We need to take our knowledge of typography and begin to create compositions of our own. In order to do so, we need to learn some basic concepts and practice using them.

A layout is, simply put, an arrangement or plan. It is a plan in which you take elements–written content, images, colors and shapes–and put them together in a way that helps the pieces come together into a meaningful whole. You take the various elements and tweak them to add up to loan greater meaning to the final message. To design a layout is to establish relationships between the elements, the content, and the final recipient of the message you bear.

We are going to start simply and build out from there until I turn you completely loose on your zines (pronounced zeen) towards the middle of the semester. The skills you pick up here will apply to whatever path you choose: to paper, screen, or environment.