Good layout tips and design

Ten keys to good newspaper design
Tips taken from Ellen Smith’s Scholastic Newspaper Fundamentals

Graphic presentation is key to a good newspaper. Although content should always determine design, a creative and well-balanced layout of headlines, white space, body type and artwork is essential to a good newspaper. When thinking about our newspaper’s graphic presentation, we should consider the following tips:

“Give prominence to the news in relation to its importance” – Important news should always dictate how the overall format of a page will be laid out. In remembering this key, we should also remember to “focus attention on a major story, major graphic or package.” We should wow our readers with a main focal point on each page. Simple is better… too much will take away from content.

“Keep unrelated elements distinct.” We can do this by varying column widths, changing headline fonts, using borders, etc. However in keeping unrelated items distinct, we should also consider putting together some kind of coherence that will bring each page together thoughtfully. In putting together your packages though of cohesive elements together, remember that the headline must call attention to its own story and draw its own attention.

Avoid “tombstoning” (placing two or more headlines in the same type face and point size directly next to each other) and “butting heads” (two or more headlines appear next to each other.)

All pages should contain artwork of some kind. Variation is key, but a page shouldn’t contain only print. Photojournalism is an important key to newspapers and it shows a variety on a theme. Artwork and pictures can tell a story the same way a well-written article can. Make use of the break in text with expressive art.

A newspaper should stimulate its readers. You can do this by creating consistency from issue to issue. Make it is easy for the reader to find information keeping sections in the same order.

Separate sections make this easy. Using teasers is a way to attract readers to continue reading.

Only use teasers when there is special coverage though. “Other signposts include: labels for news, opinion, arts, features and sports.” Use of noticeable logos like clefs for the arts section or footballs for the sports section can work to draw the eye to a page. If you are using a picture on the front page that relates to an article within the paper, make sure to use a “refer” which is a reference for the reader. Always label clearly.

Use scaled mock-ups to help layout text when striving for “orderliness adaptability in design.”

Keep at least one section the same in each issue. The editorial page the information will always change, but the layout can stay the same. This will again help with consistency. Don’t let this idea lock you in though. Make events with unusual impacts come across as such on the page.

Let the layout help make the same impact. Use white space modestly. Too much and not enough aren’t worthwhile. Make sure to keep internal margins consistent to present a neat appearance.

Page one layouts should create interest in the issue as a whole. The front page sets a tone and the staff should always be aware of the tone they are creating with their front page. It is rare that a front page should be devoted wholly to one item. It should be rich with information, but not overwhelming. News and pictures must be those which will be most meaningful to readers.

Some things to remember with front pages:
The most important items are placed here.
It’s a good place to experiment with indexes, teaser headlines and pictures with or without color.
Vary items
Try to communicate interest among readers – not all of your audience will be readers, so use a large, sharp picture too.
Display the articles and pictures most readers care about
Create a clear path for reading the whole paper – the readers should always know where to go after they complete the attention getter.
Always remain fresh and timely
Vary horizontal and vertical shapes
Make nameplates attractive and functional (neat yet unique)
Other pages should also be given equal consideration. We need to run folio lines and keep labels small. One option can be “to use column signatures and standing headlines to set off material that runs in each issue.” Other helpful hints for these pages are:
Section labels can help set off opinion from straight news and to add impact to special coverage. Do not make these too ornate because it will end up being counterproductive.
Make sure to be clear and get your stories to stand out without drawing too much attention away from the writing.
Design facing pages as visual units- they should balance and function well while reading horizontally according to Smith.
Include an editorial page in each issue with no advertising and with the masthead.
Photography and illustrations should emphasize the students in the news with natural looking photographs. Never used a posed photo – it only creates a stagnant look. Make sure pictures are natural and active. Make sure the picture is clear, focused and cropped effectively. Don’t forget to make subjects face related copy. Other kinds of art to consider are: maps, charts, graphs, diagrams, cartoons, comic strips and illustrations.
Body type should be easy to read. Long stories should look inviting, dressed up with bold face titles. Typography should always be functional above anything else. Some tips:
Use one or two harmonious headline type faces.
Vary headlines’ point sizes, weights
Make cutlines distinctive
Use simple borders when using borders
Remember quality and consistency- quality assurance is the whole staff’s responsibility. It is a team effort and when everyone works together, time is less of a factor. A few reminders:
Is color an option?
Follow a grid
Keep copy clear and crisp
Show good tonal definition in pictures
Keep pages consistent in width and depth
Proof carefully- more than one person should check everything. Errors look unprofessional.