Randomness as Art
A Study in Layouts
Everyone is familiar with the Grid layout, but there are other layouts available to use: Axial, Radial, Dilatational, Random, Modular, Transitional, and Bilateral.
Out of these seven layouts, I chose to experiment with Random. This layout spoke to me as a designer, as I could just focus on the design as a whole. Taking into account colors, graphics, and type, I could create a design that could also be a piece of art.
For this project, typography would be used to explore the layout. Using the details for a fictional event, I would create a poster advertising the event.
Text for Layout
Since the event title was "How Lithography Impacted Type Design", I began by researching about Lithography. During this time period, the Didone typeface was prevalent, which is why I considered similar typefaces for my poster.
Color Palette - taken from Lithography prints around the 1800s
Once I chose my font and colors, it was time to begin the initial phase of exploring the Random layout.
Initial Phase
For Random layout, there are only four design elements to use: type only, non-objective elements, shaped background, and repetition.
Intermediate Phase
As I continued to explore the Random layout, I felt like I had hit a wall with my design. I was trying to keep some legibility with my poster which is why colors and sizes were used to emphasize what I considered the important information about the event.
However, I wanted to push myself further. Seeing other examples of people using the Random layout, I wanted to take inspiration from them, but not copy them. I wasn't sure how to do this until I talked to others and got ideas on how to manipulate the text.
Once I decided to give up legibility, that was when I really got into the Random layout. I focused on the composition of the piece which yielded various and interesting results.
Since I was no longer concerned about legibility, the text and letters became design elements I could move and manipulate. I still had a thought process when designing, but it was more a general organization than a specific pattern to follow.
Advanced Phase #1
Advanced Phase #2
Advanced Phase #3
Advanced Phase #4
I consider the Random layout a no thinking but thinking layout. It didn't require a lot of brain power, but I still had to consider the elements of design and composition.
There was something therapeutic about creating these pieces and I enjoyed myself immensely. I can't wait to see how I can use the Random layout in the future.
