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Re: [GWL]: personal mem'l gardens

Scott,

If you are inputting your text as data from a database, it helps to have 
a consistent order of fields so a template can be developed.

My experience in laying out documents and teaching teachers page design 
elements suggests that consistency helps prevent input errors and 
provides a more professional user friendly visual environment.

Photos used in a document, in my opinion, should have the same aspect 
ratio and be either 1,2, or 3 columns wide. Odd size and shapes should 
be avoided as they disrupt the visual continuity of a page. Wrapping 
text around photos is a major design error to be avoided like the 
plague. Text over photos is another major design error I stressed.

Maintaining a consistent type family is important in headlines, major 
and minor headings. The body text size should not change throughout a 
document.

My comments are not any direct reference to your catalogue. I have not 
glanced at your last efforts since the winter, but my recollection is 
positive. Sometimes compromises in the commercial world must be made 
because of economic realties, but good use of design principles - 
especially white space - usually makes the important elements standout. 
An important start to translate reader attention into action and 
generating sales.

Good luck in your project. I am sure you will make good decisions based 
on your willingness to ask questions. As an retired teacher, students 
who stopped asking questions, stopped learning. The hardest lesson was 
the shock of the real world where the grades were in promotions and 
salary increases or profit and loss statements if self employed.

Claude Sweet

Scott Vlaun wrote:

> Lon and Claude, Thanks for the ideas.
> Just to be clear, I wasn't intending to eliminate descriptions, only the parts that seem obvious and
> redundant i.e. "bright orange flowers" or "oblong shaped fruit." Since we have so many varieties it
> would be impossible to have the scale of the photographs be consistent so size will remain an
> important element in the description. Which brings up another issue. Should the format, i.e. the
> order in which information is given remain constant or is it better to vary it for the sake of more
> interesting writing?
> 
> We will definitely be working to increase the amount of cultural, culinary and other information
> available on the website. I'll have to look in to the fax on demand system you mention as excluding
> non web people is always an issue as we shift so much of our business to the web.
> 
> Thanks again.
> 
> Scott

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