You can be a designer if you know what you want to say and how to find the resources to say it. Layout is simply the process by which words and pictures are brought together on paper in preparation for printing. Here are some pointers for designing and laying out a poster or flyer.
Keep It Simple
Condense your message to a six to ten word theme or symbol. Focus
on one element that will attract the reader's attention. Use symbols
to replace words (i.e., a bike for a bike ride). These pictures
will encourage imaging and your reader will be more likely to
remember it.
Symbols and words should grow out of your message and not compete with it. Do not mix too many fonts or styles on one page.
What you leave blank in a design is just as important as what you print. Elements that are close together communicate related ideas. Elements surrounded by space communicate emphasis or importance.
Look at your design from 8 to 10 feet away. Symbols and print that are too close together will decrease readability. Borders can help to highlight a design.
Camera - Ready:
Artwork which is ready for reproduction. This means that it is
black and white and clearly designed. Printers can reduce or enlarge
the art to the correct size from this stage.
Type Font Selection:
Type can be set in one of hundreds of designs and sizes. Pick
a few good fonts and stick with them. Do not "over-font"
your layout. One or two for body text and one or two for headlines
should suffice, although it depends on the publication. Newsletters
require more but look silly with too many. Avoid using script
fonts on anything but invitations or occasional headlines and
NEVER use all capitals with script fonts because they have flourishes
designed for use with lower case text that looks ridiculous when
used exlusively with capital letters.
Borders:
Borders can be placed around entire flyer or can highlight an
area.
Color:
Your costs will increase as you add colored ink to your
design. You can add color and save money by printing
on colored paper, or using a highlighter on white paper.
Photographs:
Black and white photographs (glossy) are best for reproduction.
Copy centers have machine that can scan and reduce or
enlarge your photos onto your copy.
Clip Art/Graphics:
Camera ready art which can be reproduced without permission.
REMINDER
Be sure to include sponsoring group and to refer to
Posting Policy before distributing publicity.
For more designing ideas, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at (949) 824-5181.