Create a modular grid system in Illustrator

06 To break up the design and continue with the BVD logo theme, I want to add circles to my pattern. To ensure that these sit within my grid, I drew my first circle to a size of 140mm with a 4mm stroke weight. My second circle is drawn at 124mm, also with a 4mm stroke weight, which means there is now a proportionate empty space between the two circles. I continued to do this until I had five concentric circles that I then centred to each other.
 

07 Once you’re happy with your design, check it against the grid to ensure that everything lines up correctly. Convert all stroke lines (such as the circles) to outlines (Object>Expand> Fill and Stroke). If you have any overlapping lines or circles, trim them to fit to my grid. This is done by placing an object such as a rectangle on top of the object you wish to trim, selecting both objects, and selecting Minus Front from the Pathfinder.
 

08 To finish off the flyer front, I’ve added a grey background that contrasts nicely with the orange pattern. I then ran text vertically on either side of the pattern and ensured that it all sits to the same baseline as the grid.
 

09 Now for the back. When laying out type, I find it useful to use a column grid rather than modular grid system. In this case the grid allows for 11 columns with a 4mm gutter (shown in pink). I aligned the paragraph of text to a column and checked that my leading allows all text to sit on the same baseline grid.
 

10 Continue to add the last few pieces of text to the back of your flyer. Finally, check the alignment of individual elements to your grid to ensure that everything is perfectly aligned.