Throughout the course on Digital Graphics, I have learned to utilize text, space, and graphics in a way that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and offers good readability. From the beginning assignment and readings on using contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity, I have learned about the principles of creating a graphic design that catches the viewer’s attention. As we moved to the Week 4 assignment of creating a newsletter, I employed a template that was available through Microsoft Office Publisher. I had never used a template to create a newsletter, so it was all new to me. I discovered that since the layout is set up, it is not necessary to add page numbers or headings on successive pages. The color scheme may be selected, as well as the fonts used throughout the newsletter. I did have difficulty with the template allowing some of my text and graphics in headings and title boxes. Some reverted back to the example when I attempted to save my work in PDF. I was finally able to adjust the size so that the graphics and text were accepted, and most other input was relatively simple. Uploading pictures was easy with Picasa 3 which allows me to edit pictures that I wish to use. Inserting graphics clip art was also easy through Microsoft Office Word.
Other print and design concepts that needed to be incorporated included the use of white space, cutlines, justification, attention to larger print for titles and various styles of type. According to the article by Dr. Yearwood (2009), these elements are all important for the readability of the newsletter. Additionally, research reveals that “Yearwood’s law of mental dynamics,” which asserts that the brain is always seeking shortcuts, can be tested in reading text with different text types. Apparently the brain finds readability easier with serif texts, rather than sans serif. [1]
Other considerations for the newsletter included determining the audience and purpose. According to an article on Desktop Publishing, some of the things to consider along with audience are interests, age, and gender, among other things.[2] From the time that I created my logo, I knew my newsletter’s audience and purpose. I am writing to a teen audience with motivation as my purpose. Based on research, I am addressing school, community, seasonal, and family interests. With these in mind, I am also encouraging student authors to contribute to the newsletter.
In evaluating the appearance and readability of my newsletter, it is necessary to consider the overall appearance, audience, format, content, layout, and product. [3] In critique of these areas, I would say that the overall appearance, content, layout and product are aligned with the audience and purpose. I could have improved on the format by addressing justification and giving more attention to text style and type. Though the fonts were part of the template, I realize that I could have edited those for a more unique design.
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