Date: Thu, 25 Jan 1996 14:49:14 -0700
To: srtobin@skypoint.com
From: godsey@pioneer-net.efn.org (The Godseys)
Steve,
There are lots of things you can do to give a newsletter more pizzazz.
First, try to use a readable font that is from a large family (ie. italic, bold, heavy, etc.) This allows you to use different looks without changing fonts. Also, it's alright to use 1-2 "fancy" fonts for special features or columns. I generally use New Century Schoolbook or Palintino for my base font, and then add in, say, Jester, Bazzooka or Chaucer for a special headline where required.
Also use graphics as much as possible! I don't know what equipment you are using, but most programs allow you to import photos, line art, etc. Also, feel free to make your own with simple shapes. Our Scoutmaster's column is headed by a simple white text on black, black text on white shape graphic, and it's one of he most attractive. If your program allows, try putting graphics screened in 30% gray behind stories. One of my favorite issues has a large half snowflake in grey behind a story about a snow campout. Text wraps around photos or graphics are very effective.
Also, you need to consider what color and size paper you are printing it on. We use a 17x11 sheet (two page sized) and fold it like a newspaper. It gives it a very professional look, and it doesn't change the cost much.
Most people use white paper-it's cheap and no one has taught them why not. White is hard on your eyes, and the copy store variety is not white enough to show graphics at good advantage. Try a buff or nuetral tone, or go for something jazzy like neon yellow orange. (Astrobright yellow is best in this line).
Make sure you leave white space around graphics so that they look clean, and leave a decent gutter width between columns.. White space is very important in good design, and is often ignored. Try playing with your number of columns, too. You can use a two column with a half column side bar for stories or features. It completly changes the look.
Also, don't forget to achor your page with something (graphic, text bar, page #, whatever) to make the page more solid. Try using a graphic in your banner with the title (We have an eagle in ours.), two columns of text, a graphic of some sort in one column, and a gray bar across the bottom with information. Simple to do, but very effective.
I hope this helps a little. (Hope I didn't go off on to big a tangent, it's hard to know when your sort of talking to yourself...)
Yours in Scouting,
Tristin GodseyLast edited: February 22, 2004
The NetWoods Virtual Campsite, Steve Tobin, Campmaster