Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Newsletter Printing - Use of Images & Paper

Several design element work together to draw the reader:

  • Paper determines how the graphics, extra colour and type appear on the page
  • Colour highlights important items by drawing readers' eyes to a headline or message
  • Graphics and photographs also capture reader's eyes

Obviously, everything on your newsletter page can't be fighting for attention. When you combine these elements to form the layout, you should highlight only the most important promotional items.

Paper- The Right Touch

From the crisp reproductions of photographs to showing your ecological concerns, paper sets the image of your newsletter. It is the one element of your newsletter design that appeals to four of our five senses. We see its colours, feel its texture, and hear its crisp rustle and even smell its fibers and ink. (I suppose each type of paper even has it's own taste, but if your readers are going this far you're in trouble).

The weight, texture and finish of your newsletter's paper determine how it feels in reader's hands. Because heavy paper conveys a solid, stable image, most organisations print on paper weights of 70# text and higher. Aside from its stable image, thicker paper also eliminates bleed-through of printing on the reverse side.

An added texture, such as a linen finish, can also boosts the "thickness" of the paper. However, one of the main drawbacks to using textured paper is that photographs don't reproduce as well as on a smooth surface.

For economical reasons, uncoated papers with a vellum, or smooth finish are commonly used for newsletter. Uncoated papers are resilient for mailing and work well for newsletters without photographs. If you regularly include photographs, investigate using coated paper. There are three kinds of coated papers used for publications: gloss, matte-coated and dull coat.

Photo finish - using photos in your printed newsletter

On glossy paper, photographs appear crisper and colours brighter than on uncoated paper. But it also the type of paper used for most brochures. A newsletter that looks too slick may have the psychological drawback of appearing like a sales promotion, rather than useful news. Also, glossy paper can be hard to read because of light reflections.

One possible compromise is matte-finished papers- a coated sheet without a glossy finish. Matte-finished paper reproduces photographs and colours well and diffuses light better. Dull coat also reproduces extremely well but can be more expensive than a matte-coated stock.

If you want to give your readers the feeling of receiving late breaking news, consider printing on newsprint. Although the paper is thin, it tends to hold ink well and it can be jazzed up with an extra colours.

One last thought on paper. Many readers are sensitive to the need to recycle. You can show your support by printing on recycled paper. Both coated and uncoated grades are available. If you choose a recycled paper, inform readers. Print the recycled logo and the line, "this newsletter is printed on recycled paper," somewhere in the newsletter.

Source : Ezinearticles

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