It's All In The Details

The BIG Snake of Publishing

The layout on the left page has three even columns and 3 irregular grids. The article is in the bottom section of columns two and three. Having the photo on the right page is a strong choice because it makes the photo feel like it is in the article. If the pages were switched the photo could seem like a random photo on one page and then an article on the next page.

The “S” in “Siren” is too big for the layout. The bottom of it goes off the page. If the full letter stayed on the page it would look cleaner. Also, it goes into the second column. This is not a big deal, but again the design would be cleaner if the second column was aligned all the way left and not aligned to the “S”.

With the “S” being so big it can belong to any word it is next to. However, its font matches the rest of the title and the top of the “S” is also the top of the “i”. This provides more clarity to what the “S” belongs to.

The one good thing the “S” provides is that it will get attention from readers flipping through the magazine.

The section in the top grid only has one issue. Having lighter strokes for the font would make the title stand out more. However, having the same font as the title creates a theme, but the theme would still be there with lighter strokes on top.

   The only issue in this design is the ginormous “S”. It is too big and creates other issues on the page, making the design messy. If it were smaller the design would be cleaner and most of the other issues would be eliminated.

Simply Christiiina: Kerning Offender  

The resume is a simple and clean two-column layout. Having everything on an angle is a bold decision, but a smart one because it will catch someone’s eye. If it was designed vertically it would not be as strong of a design. Assuming most other resumes are vertical, one that is diagonal will stand out because it is different and will have employers look twice.

Having the “I” stretch down the whole page is smart because it leads the eye down to the sections. The design would have been stronger if she made the “T” go down the page instead. This is because the “I” is open on the top and bottom, and while it leads the eyes down it can also lead them up, to nothing. However, the “T” is open on the bottom which will lead the eye down. The top of the letter “T” stops the eyes from going up because the horizontal stroke is like a stopper.

Having everything aligned to the “I” going down the page is a clean way to position everything. It is also a smart design because as the eyes follow down they will see what is next to it. If the sections were aligned the opposite way, the design would lack clarity and having the “I” go down would not serve such an important purpose.  

All the type is uniform in its style but in its weight gives the design contrast. Everything looks like it belongs together because of this. This helps with the simplicity of the design.

“Jones” could have better kerning, it seems like the letters are too spaced out, especially compared to “Christina”. The sub-heads “Work Experience” and “Professional Activities” need to be kerned. Compared to “Skills” “Work Experience” is to spaced out. In the sub-head “Professional Activities” the letters in “Professional” are too close. The letters in “Activities” are good, they could be better, but it is hard to tell since “Professional” is kerned too closely.

Overall, at first glance, Christina’s resume is eye-catching and clean. At closer inspection, there are little details in design decisions and in letter kerning that make the design sloppy.