A few words on templates (updated)

Many, if not all, programs come with templates to plug in your information. Templates are used for calendars, cards, flyers, and newsletters, among many, many other things.

I'm not a huge fan of the pre-packaged templates. On the right occasion, one may catch me hating them with every fiber of my being. (And on those occasions I've needed to come up with something better, or shut up.)

A few years back, I got a late afternoon call wondering if I knew Microsoft Publisher. I did. The Kirksville Arts Association newsletter needed to be put together. Ok, shouldn't take long. Ha. Famous last words.

When I took Editing with Dr. Speckman at Truman State, during the section on page layout, she said if anyone finds out that you can do a newsletter, you'll never have a moment's peace.

Anyway, I did not like the template being used. Too much white space (as much as 1/2 an inch between columns), and many other grumblings that are probably best left unsaid. However, I knew it could be better. (An example of which is in this July 7 post.)

Whether or not I could do it, well that was something else.

I started sketching out columns and photo placements, and then I tried to conform Publisher to my will. The first draft wasn't too bad. A few tweaks from the Marketing Committee and the results are what you see in this post. The front page is from Spring 2008, and the back page from Summer 2008.

(The lack of anything more recent is due to the joy of moving from one state to another. If I come across more, I'll add it to this post. Especially if I find the old template. I shudder in horror.)


*Update (24 Dec 09)*

I found it. The old template. I'll let it speak for itself. We didn't print this is four-color. The photos were changed to black and white at the printer's. For future issues, I took the time to convert the photos myself.

*Update 19 Mar 2010*

This is the first center spread for the newsletter. This issue (Spring 2008) came out after the Regional Schools exhibit. I was blown away by the talent of these kids. (And still, there are those who want to cut the arts from schools.) Anyway, it's a shame four-color printing is so cost-prohibitive.