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.
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.
Once I chose my font and colors, it was time to begin the initial phase of exploring the Random layout.
For Random layout, there are only four design elements to use: type only, non-objective elements, shaped background, and repetition.
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.
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.