Today, we are going to start constructing our print products. You should have already identified a genre, magazine title, etc and now you should be ready to start constructing.
The first stage in constructing a print product, particularly a magazine, is to product a flatplan. There are two types of flatplan, both of which are produced, in this order:
- Flatplan: Outlines the content of each page in the magazine so that you can see how the magazine 'flows' from one page to another.
- Detailed Flatplan: Outlines the content and layout of individual pages.
Because we aren't constructing a whole magazine, we are going to focus on detailed flatplans. You can find information relating to flatplans below;
I thought I'd also provide you with some further content guidance:
Ok, hopefully you now have an idea of what a flatplan is and how it is used to plan and realise a great quality product. It is a vital stage in the construction of high-quality print products. You are going to need a flatplan for each of your magazine pages;
- Front Cover
- Double Page Article (remember to double the page measurements)
- Advertorial
Before attempting to construct your flatplan, make sure you are clear on all the elements you must include (as identified in the brief). Make a list and tick them off as you include them in your flatplan.
Front Cover
- Masthead
- Strapline
- Cover price
- Barcode
- Main image
- Additional images
- Lead cover line
- Additional cover lines (at least 3)
Double Page Feature Article
- Space for copy (approx. 400 words)
- Headline
- Standfirst
- By-line
- Sub-headings
- Appropriate column layout
- Main image
- Additional, smaller images
- At least 2 pull-quotes
- Folio (magazine title & page number)
Advertorial
- Headline
- Standfirst
- Appropriate column layout
- Images
- Space for copy (150-200 words)
I thought, rather than write a thousand more words, I'd give you a quick demonstration of how to construct a flatplan. Here is my attempt (I apologise for all the sniffing; I have a cold):
WARNING: A MAGAZINE IS NOT A4! YOU WILL HAVE TO CUSTOMISE THE PAGE MEASUREMENTS!
Once you've exported your flatplans as images, put them on your blog, clearly labelled so I know which page I am looking at. You have one week to complete ALL of your flatplans.
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