The challenge
While testing different ways to promote the great outdoors in San Luis Obispo County, I wanted to use my photos of scenic landmarks on 2″ or 3″ stickers. All of those photos are landscape, wider than tall, but at the time my print shop only printed square stickers.
I didn’t want to crop, but shrinking photos to fit left unnecessary gaps in the layout.
The first step in solving design problems is knowing what the problem is. Next, redefine the problem as a question. Instead of saying “the shapes don’t match,” I asked, “what else can I do with that space? If the photo is step 1, what’s step 2?”
Solution
I played with different ways to use excess space to my advantage with creative titles. Layout could make a home for titles if I got creative typography and color.
I tested the idea with different proportions and resolutions to find the right size. Turns out there is no “right size,” so I invented a guideline instead of a hard rule about size. The design supports the art; the system supports the message.
I also decided to shapes and colors based found in each photo — as long as overlapping shapes didn’t detract from the photos’ higher-contrast subjects.
Testing the concept
I tested the concept with many real photos, adapting the rules and customizing different shapes as needed.
The result: Eight new designs based on a stylish, practical system that I can use in future work.
