Erik Carter is an Oakland-based graphic designer that created an op-ed piece that discusses the ethics of graphic design in our modern day society. The challenge to be addressed with this design was creating a cohesive booklet that utilized a grid system and typographic principles to translate the information that Carter discusses in his writing.  

After digesting the information Carter providing in his article, I began to take note of key words, sections, and how the images played a part in emphasizing the message he was attempting to get across. Before designing the layout of the booklet, I wanted to have a strong typeface pairing that would help to aid in stressing his message. 

The goal in choosing a typeface was to pair both a san-serif with a serif typeface to help create hierarchy and add contrast. After taking the time to do typographic pairing I arrived at a final decision. Using Carl Dair's seven contrast theories, I was able to use two separate fonts that helped to create hierarchy in the text as well as maintain a consistent booklet design. For my san serif typeface, Neue Haas Grotesk Display Pro was chosen for its heavier weight to help create a contrast with my serif typeface and assist in the hierarchy of the text. It offered multiple font styles which allowed for more contrast options when creating my title page as well as the booklet cover. For my serif typeface, I chose to use Rogliano as it had a similar x-height to Neue Haas Grotesk Display Pro which allowed for a cohesive type pairing. Rogliano served as the body text's main font as it was easily legible with added leading throughout the paragraphs. 

As I begun designing my first iteration, the main challenge that I had come across was the placement of images to the text as my main goal was to help emphasize Carter's message and give context to the reader. There was a clear need for the development of a grid system which I later explored and finalized in my final booklet design. Furthermore, there was an inconsistent subhead placement throughout the first iteration which meant the need for stricter guidelines to aid in a cohesive booklet design. 

For my final design, I was able to develop two grid systems that were incorporated into the booklet; one system for images and the other for the text. Throughout the booklet, there is a two column grid that is used for the body of text and the subheads are consistently aligned on the same row. The images are placed on an open grid that allow them to be placed near their adjoined text. The images help to break the flow of text to give the reader a more visually pleasing experiencing but are placed carefully so that Carter's message is emphasized further.  

When beginning the cover design, I wanted to experiment with different mediums by using COPIC markers, Sharpies, and ink pens as I wanted to replicate the image that Carter used in his op-ed. The image is of a handwritten note that states, "Hello I am applying for the Graphic Design position." Using a red COPIC marker, I hand wrote the words "The Truth" for the front cover and created a large question mark for the back cover. These were scanned into my file and placed on top of the text to create a markup feel. This cover further emphasizes Carter's message that designers will design things that are effective, but are critiqued as they don't serve capitalism in any way. 

The booklet design's effectiveness can be gauged through the functionality of the layout, typeface pairing, and stylistic choices that were made to help aid in emphasizing Erik Carter's message. The design provides the reader a comfortable experience as the typeface serves to be extremely legible and the cohesive design prevents readers from ever feeling lost. Utilizing Carl Dair's contrast theories and developing an understanding of the purpose of grid layouts, my knowledge as a designer has increased in several ways. The importance of designing with intention allows one to design for a user experience in a way that fully caters to them. Furthermore, it aids in highlighting important messages you are trying to display.