Creating a Calendar, Part 2 (Design)

Thank you to everyone who left a comment on my blog last week to help me decide which pictures to use for next year's calendar.

I have not yet selected the final images for the calendar but have started working on the layout with a few random images.

The first thing I notice about the square format is that there is a lot more space for the days of the week.

There is room for an additional row, so we never have to double up like we did with the rectangular calendars, where two days sometimes have to split one box.

I used grayed-out numbers for the extra days from the previous and next months.

Are the grayed-out numbers useful?

In order to maximize the space, the margins have been extended to within 1/4 inch of the edge of the page.

Typically, margins are 1/2 inch from the edge, but this allows for a little more space for you to write each day.

The hole-punch at the bottom of the calendar (see below) will probably cut into the design a little because of this, but I think it is still worth it.

What do you think?

Regarding a name for the calendar, we have several choices...

The first is to use no name, like you see in the large picture at the top of this page—simply, "Calendar 2010."

If we do use a name, "Simple Beauty" might be appropriate.

Or someone suggested "Natural Wonders" (below).

Do you have any opinions?

I was leaning towards no name, but these two names are starting to grow on me.

For all of the text inside and out, I am using Silver Thread font, which I like for its simplicity and openness.

If you have other suggestions for the font, or suggestions for any other area of the calendar's design, please let me know.

I am announcing today that I will be moving to Los Angeles during the next few weeks.

And there will not be a newsletter next week.

I will be packing this week, and will also be traveling to the East Coast for my cousin's wedding next week.

I then plan to take two more weeks (until mid May) to drive down the coast from Washington State to Southern California taking
pictures as I go.

If you can recommend places I should see on my drive down the West Coast, I would love to hear them.

See you in two weeks,
Todd