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2003 Spring Conference

Telle gives tips for improving newsletter layouts

UND alum Scott Telle started Grand Forks advertising agency Ad Monkeys from scratch after graduating over 10 years ago and shared with NDPC conference attendees some tips for improving newsletter layouts.

“Use creativity and self-restraint in the same layout,” he said.

First, Telle said, identify your abilities and limitation and determine if you’re the right person to design the newsletter or if outsourcing it would be a better option. Telle said it’s also important to become familiar with the print shop, if one will be used, and its file requirements and computer software compatibility.

When it comes to layout, Telle says designers should look for inspiration from other newsletters. Looking at examples of others’ work provides good ideas of both what works and what doesn’t.

It’s important, he said, to design a template and stick with it so readers see a consistent look. And, he said, “Don’t be afraid to ask others’ opinion of a layout.”

Additional Telle tips:

• Limit the number of fonts and use ones that work well together
• Use clip art as decoration with a tie to stories, not as a band-aid to fill empty space
• Use meaningful photos with good composition
• Don’t be afraid of white space – use it to draw attention to a piece
• Add visual interest with pull quotes, illustrations and side bars
• Always use headlines for stories and cutlines for photos
  

- Doris Cooper