Packaging 101

Why we plan packages, not just Stories

Too Many Newspaper Designers Work This Way:

1. Wait for the story to come in

2. Find whatever photo seems to work best

3. Stare at a blank computer screen

4. Throw together a design that follows basic design rules, and hope for the best.

Change the Way you Plan your Coverage

• If you plan your coverage with packaging in mind, instead of stories, you will end up with a more cohesive, interesting design that is more informative and easier to read! BONUS- it is also easier to design!

A Basic Should Include:

• Photo• Headline• Infographic • Story

This is how you should be thinking about EACH story you cover! Notice the order? The story is the LAST thing you think about!

The Photo:

• The writer and designer should communicate with the photographer before each event. Discuss specific types of shots you would like taken for your story. Be specific: if you want a shot that shows worm’s eye view of the track star after he finishes the 3200 meter run, taken in a vertical format tell the photographer!

The Headline:

• The headline should be the first thing the reader sees. It should be well written, clear, and should draw the reader into the package. Having an idea of how you want the headline designed ahead of time will make designing the package as a whole easier and more effective.

The Info graphic:

• You can really bring the package together by giving the reader more information that enhances the story. This is a great way to include facts, extra quotes, background information, etc. that would not be appropriate to include in the story.

• Info graphics also help break up the space, giving you more flexibility as a designer and another entry point into the story.

The Story:

• Limit the story to just that: the story. Offer anecdotes, meaningful quotes and emotion that all good literature contains.

Things to Remember:

• White Space• Multiple entry points• Relationship

Types of Info graphics

1. Bio Box

2. Event Fast Facts

3. List

4. Quote Collection

5. Checklist

6. List of Info

7. Glossary

8. Diagram

9. Timeline

Bio Box

Event Fast Facts

List

Quote Collection

Checklist

List of Info

Glossary

Diagram

Timeline

Sources:

• http://newspagedesigner.org/• http://visual.ly/