FORMAT
> standard paper size
is used in offset printing, and is more specialised. It is based on the Pantone colours, which have been numbered and organised such that use of the Pantone spot colour means that a specific colour is used every time, not an approximation, as in the process colour model.
> the book
Books were designed to hold loose leaves of paper together. Books are bound, covered and compiled in different ways, according to their function or the price of the production. For example, soft cover or paperback books are cheaper to produce than edition bound books, but are not as durable.
> the brochure
This is a multifaceted and hugely versatile medium. Since most brochures are specifically designed and printed, the medium, design and format can be anything – small, large, die cut, embossed. A brochure is typically a single sheet folded to produce multiple panels, and artwork should be designed around this layout.
> the magazine
Magazine design is still a burgeoning field, with increasingly numbers of companies choosing to launch custom magazines, and consumer magazines proliferating. Within all this ‘noise’ magazines have several differentiating tools.
> the object
Clearly, with printed objects you have much freedom of choice. Many items can be designed and printed, including crockery, boxes, Perspex, bags and much more. Since so many items can be printed, this is medium gives a designer the most freedom.
> the poster
These come in many shapes, sizes, forms and formats, and tend to be used to draw attention to something specific, like an event, promotion or similar. They need to have enough impact to attract attention in a short space of time, and are thus often brightly or differently coloured and designed.
> the screen
This refers to the computer screen, which comes in many shapes and sizes, from extra wide Mac screens, to ultra small net books and PDAs, and even smaller mobile phones. The incredible portability of the Internet has encouraged the growth of a wide range of devices that can access it.
> the tabloid
This refers to a small format newspaper, which focuses on local and sensational news and, often, gossip. It is typically printed on newsprint, but is often half the size of a traditional newspaper.