Layout Development

Introduction

This blog post will explore the development process of the layout and composition I intend to follow throughout my children’s picture book. I will be drawing inspiration from my secondary research source Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s post-impressionist cabaret posters.

Layout Development Storyboards

The following storyboards will be developed using the 32-page spread technique I learnt from Julia Donaldson’s BBC maestro course. I intend to use Edward Tufte’s layering and separation technique to ensure clear communication of my intended structure. The Following images are examples of this.

Figure 1 – Referring back to the project proposal and Julia Donaldson’s 32-page spread technique of storyboarding to inspire the layout for my final children’s picture book. Using Edward Tuftes layering and separation technique to communicate the reasonings to the final layout. (Donaldson, 2022).
Figure 2 – Recap of Edward Tuftes layering and seperation technique from the project proposal, which will be utalised throughout the development of this blog post, (Kottke, J. 2020).

Toulouse-Lautrec’s compositions demonstrate a keen utilization of subjects to enhance the layout of his posters. By strategically directing viewers’ eyes to important text elements through illustrations, he effectively communicated messages and advertisements. Taking cues from his work, particularly the cover of ‘L’Estampe Originale (1893),’ where dancers’ movements guide attention to text, I plan to implement similar techniques in my picture book. Clearly showcasing the placement of illustrations and text boxes throughout the story’s layout will result in a visually pleasing and easily digestible narrative for children.

Figure 3 – Looking at how Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec uses layout and compostion to comunicate his narratives. Cover for L’Estampe originale. 1893 Cushman, E. (2016)
Figure 4 – Looking at how Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec uses layout and compostion to comunicate his narratives. Mademoiselle Eglantine’s Troupe (La Troupe de Mademoiselle Églantine). 1896 Cushman, E. (2016)

The accompanying storyboards serve as a blueprint for developing illustrations that seamlessly complement the written narrative. Through consistent alternation of paragraph layouts and positioning on every other page, readers can effortlessly follow the storyline without needing to search for accompanying text. Additionally, the strategic integration of illustrations into the narrative acts as visual cues, guiding readers’ eyes and enhancing their engagement with the story.

Figure 5 – Developing storyboard communicating the layout of the narrative for the final children’s book.

Figure 6 – The final storyboard communicating the layout of the illustrations and written content for the final children’s book.

In conclusion, my commitment to crafting a visually appealing and easy-to-follow layout and composition is evident throughout the development process. By drawing inspiration from Toulouse-Lautrec’s layout techniques, I aim to create a captivating reading experience that will resonate with young audiences.

References

Cushman, E. (2016) Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec | Moma, MoMA. Available at: https://www.moma.org/artists/5910 (Accessed: 07 December 2023).

Donaldson, J. (2022) Julia Donaldson: Writing children’s picture books, Julia Donaldson | Writing Children’s Picture Books | BBC Maestro. Available at: https://www.bbcmaestro.com/courses/julia-donaldson/writing-children-s-picture-books/lessons/what-is-a-picture-book-practicalities?autoplay=true (Accessed: 07 December 2023).

Kottke, J. (2020) Edward Tufte’s new book: Seeing with fresh eyes, kottke.org. Available at: https://kottke.org/20/10/edward-tuftes-new-book-seeing-with-fresh-eyes (Accessed: 15 December 2023).

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