Ba0615 Design A Small Chart

Before&After ®
BAmagazine.com i U X
Design a
LIQUID measures
1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz
⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
small chart
DRY measures
1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 250 ml
⁄ cup = 12 tbsp = 36 tsp = 175 ml
⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp = 32 tsp = 150 ml
⁄ cup = 8 tbsp = 24 tsp = 125 ml
⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp = 16 tsp = 75 ml
⁄ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp = 50 ml
⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp = 30 ml
⁄ cup = 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml
Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp
Your recipe for success!

Compliments of Stacy Thomas, Realtor
Visual simplicity transforms
a kitchen gimmick into
.. • www.stacythomas.com
a useful toolContinued 
Continued  Design a small chart 0615

Before&After®
Design a small chart

Visual simplicity transforms a kitchen gimmick into a useful tool
LIQUID measures You’re up to your elbows in eggs and flour, the reci-
1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz pe’s calling for a quarter cup of corn starch, and all
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt =
⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt =
8 cup = 64 fl oz
4 cup = 32 fl oz
you can reach is a tablespoon. Quick! How many are
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt =
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt =
2 cup = 16 fl oz
1 cup =
in a quarter cup? Smart you. Stuck to the ’fridge door
8 fl oz
is Stacy Thomas’ handy measurement chart; one
DRY measures look, and you keep cooking without missing a step.
1 cup = 16 tbsp =
⁄ cup = 12 tbsp =
48 tsp =
36 tsp =
250 ml
175 ml
Such usefulness is the idea behind these flat,
⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp =
⁄ cup = 8 tbsp =
32 tsp =
24 tsp =
150 ml lightly magnetic vinyl charts; pass them out to your
125 ml
⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp =
⁄ cup =
16 tsp = 75 ml customers, and you stay in their kitchens forever.
4 tbsp = 12 tsp = 50 ml
⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp = 30 ml They’re great for visibility.
⁄ cup = 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml
Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp But, of course, to be visible, they must be kept,
Before and for that they must be attractive and easy to use.
The keys to this are good organization and visual
Compliments of Stacy Thomas, Realto
r
simplicity. Here’s how to transform a hard-to-read,
clip-arty gimmick into a sleek kitchen helper.
After
 2 of 12  Design a small chart 0615

Before&After ® Design a small chart 3 of 12 BAmagazine.com i U X
Before: It’s festive and informative, but . . .

The original 4” x 7” magnet has the “use-me” qualities of a good promotional piece,
but it’s complicated and unattractive. That’s because the space wasn’t designed.
1 2
Diluted Because
positive and negative
elements have similar
sizes, they strongly
compete, diluting
3 their effectiveness.
Why veggies? No rhythm Stuff is Misdirected Unco- Unfocused Absence

It’s a kitchen chart, aligned left (1), right ordinated lines pull of a focal point leaves
but the topic is (2), center (3). the eye everywhere. the page vague.
measurements,
not food.
Before

Before&After
® Design a small chart 4 of 12 BAmagazine.com i U X
. . . the type is almost right

Helvetica is a versatile typeface, but at small sizes and low resolution it loses readability;
ink (or pixels) can obscure its fine detail and fill in small apertures.
agc
Helvetica Medium
Closes
Closes
Closes
31/2
While excellent at headline size, Helvetica Full-size fractions are never a
is not the best choice for small type—its good idea. Same-size numerals
curve strokes curl around far enough to have no visual hierarchy and can
leave only small openings, called aper- easily be mistaken for separate
tures, which at small sizes tend to close up. characters; they require careful
Lowercase letters a, e and s are (and slow) reading to decipher.
especially vulnerable to “filling
in” (right) and can be mistaken
for one another.
Before

Before&After
After: Start over with clearer type

A clear typeface is key to any chart. Look for simplicity—straight lines, plain junctions,
no extra curlicues—before stylishness, which can be conveyed by other elements.
agc 3 ⁄
Myriad Pro Regular
Steeper angle
LIQUID measures
1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz
⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz
Open
Open
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
DRY measures
Open
1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 250 ml
⁄ cup = 12 tbsp = 36 tsp = 175 ml
⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp = 32 tsp = 150 ml
⁄ cup = 8 tbsp = 24 tsp = 125 ml The strength of Myriad Pro is its brevity— Myriad Pro includes true frac-
⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp = 16 tsp = 75 ml lines are straight, junctions are simple, tions, whose weight is pro-
⁄ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp = 50 ml and its curves don’t “close,” the benefit of portional to full-size numerals.
⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp = 30 ml
⁄ cup = 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml
which is clarity even at small sizes (below) Numerators align with the cap
and poor resolution. Look again height, denominators sit on the
at Helvetica. baseline, and the slash has a
steeper angle than the keyboard
backslash. Clear hierarchy, easy
Compliments of Stacy Thomas, Realtor to read at a glance.
After

Before&After
Spread it out
The magnet looks like it’s about cooking, but actually it’s about numbers. To make
numbers reader-friendly, put them in columns, and spread them out.
LIQUID measures
1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz
Before: Allruntogether 1gal = 4 qt = 16 cups = 128 fl oz
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz The original chart was typed 1/2 gal = 2 qt = 8 cups = 64 fl oz
⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz sentence-style as though the 1/4 gal = 1 qt = 4 cups = 32 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz designer were typing a letter. 1/2 qt = 2 cups = 16 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
Elements are congested and 1/4 qt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
undifferentiated—and there-
DRY measures fore hard to read.
1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 250 ml
⁄ cup = 12 tbsp = 36 tsp = 175 ml
After: Clearly visible 1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz
⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp = 32 tsp = 150 ml
⁄ cup = 8 tbsp = 24 tsp = 125 ml Clarity is what white space
⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp = 16 tsp = 75 ml creates. Spread the numbers ⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz
⁄ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp = 50 ml into rows and columns; here,
⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp = 30 ml ⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz
rows are equivalencies, and
⁄ cup = 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml
columns are like kinds of ⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz
data—gallons, quarts, pints
and so on. Note columns are
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
aligned to the right.
Aligned
After
right

Before&After
Lighten it up
Next, separate measures from quantities. Lighten the type weight and tint it gray,
which creates visual depth and yields two levels of hierarchy.
All the same Contrasts add clarity
⁄ gal ⁄ gal

LIQUID measures
1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz
⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
DRY measures
1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 250 ml
⁄ cup = 12 tbsp = 36 tsp = 175 ml
Myriad Pro Light Lighter weight and value (65%) recede
⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp = 32 tsp = 150 ml
⁄ cup = 8 tbsp = 24 tsp = 125 ml
⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp = 16 tsp = 75 ml
⁄ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp = 50 ml
Well differentiated
⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp = 30 ml Quantities—which change— 1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz
⁄ cup = 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml remain bold; measures—
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz
Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp which repeat—recede in gray.
Now well differentiated, the ⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz
comparisons are easy to see
Your recipe for success! and attractive, too. Note the
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz
.. • www.stacythomas.com kinds of separation: Space ⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
separates columns, hairlines
After separate rows, and gray
separates foreground from
midrange.

Before&After
The layout
Charts centered on the page are the focal point of the design. The remaining
information and images are added as supporting, not primary, elements.
LIQUID measures LIQUID measures

1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz 1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz 1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz ⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz ⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz
⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz ⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz ⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz ⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz ⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz ⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz ⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
DRY measures DRY measures

1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 250 ml 1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 250 ml 1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 250 ml
⁄ cup = 12 tbsp = 36 tsp = 175 ml ⁄ cup = 12 tbsp = 36 tsp = 175 ml ⁄ cup = 12 tbsp = 36 tsp = 175 ml
⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp = 32 tsp = 150 ml ⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp = 32 tsp = 150 ml ⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp = 32 tsp = 150 ml
⁄ cup = 8 tbsp = 24 tsp = 125 ml ⁄ cup = 8 tbsp = 24 tsp = 125 ml ⁄ cup = 8 tbsp = 24 tsp = 125 ml
⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp = 16 tsp = 75 ml ⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp = 16 tsp = 75 ml ⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp = 16 tsp = 75 ml
⁄ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp = 50 ml ⁄ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp = 50 ml ⁄ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp = 50 ml
⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp = 30 ml ⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp = 30 ml ⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp = 30 ml
⁄ cup = 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml ⁄ cup = 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml ⁄ cup = 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml
Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp
The data is the message Add the titles Add the images
Center the data like a picture in a The titles, not the data, are where Use images that really depict the
frame. A centered layout is motion- you can be typographically expres- topic. Don’t mix image styles, and
less, so eyes can rest on the data. sive ( quietly, in this case ). don’t vary the sizes.

Before&After
The layout
Images carefully placed draw the reader’s eye into the information, not away
from it. Note that the images are what they illustrate.
LIQUID measures LIQUID measures LIQUID measures

DRY measures DRY measures DRY measures

Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp

Create difference Bridge the sections Finish with type

The sponsorship area is another Portrait links the two sections, Font matches (in this case) the title
kind of information, so differentiate yet they remain distinct. Organic font. Small type is professionally low-
it visually with a background color. silhouette softens the hard edge. key, yet the section is highly visible.

Before&After ® Design a small chart 10 of 12 BAmagazine.com i U X
The relationships
Always adjust to what’s on the page, not what’s on your rulers (or in your head).
Note how relationships of color, value, size and alignment unify the design.
(Left) Note the spacing. Because they’re the same, the glass and margin
LIQUID measures
harmonize without visual tension, which allows the charts to remain primary.
1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz
⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz United by size and value (Below) Glass, powder and face are the
same size and even have similar value (light-dark). This uniformity connects
DRY measures the elements and at the same time simplifies the design.
1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 250 ml

⁄ cup = 12 tbsp = 36 tsp = 175 ml
⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp = 32 tsp = 150 ml
⁄ cup = 8 tbsp = 24 tsp = 125 ml
⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp = 16 tsp = 75 ml
⁄ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp = 50 ml
⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp = 30 ml
⁄ cup = 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml

Colors from the image unify

type and background. Aligned

Before&After
Article resources
Typefaces Colors
1 (a–b) Adobe Garamond Regular 7 C10 M20 Y35 K65
1a LIQUID measures 5b a) 18 pt, b) 10.5/13 pt
5a 8 C18 M12 Y20 K0
3 1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz 2 Adobe Garamond Bold | 10.5/13 pt
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz 4
3 ⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz 3 Myriad Pro Regular | 12/18 pt
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz
4 Myriad Pro Light | 10.5/18 pt
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
1b
DRY measures 5c
1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 250 ml Images
⁄ cup = 12 tbsp = 36 tsp = 175 ml
⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp = 32 tsp = 150 ml 5 (a–c) iStockphoto.com | a b c
⁄ cup = 8 tbsp = 24 tsp = 125 ml
6 Rubberball.com
⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp = 16 tsp = 75 ml
⁄ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp = 50 ml
⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp = 30 ml
⁄ cup = 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml
4 Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp
2 Your recipe for success!

Compliments of Stacy Thomas, Realtor 6
1b .. • www.stacythomas.com
7 8 Page size: 4”x 7”

Before&After
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 12 of 12 | Printing formats  Design a small chart 0615

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

Design a
LIQUID measures
1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz
⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
small chart
DRY measures
1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 250 ml
⁄ cup = 12 tbsp = 36 tsp = 175 ml
⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp = 32 tsp = 150 ml
⁄ cup = 8 tbsp = 24 tsp = 125 ml
⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp = 16 tsp = 75 ml
⁄ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp = 50 ml
⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp = 30 ml
⁄ cup = 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml
Visual simplicity transforms
a kitchen gimmick into
a useful tool
LIQUID measures
You’re up to your elbows in eggs and flour, the
1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz
recipe’s calling for a quarter cup of corn starch, and
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup =
⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup =
64 fl oz all you can reach is a tablespoon. Quick! How many
32 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz are in a quarter cup? Smart you. Stuck to the ’fridge
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup =
8 fl oz
door is Stacy Thomas’ handy measurement chart;
DRY measures one look, and you keep cooking without missing a
1 cup =
⁄ cup =
16 tbsp =
12 tbsp =
48 tsp = 250 ml step.
36 tsp = 175 ml
⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp = 32 tsp = 150 ml Such usefulness is the idea behind these flat,
⁄ cup = 8 tbsp = 24 tsp = 125 ml
⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp = 16 tsp = 75 ml lightly magnetic vinyl charts; pass them out to your
⁄ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp =
⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp =
50 ml
30 ml
customers, and you stay in their kitchens forever.
⁄ cup = 1 tbsp =
3 tsp = 15 ml
They’re great for visibility.
Before But, of course, to be visible, they must be kept,
and for that they must be attractive and easy to use.
The keys to this are good organization and visual
simplicity. Here’s how to transform a hard-to-read,
After clip-arty gimmick into a sleek kitchen helper.
0615 Design a small chart Before&After | www.bamagazine.com Design a small chart 0615
1 of 6

Before: It’s festive and informative, but . . .


The original 4” x 7” magnet has the “use-me” qualities of a good promotional piece,
but it’s complicated and unattractive. That’s because the space wasn’t designed.
1 2
Diluted Because
positive and negative
elements have similar
sizes, they strongly
compete, diluting
3 their effectiveness.
3
Why veggies? No rhythm Stuff is Misdirected Unco- Unfocused Absence
It’s a kitchen chart, aligned left (1), right ordinated lines pull of a focal point leaves
but the topic is (2), center (3). the eye everywhere. the page vague.
measurements,
not food.
Before
. . . the type is almost right
Helvetica is a versatile typeface, but at small sizes and low resolution it loses readability;
ink (or pixels) can obscure its fine detail and fill in small apertures.
agc
Helvetica Medium
Closes
Closes
Closes
31/2
While excellent at headline size, Helvetica Full-size fractions are never a
is not the best choice for small type—its good idea. Same-size numerals
curve strokes curl around far enough to have no visual hierarchy and
leave only small openings, called aper- can easily be mistaken for sepa-
tures, which at small sizes tend to close up. rate characters; they require
Lowercase letters a, e and s are careful (and slow) reading to
especially vulnerable to “filling decipher.
in” (right) and can be mistaken
for one another.
Before
2 of 6

After: Start over with clearer type


A clear typeface is key to any chart. Look for simplicity—straight lines, plain junctions,
no extra curlicues—before stylishness, which can be conveyed by other elements.
agc
Myriad Pro Regular
Steeper angle
3 ⁄
LIQUID measures
1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz
⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz
Open
Open
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
DRY measures
Open
1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 250 ml
⁄ cup = 12 tbsp = 36 tsp = 175 ml
⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp = 32 tsp = 150 ml
⁄ cup = 8 tbsp = 24 tsp = 125 ml The strength of Myriad Pro is its brevity— Myriad Pro includes true frac-
⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp = 16 tsp = 75 ml lines are straight, junctions are simple, tions, whose weight is pro-
⁄ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp = 50 ml and its curves don’t “close,” the benefit of portional to full-size numerals.
⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp = 30 ml
⁄ cup = 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml
which is clarity even at small sizes (below) Numerators align with the cap
and poor resolution. Look again height, denominators sit on
at Helvetica. the baseline, and the slash has
a steeper angle than the key-
board backslash. Clear hierarchy,
Compliments of Stacy Thomas, Realtor easy to read at a glance.
After
Spread it out
The magnet looks like it’s about cooking, but actually it’s about numbers. To make
numbers reader-friendly, put them in columns, and spread them out.
LIQUID measures
1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz
Before: Allruntogether 1gal = 4 qt = 16 cups = 128 fl oz
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz The original chart was typed 1/2 gal = 2 qt = 8 cups = 64 fl oz
⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz sentence-style as though the 1/4 gal = 1 qt = 4 cups = 32 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz designer were typing a letter. 1/2 qt = 2 cups = 16 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
Elements are congested and 1/4 qt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
undifferentiated—and there-
DRY measures fore hard to read.
1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 250 ml
⁄ cup = 12 tbsp = 36 tsp = 175 ml
After: Clearly visible 1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz
⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp = 32 tsp = 150 ml
⁄ cup = 8 tbsp = 24 tsp = 125 ml Clarity is what white space
⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp = 16 tsp = 75 ml creates. Spread the numbers ⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz
⁄ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp = 50 ml into rows and columns; here,
⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp = 30 ml ⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz
rows are equivalencies, and
⁄ cup = 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml
columns are like kinds of ⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz
data—gallons, quarts, pints
and so on. Note columns are
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
aligned to the right.
Aligned
After
right
3 of 6

Lighten it up

Next, separate measures from quantities. Lighten the type weight and tint it gray,
which creates visual depth and yields two levels of hierarchy.
All the same Contrasts add clarity
⁄ gal ⁄ gal
LIQUID measures
1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz
⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
DRY measures
1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 250 ml
⁄ cup = 12 tbsp = 36 tsp = 175 ml
Myriad Pro Light Lighter weight and value (65%) recede
⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp = 32 tsp = 150 ml
⁄ cup = 8 tbsp = 24 tsp = 125 ml
⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp = 16 tsp = 75 ml
⁄ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp = 50 ml
Well differentiated
⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp = 30 ml Quantities—which change— 1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz
⁄ cup = 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml remain bold; measures—
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz
Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp which repeat—recede in gray.
Now well differentiated, the ⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz
comparisons are easy to see
Your recipe for success! and attractive, too. Note the
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz
.. • www.stacythomas.com kinds of separation: Space ⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
separates columns, hairlines
After separate rows, and gray
separates foreground from
midrange.
The layout
Charts centered on the page are the focal point of the design. The remaining
information and images are added as supporting, not primary, elements.
LIQUID measures LIQUID measures
DRY measures DRY measures
Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp
The data is the message Add the titles Add the images
Center the data like a picture in a The titles, not the data, are where Use images that really depict the
frame. A centered layout is motion- you can be typographically expres- topic. Don’t mix image styles, and
less, so eyes can rest on the data. sive ( quietly, in this case ). don’t vary the sizes.
4 of 6

The layout

Images carefully placed draw the reader’s eye into the information, not away
from it. Note that the images are what they illustrate.
LIQUID measures LIQUID measures LIQUID measures
DRY measures DRY measures DRY measures
Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp
Create difference Bridge the sections Finish with type
The sponsorship area is another Portrait links the two sections, Font matches (in this case) the title
kind of information, so differentiate yet they remain distinct. Organic font. Small type is professionally low-
it visually with a background color. silhouette softens the hard edge. key, yet the section is highly visible.
The relationships
Always adjust to what’s on the page, not what’s on your rulers (or in your head).
Note how relationships of color, value, size and alignment unify the design.
(Left) Note the spacing. Because they’re the same, the glass and margin
LIQUID measures
harmonize without visual tension, which allows the charts to remain primary.
1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz
⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz United by size and value (Below) Glass, powder and face are the
same size and even have similar value (light-dark). This uniformity connects
DRY measures the elements and at the same time simplifies the design.
1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 250 ml
⁄ cup = 12 tbsp = 36 tsp = 175 ml
⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp = 32 tsp = 150 ml
⁄ cup = 8 tbsp = 24 tsp = 125 ml
⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp = 16 tsp = 75 ml
⁄ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp = 50 ml
⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp = 30 ml
⁄ cup = 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml
Colors from the image unify
type and background. Aligned
5 of 6
Article resources

Typefaces Colors
1 (a–b) Adobe Garamond Regular 7 C10 M20 Y35 K65
1a LIQUID measures 5b a) 18 pt, b) 10.5/13 pt
5a 8 C18 M12 Y20 K0
3 1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cup = 128 fl oz 2 Adobe Garamond Bold | 10.5/13 pt
⁄ gal = 2 qt = 4 pt = 8 cup = 64 fl oz 4
3 ⁄ gal = 1 qt = 2 pt = 4 cup = 32 fl oz 3 Myriad Pro Regular | 12/18 pt
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = 1 pt = 2 cup = 16 fl oz
4 Myriad Pro Light | 10.5/18 pt
⁄ gal = ⁄ qt = ⁄ pt = 1 cup = 8 fl oz
1b
DRY measures 5c
1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 250 ml Images
⁄ cup = 12 tbsp = 36 tsp = 175 ml
⁄ cup = 10 ⁄ tbsp = 32 tsp = 150 ml 5 (a–c) iStockphoto.com | a b c
⁄ cup = 8 tbsp = 24 tsp = 125 ml
6 Rubberball.com
⁄ cup = 5 ⁄ tbsp = 16 tsp = 75 ml
⁄ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp = 50 ml
⁄ cup = 2 tbsp = 6 tsp = 30 ml
⁄ cup = 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml
4 Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp
2 Your recipe for success!
Compliments of Stacy Thomas, Realtor 6
1b .. • www.stacythomas.com
7 8 Page size: 4”x 7”
Subscribe to Before & After Before & After magazine
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Before&After ®

Your recipe for success!

Continued  Design a small chart 0615

Design a small chart

 2 of 12  Design a small chart 0615

Before: It’s festive and informative, but . . .

Why veggies? No rhythm Stuff is Misdirected Unco- Unfocused Absence

 3 of 12  Design a small chart 0615

. . . the type is almost right

 4 of 12  Design a small chart 0615

After: Start over with clearer type

 5 of 12  Design a small chart 0615

 6 of 12  Design a small chart 0615

All the same Contrasts add clarity

⁄ gal ⁄ gal

 7 of 12  Design a small chart 0615

LIQUID measures LIQUID measures

DRY measures DRY measures

 8 of 12  Design a small chart 0615

LIQUID measures LIQUID measures LIQUID measures

DRY measures DRY measures DRY measures

Your recipe for success!

Create difference Bridge the sections Finish with type

 9 of 12  Design a small chart 0615

1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 250 ml

Your recipe for success!

Colors from the image unify

 10 of 12  Design a small chart 0615

4 Pinch or dash = less than ⁄ tsp

2 Your recipe for success!

7 8 Page size: 4”x 7”

 11 of 12  Design a small chart 0615

Subscribe to Before & After Before & After magazine

others, click here. Editorial board Gwen Amos, Carl Winther

Before & After magazine

Copyright ©2005 Before & After magazine, ISSN

 12 of 12 | Printing formats  Design a small chart 0615

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 Back | Paper-saver format 

Before: It’s festive and informative, but . . .

After: Start over with clearer type

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