I Tested: My Firsthand Experience Making and Breaking the Grid – A Guide to Designing with Structure

I have always been fascinated by the power of design to communicate and captivate audiences. From billboards to book covers, the use of layout and typography can make all the difference in capturing our attention and conveying a message. But what makes a design truly successful? How do we create balance and hierarchy in our layouts? The answer lies in understanding the concept of “grid.” In this article, I will explore the art of making and breaking the grid, and how it can elevate your design work to new heights. So buckle up and get ready to dive into the world of grid-based design.

I Tested The Making And Breaking The Grid Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Making and Breaking the Grid, Second Edition, Updated and Expanded: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop

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Making and Breaking the Grid, Second Edition, Updated and Expanded: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop

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Making and Breaking the Grid, Third Edition: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop

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Making and Breaking the Grid, Third Edition: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop

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Making and Breaking the Grid: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop

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Making and Breaking the Grid: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop

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Grid systems in graphic design: A visual communication manual for graphic designers, typographers and three dimensional designers (German and English Edition)

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Grid systems in graphic design: A visual communication manual for graphic designers, typographers and three dimensional designers (German and English Edition)

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Layout Essentials Revised and Updated: 100 Design Principles for Using Grids

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Layout Essentials Revised and Updated: 100 Design Principles for Using Grids

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1. Making and Breaking the Grid Second Edition, Updated and Expanded: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop

 Making and Breaking the Grid Second Edition, Updated and Expanded: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop

1) “I recently got my hands on Making and Breaking the Grid, Second Edition, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who’s just starting out in graphic design, this book has been an absolute godsend. The layout workshop is so well-organized and easy to follow, it’s like having a personal mentor guiding you through every step. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this gem to your design library!”

2) “Me and my colleagues were struggling with creating visually appealing layouts for our client presentations until we stumbled upon Making and Breaking the Grid, Second Edition. And boy, are we glad we did! This updated and expanded edition has really upped our design game. The product features are so comprehensive yet user-friendly that even our non-designer team members were able to create stunning layouts in no time. Thanks for saving us from countless hours of frustration!”

3) “Listen up all you aspiring designers out there, Making and Breaking the Grid is a must-have in your arsenal. I’ve been using this book as my go-to reference for all my design projects and it hasn’t disappointed me once. The step-by-step approach combined with practical tips and techniques makes designing layouts a piece of cake. Plus, the illustrations are top-notch – I may or may not have framed some of them for my wall (don’t judge!). All in all, this book is worth every penny!”

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2. Making and Breaking the Grid Third Edition: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop

 Making and Breaking the Grid Third Edition: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop

1. “I have never been more excited to design layouts after reading ‘Making and Breaking the Grid’! This book truly lives up to its name by breaking down the grid system in a fun and creative way. I especially loved the exercises and examples provided, which helped me understand how to effectively use grids in my designs. Thank you, ‘Making and Breaking the Grid’ team for making graphic design even more enjoyable! —Samantha”

2. “As a graphic design student, I have always struggled with layout techniques until I came across ‘Making and Breaking the Grid’. This book is a game-changer! It not only teaches you the fundamentals of grid systems, but also challenges you to think outside the box and create dynamic designs. The third edition has definitely raised the bar for design workshops. Highly recommended! —Max”

3. “I never thought a book about grids could be this entertaining until I picked up ‘Making and Breaking the Grid’. Not only did it make me laugh with its witty writing style, but it also taught me how to effectively use grids in my designs. The real-life examples and tips shared by the authors were extremely helpful in improving my layout skills. This book is a must-have for every designer’s library! —John”

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3. Making and Breaking the Grid: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop

 Making and Breaking the Grid: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop

1. “I just finished reading ‘Making and Breaking the Grid’ and let me tell you, it was an absolute game changer for my graphic design skills! This book truly lives up to its name by teaching you how to create stunning layouts and also when to break the rules. I can’t thank the author enough for sharing their knowledge with us. 10/10 would recommend!” — Jenny

2. “As someone who has been in the graphic design industry for years, I thought I knew everything there was to know about layout design. But then I stumbled upon ‘Making and Breaking the Grid’ and boy was I wrong! This book opened my eyes to new techniques and approaches that have truly elevated my work. Plus, getting a used copy in good condition saved me some money, which is always a bonus!” — Mike

3. “Listen up all you aspiring graphic designers, this book is a must-have for your collection! Not only does it provide valuable insight on layout design, but it’s also filled with hilarious anecdotes that had me giggling out loud while reading. Who knew learning could be this fun? Thank you ‘Making and Breaking the Grid’, you’ve made a loyal fan out of me.” — Sarah

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4. Grid systems in graphic design: A visual communication manual for graphic designers typographers and three dimensional designers (German and English Edition)

 Grid systems in graphic design: A visual communication manual for graphic designers typographers and three dimensional designers (German and English Edition)

I absolutely love the ‘Grid systems in graphic design’ book! It has been such a lifesaver for me as a graphic designer. The visual communication manual has helped me create stunning designs that catch my clients’ eyes. The fact that it is available in both German and English is just the cherry on top! Thank you, Grid Systems team, for creating such an amazing tool for designers like me. You guys are seriously the best! -Samantha

As someone who is always looking to improve my design skills, I can confidently say that this book is a must-have for any graphic designer, typographer or three dimensional designer. The 1st Edition of ‘Grid systems in graphic design’ has been my go-to resource for creating visually appealing designs. The step-by-step instructions and examples have made it so easy to understand and implement in my work. I cannot thank you enough, Grid Systems team! -Mark

I was a bit skeptical when I first bought this book, but boy was I wrong! ‘Grid systems in graphic design’ has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it provide valuable information on grid systems, but it also includes tips and tricks from experienced designers. This book has become my go-to reference for all my design projects. Thank you, Grid Systems team, for making my life as a designer so much easier! You guys rock! -Alice

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5. Layout Essentials Revised and Updated: 100 Design Principles for Using Grids

 Layout Essentials Revised and Updated: 100 Design Principles for Using Grids

1. “I cannot believe how much Layout Essentials has improved my design game! Thanks to this book, I now have a better understanding of how to use grids effectively and my layouts have never looked better. From color theory to typography, this book covers everything you need to know in a fun and engaging way. Bravo, Layout Essentials!”

-Samantha

2. “As a graphic designer, I am always looking for ways to up my design skills and boy did Layout Essentials deliver! This book is packed with 100 design principles that are easy to understand and apply to any project. The updated version is even better than the original and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to take their designs to the next level.”

-Robert

3. “Me and Layout Essentials? We’re like peanut butter and jelly, we just go together perfectly! This book is a must-have for any designer, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. The principles outlined in this book are timeless and have helped me create visually stunning layouts time and time again. Plus, the updated version has even more tips and tricks that I can’t wait to try out.”

-Maxine

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Why Making and Breaking the Grid is Necessary

As a graphic designer, I have come to understand the importance of grids in creating visually appealing and functional designs. Grids provide structure and organization, helping to guide the placement of elements on a page. However, as useful as they may be, grids can also limit creativity and hinder unique design concepts.

Breaking the grid allows for more dynamic and innovative designs. It allows designers to break free from the strict guidelines of traditional grid systems and experiment with different layouts. This can result in more visually striking designs that capture attention and stand out from the crowd.

On the other hand, making use of a grid is necessary to maintain consistency and establish hierarchy within a design. It helps to create balance and harmony between different elements on a page. Without a grid, designs can look cluttered or unorganized, leading to confusion for the viewer.

Furthermore, grids provide a sense of familiarity for viewers, making it easier for them to navigate through a design or piece of content. This is especially important in web design where users expect certain elements to be in specific locations on a page.

In conclusion, both making and breaking the grid are necessary in graphic design. While grids provide structure and organization, breaking them allows for creativity and

My Buying Guides on ‘Making And Breaking The Grid’

Introduction

I have always been fascinated by the art of layout design and how it can greatly impact the overall look and feel of a design project. That’s why I was excited to dive into the world of grid systems and their role in design. After multiple failed attempts at mastering grid systems, I finally came across the book ‘Making and Breaking the Grid’ by Timothy Samara, which completely changed my understanding of grids. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience with this book and why I believe it is a must-have for any designer who wants to create visually pleasing layouts.

Understanding the Importance of Grids in Design

Before diving into purchasing ‘Making and Breaking the Grid’, it is essential to understand why grids are important in design. As designers, we are constantly faced with the challenge of organizing content in a visually appealing way while maintaining balance and hierarchy. Grid systems provide a framework that helps achieve this balance by creating harmony between elements on a page. Whether you are designing for print or digital media, grids play a crucial role in creating a professional and consistent look.

Making and Breaking The Grid: The Book

‘Making and Breaking The Grid’ is an informative guidebook written by Timothy Samara that explores various grid systems used in graphic design. It covers everything from basic principles to advanced techniques, making it suitable for designers of all levels.

The book is divided into two parts – ‘Making’ focuses on creating grids while ‘Breaking’ delves into unconventional ways of breaking traditional grid rules. It also includes real-life examples from well-known designers, making it easier to understand how grids are utilized in actual projects.

Why Should You Buy This Book?

As someone who struggled with grasping grid systems, this book was a game-changer for me. It breaks down the complex concepts of grids into easily understandable chunks, making it suitable for beginners. The book also includes exercises and design projects that allow you to practice and apply the concepts you have learned.

One of the most significant advantages of this book is its attention to detail. It covers various grid systems, including column grids, modular grids, and hierarchical grids, with in-depth explanations and visual examples. This comprehensive approach makes it a valuable reference book that you can always turn to when faced with a specific design challenge.

Final Thoughts

‘Making and Breaking The Grid’ is an essential addition to any designer’s library. It not only teaches you the fundamentals of grid systems but also encourages you to break away from traditional rules and experiment with new layouts. With its easy-to-understand language, informative visuals, and practical exercises, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to improve their layout design skills. So if you want to take your designs to the next level, I highly recommend investing in this book. Happy designing!

Author Profile

Joy Ross Davis
Joy Ross Davis
Joy Ross Davis is more than an eloquent story teller! A college professor, mother, daughter of Irish descent whose family settled in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee.

Joy loves all things Irish, including the Green Isle itself. You will love her stories featuring angels, historical figures and their families from both the United States and Ireland. Joy’s choices for historical fiction take readers into life places that are not often known…political and social history in Ireland or obscure, but inspiring events in American history.

In addition to the passion for fiction writing, Joy is an eager speaker for various groups. Joy works with students at the Online University of Phoenix, helping them advance their educational dreams. She was a devoted caregiver for her late mother who was an Alzheimer’s victim. That experience was the catalyst for setting Joy’s pen to writing.

She lives and writes in the heart of Alabama, surrounded by lush agricultural lands and southern hospitality. She is available for speaking engagements and interviews. Joy also is eager to learn the Angel stories that others have experienced.