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If you don't want to use the preset templates in your publishing program, here are some tricks of the trade to help you create professional looking newletters on your computer. (This assumes you have a working knowledge of your computer and publishing software.)
1. Set up a template for your newsletter starting with page size (letter size or A4 are usually best).
2. Develop a layout grid which sets page margins, divides your page into columns, and establishes horizontal lines on which to "hang" your text and pictures. For example, page margins of .5" all around, a simple 4 column grid, with .125" gutter, and horizontal divisions every 1". Note that a grid simply organizes your elements, columns and art can be more than one column wide but don't overdo it.
3. Design a simple masthead with a logo, newsletter name (try 30 to 36 point type), business name, issue number and date. Proportion the masthead to take up a little less than a third of the depth of the front page, e.g., if your copy area is 7.5 wide x 10" deep, a 7.5 x 2" masthead with about an inch of white space below will be about right.
4. Learn to use your style sheets--they'll save a lot of time in the end. To begin, keep the number of styles to a minimum. For example, Body text, Headline, Subhead, Caption, Bulleted List, Contact Info might be all you need.
1. Set up a template for your newsletter starting with page size (letter size or A4 are usually best).
2. Develop a layout grid which sets page margins, divides your page into columns, and establishes horizontal lines on which to "hang" your text and pictures. For example, page margins of .5" all around, a simple 4 column grid, with .125" gutter, and horizontal divisions every 1". Note that a grid simply organizes your elements, columns and art can be more than one column wide but don't overdo it.
3. Design a simple masthead with a logo, newsletter name (try 30 to 36 point type), business name, issue number and date. Proportion the masthead to take up a little less than a third of the depth of the front page, e.g., if your copy area is 7.5 wide x 10" deep, a 7.5 x 2" masthead with about an inch of white space below will be about right.
4. Learn to use your style sheets--they'll save a lot of time in the end. To begin, keep the number of styles to a minimum. For example, Body text, Headline, Subhead, Caption, Bulleted List, Contact Info might be all you need.
