Assignment - Specifications

Grid Layout:

We feel that the dimensions of the book size (7 x 8.5inches) will be appropriate for children of ages 6 – 9 (Primary 1 – 3). This measurement is neither too big nor small, and hence it will be easy to bring around.

With regards to the bleed or the margin surrounding the perimeter of the storybook, we feel that leaving such a space is instrumental in providing for a more comforting read and also to bring across sufficient breathing space for the content of the book, in a bid not to risk being too cluttered. The space and margin allocated will prevent the content from looking too cramped, and readers will be less inclined to put the book down due to excessive cluttering of information and details.

The text of within the story will be positioned at the bottom of the page, below the pictorial. This structure will allow the reader to recognize the consistency within the book and provide for easy readership.

With regards to the font for the title, we decided to use 'Sketchy' as it has a look that fits the theme as it resembles a person’s doodling. In addition, the font is unique and it differs from other fonts in the sense that the sketchy nature largely mirrors that of someone’s illustrations, with intricate toning and shading patterns within the font itself. Therefore, this font best represents a hand-made product, which is what we seek to achieve as our storybook theme. In order to combat the natural light tone of the font, shadows will be utilized in order to make the title appear more distinct.

As for the body text, we were undecided between the choices of Kristen ITC, Lucida Sans and Garamond. After much thought and debate, we decided that Kristen ITC shall be used as the font style for the body text. It will also be an a font size of 14, so as to facilitate in better reading quality due to the larger word print.

Reasons for choosing Kristen ITC are because the font resembles the handwriting of a child. Since we wish to create a handmade gift concept, this font best suits the theme. The variations within the text makes the words look fanciful and in turn may induce children and attract their attention to read.

In addition, the font also gives a soft and comfortable feel due largely to its curved and smooth edges and endings. We wish to avoid fonts which appear too rigid and stiff, for such formal definite fonts might inevitably put young children off. Besides, Kristen ITC has an adequate dark tone which is neither too heavy nor thick in its alphabets, which will aid in easy reading.