Create a newsletter for your company about creating professional desktop publishing documents.
Instructions:
You may NOT use a template for this assignment.
Start with a blank document.
The topic of the newsletter is professional desktop publishing. The newsletter is intended to help employees create professional publications.
Some content for the newsletter has been written for you. You should copy and paste the following information into your document and format it accordingly.
Graphic design is a popular career field. It usually involves combining text and pictures to create visual interest. Graphic design is used for both print and online publications and web pages. It is a very competitive field. Only the brightest and best end up landing actual jobs in the field.
You don’t have to be a graphic designer to use graphic design principles. Both publication and word processing software packages have built in helpers so you can look like an expert.
Templates are pre-formatted documents that allow you to insert your own content where there are placeholders. You may be familiar with placeholders if you have used a presentation program before. Click here to add text is an example of a placeholder. Dummy pictures and images can also be inserted into a template and replaced with your own images. Lines, borders, and boxes may be present as well to help you apply design principles. You can customize those by changing the colors and thickness.
A wizard is similar to a template, but the program will ask you questions to help you design your document. Your document will be formatted and contain information based on your answers.
Another option in some programs is called Quick Parts. Quick Parts are mini-templates that include sidebars and quote boxes that can be inserted into a document. Sometimes QuickParts are called Building Blocks.
You will also be required to write some of the content on your own. You must include specifics on the PARC principles. One way would be to use each one as a section or article.
Required Elements and Formatting:
A masthead with the title and a logo image. You may use the logo you created in lesson 2 or a new one.
At least two columns.
Subheadings in the newsletters – can be sections in the newsletter or article titles.
A table of information. The borders of the table should be omitted.
A drop cap.
At least one text wrapped image within the text.
Sections in the newsletter on Proximity, Alignment, Repetition and Contrast.
Borders and shading applied to either a paragraph or your subheadings.
Somewhere in your newsletter you should add your name (perhaps as the editor or author), today's date (as the publication date), and your school (maybe as the publication company).
Remember:
You must create this newsletter from scratch.
You must also use all of the design principles that you have learned in this unit in your design.
Make the newsletter one that people want to read to obtain important information.
[Company Name] Newsletter
Creating Professional Desktop Publishing Documents
[Company Logo]
- Mimic the Experts: Graphic design is a competitive field that involves combining text and pictures to create visually interesting publications. However, you don't have to be a graphic designer to use graphic design principles. Publication and word processing software packages offer built-in helpers to make you look like an expert.
- Utilize Templates: Templates are pre-formatted documents that allow you to insert your own content into placeholders. These placeholders can be found in various software programs, similar to those in presentation programs. You can replace dummy images with your own, customize colors, and adjust lines, borders, and boxes to apply design principles to your documents.
- Master the Wizard: Wizards are another option for designing your documents. These programs ask you questions to help you format and populate your document. Based on your answers, the wizard will create a pre-designed and pre-formatted document, saving you time and effort.
- Harness Quick Parts: Quick Parts are mini-templates that can include sidebars and quote boxes. They can be easily inserted into documents to add variety and visual interest. Sometimes referred to as Building Blocks, Quick Parts enhance the design of your publications.
Proximity:
Proximity is the principle of placing related items close together to create visual connections. It helps readers easily identify and understand relationships between different elements in a publication. Use proximity to group related content, such as images and accompanying text, to ensure a clear and cohesive presentation.
Alignment:
Alignment involves positioning elements in a publication to create a sense of order and structure. Proper alignment creates an organized and professional look. Align text, images, and other graphical elements so they visually connect and maintain a consistent visual flow throughout your document.
Repetition:
Repetition is the consistent use of visual elements, such as colors, fonts, and styles, throughout a publication. It helps to create a cohesive and professional appearance. Use repetition to reinforce your brand identity and maintain consistency in your documents.
Contrast:
Contrast refers to the difference between elements in a publication. It helps to highlight important information and create visual impact. Utilize contrast in your design by using different color schemes, font sizes, and font styles to make key elements stand out.
[Table of Information]
PARC Principles:
Proximity:
- Group related content together to create visual connections
- Place images and accompanying text close together for a clear presentation
Alignment:
- Position elements to create an organized and structured look
- Maintain consistent visual flow by aligning text, images, and graphical elements
Repetition:
- Consistently use colors, fonts, and styles throughout the publication
- Reinforce brand identity and maintain visual consistency
Contrast:
- Highlight important information through color schemes, font sizes, and styles
- Create visual impact by utilizing contrast effectively
[Image]
Make Your Publications Stand Out
[Paragraph with drop cap] As you utilize the PARC principles in your desktop publishing documents, remember to create a balance between design and functionality. While aesthetics are important, ensure your publications are easy to read and navigate.
[Image wrapped with text]
[Editor/Author Name]
[Publication Date]
[School/Publication Company]
Thank you for reading our newsletter on creating professional desktop publishing documents. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks to enhance your publications!
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our design team. Happy publishing!