I would be happy to make contributions to a layout and design category. Because I teach, it is something I try to include from the very beginning. Lesson number one is to learn the elements of design: Line, shape, direction, size or scale, texture, color, value. Some lists include more elements. A student can easily spend a week on each element. Then there are the principles: balance, proportion, harmony, repetition, contrast, dominance, unity. Some lists include other principles. A student can easily spend a month on each of these. So, the topic of design covers a lot of territory.
You might consider including a section that shows some *before and after* images. Members who want help with their layouts could submit their ideas and members who are willing to offer suggestions and alternatives could post their versions along with discussion about which elements and principles they are using.
Design is not something you learn by following directions. It is something you discover that reveals your personal taste and design sense. For example, I like a lot of white space and it is harder for me to create a piece where I fill up all of the space. So, I have a natural leaning towards one thing, but through the study of design, I have learned how to broaden my horizon. Clean, modern, spare contemporary design is not better or worse than traditional engrossing with a multitude of details that fills up every square inch. Both are lovely, but both require the artist to understand the elements and principles.
The biggest challenge to teaching design is that there are not a lot of *rules.* I notice that some students really struggle because they want clear rules to follow. Eventually, they learn how to edit the choices and make compositions that are pleasing to the eye.
Jean
