titles and text on the dark middle panel and the right-hand side on page 1. Possible a little more around images too.

On that middle panel you've gone for flush left, rag right on your text so I'd get rid of hypenation. It really does not aid reading unless you're using it as a mark. I know you've styled the titles to be set left and right alternate. That's fine, but just consider what your users eyes are having to do? I am just glad you've not done the same with the text.

Oh as Lauren has said, the images (not all but some) look a little stark. It might just be a case of moving the colour balance over a little...

I like the textured type on those titles - is that coming in from the background or have you done something else?

[james]

I'm preferring the inside spread myself, as mentioned already the two don't really tie together. Only thing on that i'm not too keen about is the way the subheadings switch from left to right... Great colours though, I don't think you're that far off this at all

[bailey1769]

Thanks guys! It's certainly not finished yet, and I appreciate the critiques. We actually don't have a graphic design major at UK, I'm just an amateur architecture student dabbling in the field. I'll work on everything suggested. I particularly appreciate the picture grunge suggestion and kerning ideas. I wasn't happy with the switching of program titles either. Thanks!

[LaurenMarie]

For not being a trained graphic designer, I think you've done a great job so far, Bailey! You'll have to show us your finished product.

Make sure all your images and text colors are in CMYK before sending it to the printer! ;)

[zumojuice]

and you may wish to outline your text too... (and have a 3mm bleed)

[LaurenMarie]

Ha! Oh good points, Zumo!! If exporting to PDF, though, you don't need to outline text and I think you're from the US, Bailey? That 3mm bleed translates to 1/8 - 1/4 inch bleed. I usually use 1/4, but 1/8 is usually acceptable, too. I had two articles on my blog a while back that you may find helpful: Three Devastating Mistakes Every Designer Will Make and How You Can Avoid Them and then Three More Devastating Mistakes.