Top 10 Things I learned About Public Relations Publications By: Stephanie Rachman

1. Adobe InDesign One of the most important skills I gained in PR publications this summer was how to use Adobe InDesign. This is a program that I will use frequently in the future so it was great to finally be introduced to it. It was hard to figure out but after using trial and error I discovered it was quite useful. I now know how to use all the panels and icons to create a successful project.

2. Design Elements Alignment-the layout of items along invisible but easily identified lines. Contrast- the element that permits one item to stand out clearly from others. Proximity- refers to unifying items by placing them physically close on a page. Repetition- refers to rhythm produced by repeating color, line, form, etc.

3. Brochures In PR publications we had to create a brochure using InDesign. My client was PRSSA and I had to decide on a design that would be appropriate for the organization and their target public. Their target public would be any student that attends Georgia Southern University, because any active student can join. I created a tri-fold brochure, which has three panels. I used glossy 80 lb. paper for the final brochure which I printed off at the Eagle Print shop. Designing the brochure helped me learn InDesign. I learned how to change fonts, create swirls, angle boxes, and format my design. I added content that would help PRSSA’s goals. The purpose of the brochure was to bring in new members and create publicity for the organization. Creating a brochure for a company needs to help distinguish the company.

4. Logotypes A logo is a reflection of the business. Logos use text or art or both to create a unique symbol for the organization. To begin your logo you must first do research. You need to research the organization and its publics and determine the identity, that way the logo will be appropriate. The second step is requirements, which include distinction, simplicity, and function. The logo needs to be designed to uniquely correspond to the organization, so that it stands out. Also, it can become so distinct that the symbol itself could one day be the representation of the business without the name. It needs to be simple enough to reinforce the key message. Function is also an important key because it needs to be reproduced easily without loss of detail. Step three is fonts. You need to choose a font that complements your organization. Fonts are better for certain things. Distinctive fonts if readable provide a unique design for logos. After the font is selected the next step is picking the size, style, and case of the font. Experiment with different fonts, styles, sizes, and cases so that you have options to choose from. The last step is testing. Pre-test your design and have public members rank the design using ranking options. This should provide you with options but also narrow your options down. Your logo should be an appropriate and unique symbol that accurately represents the company or organization.

5. Fonts Some things to consider when picking a font are: make sure that it is readable, it matches the targeted public, and it needs to visually reinforce the key message. The font needs to be readable in different styles, sizes and column widths. The font also needs to be appropriate for your purpose. You need to consider who is going to be reading it and what exactly you are trying to say.

6. Serif Fonts Serif fonts have serifs that form horizontal lines to guide readers’ eyes across lines of text. A Serif font is a letter that has little wiggles or curly-q’s at the end of its stroke. They are best for large areas of text and for body text.

7. Sans Serif Fonts Sans serif fonts have no serifs and are more potent than serif fonts. You want to use serif fonts for clean designs. There legibility is due to their unadorned designs. The design of sans serif fonts appear more modern and they are best in smaller and larger sizes. They are frequently used for headings because they are most readable in larger sizes.

8. Eagle Print Shop Before this class I had never used the Eagle Print Shop. By doing the brochure assignment it led me to my first visit here. I learned that you need to bring your project in a pdf format and also back up the pictures in case they do not turn out how you like. After using the Eagle Print Shop, I know I will be back again for future projects.

9. Swirls on InDesign For my brochure I needed more decoration. I decided I wanted to create swirls, but the process was a lot harder than I thought. I used trial and error and finally created a swirl I was proud of. Step by step instructions. First, open InDesign and click new document and ok. Or if you are doing a certain project change around the options to what you need. When you have a blank document click the line tool in the left side panel which looks like a straight line. At the top there is an option to change the size and type of line. In the box at the top it will say 0 pt. change that depending on how thick you want it. Underneath that box is one with a black thick staight line, that is where you change the type of line. Click the down arrow to the side of the box to see the different choices of lines and pick the one you want. After you have the thickness and type take your curser and drag across, depending on how short or long you want the line to be. Hold the curser down until you have the length you like. While it is outlined in the blue box, you can change the color which is found in the right side panel. Or you can click swatches and make your own color. If you want to curve your line, click the white arrow in the left side panel (second icon, underneath the black arrow). Click on the line with the white arrow and it will allow you to curve it anyway you like.

10. Unity Unity-the ability for all items in a layout to appear as one visual unit. I realized that one of the most important design elements to any project is unity. It refers to all the items on a page working together so that readers see them as one unit. It enables readers to grasp the design as a whole and understand the message. Your project is not done, until it is unified.