Studio Brief 02 - VHS grid system and design

Before attempting to design a bespoke VHS cover sleeve, I analysed to see whether there was any evident grid system used in designing them.

 

Even though there isn't a fixed grid for each VHS design, by placing boundary lines over the key pieces of content, there is a rough gauge of how the content is proportioned on the sleeve. The main graphic takes up approximately 2/3's of the sleeve's area whilst the rest is left for body copy and logos. The graphics are placed usually in the middle or off centre allowing for an asymmetric visual when combined with body copy, makes it is pleasing to the eye. Furthermore, the overall design is limited to a 3 or 4 coloured palette which keeps it simple following a more modernist styled principle.

Taking this analysis of the VHS cover designs, these are some mock ups of possible front covers. 

These designs were based on a 9 x 9 grid with 2mm gutters, creating tight margins, allowing for more information to be placed within the area. Each design followed a hierarchy format of VHS brand, title, description information, visual graphic, further information. After designing these 14 different variations of what the cover could be, feedback on which were more successful visually narrowed these down to 7.  

These were chosen based on visual success because the initial aim of the leaflet is to grab the readers attention. If the cover design does not resonate visually with the young audience, the overall message will not be communicated effectively. These designs however do not have any visual indication to the leaflet's subject. These designs are purely based on resembling a VHS cover.

This design is a combination of the leaflet's subject and one of the pop icons of the 80s. The lightning relates to the theme of dangerous electricity and David Bowie's famous portrait. 

In communicating the leaflet's subject on the cover of the leaflet, this design is more effective as compared to the previous designs. It communicates the theme of the leaflet without the need to read the title of the VHS cover. The inclusion of the lighting could be incorporated into the original designs however, to make it more relevant.