Paste up

Paste up in the context of graphic design and publishing refers to a manual layout technique that was widely used before the advent of digital typesetting and layout programs. This method involves the physical assembly of a final printed layout by hand, where text and images are arranged on a board or a piece of paper to represent the final product. The paste up process is an essential part of the history of graphic design and publishing, offering insights into the evolution of layout design and the impact of technology on the industry.

Overview

The paste up technique involves cutting and arranging printed or hand-written text, photographs, and illustrations on a piece of paper or board, which serves as the mock-up of the final page layout. These elements are literally pasted up onto a board, using adhesive. The layout artist then adds guidelines for margins, column spaces, and other layout considerations directly onto the paste up board. Once the paste up is completed, it is photographed with a high-resolution camera, and the photograph is then used to create printing plates for mass production.

Process

The process of creating a paste up begins with the layout artist receiving all the necessary text and images. These elements are then cut to size and arranged according to the design specifications. Special care is taken to ensure that the alignment and spacing of elements follow the intended design layout. Adhesives are used to temporarily position elements, allowing for adjustments before the final layout is set. Once the layout is finalized, a more permanent adhesive is applied. Tools such as T-squares, rulers, and light tables are commonly used to aid in the precision of the layout.

Historical Context

Before the advent of digital publishing tools like Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress, paste up was the standard method for creating layouts for publications such as newspapers, magazines, and books. The process was labor-intensive and required a high level of skill and attention to detail. The transition to digital layout methods in the late 20th century significantly streamlined the publishing process, reducing production time and allowing for easier revisions.

Impact on Graphic Design

The paste up era had a significant impact on the field of graphic design, emphasizing the importance of layout skills and attention to detail. It also fostered a hands-on approach to design, where physical interaction with design elements played a crucial role in the creative process. The limitations and challenges of the paste up process also influenced design aesthetics, with designers often having to find creative solutions within the constraints of manual layout techniques.

Modern Relevance

While digital tools have largely replaced the need for traditional paste up techniques in professional publishing, the principles and skills associated with paste up still hold value. Understanding the history and techniques of paste up can provide modern designers with a deeper appreciation for the evolution of layout design. Additionally, some artists and designers continue to use paste up methods for specific projects to achieve a particular aesthetic or as part of a mixed-media approach.

See Also

• Graphic design
• Publishing
• Desktop publishing
• Adobe InDesign
• QuarkXPress