redesigning an old newsletter

[meadowyck]

Well folks, I'm seeking some guidance as I've spent several days on and off for the past 2 weeks looking for ideas.

I've been given the task of redesigning one of my companies newsletter. It currently is 6 pages that is printed off a desk top image printer and is on 81/2 x 11 size paper and then stapled together.

The company wants a new look to the old one as this is our 30th year anniversary.

I've been trying to search sites for some inspiration and haven't found anything.

Would any of you be able to lead me to some or know of any web sites where I may purchase a design template should I find one I like. I am currently working in CS3.

Any light that you could bring to my dark brain at this point would be so welcomed... After planning and designing for an awards night of 250 I'm so drained that I just can't come up with anything.

My current newsletter which I was just told I would be taking over is in a two column format.

Thanks:eek:

[Ned]

You could easily change the format of the newsletter without causing any disruptions in the current production methods. How about getting rid of the ugly, low-brow stapling by designing on an 8.5" x 11" landscape, and folding the page in two, then stacking them together like a proper newspaper?

[meadowyck]

This is interesting idea. Now off to play in InDesign to see if I can get that layout and do a mock up. I like the turn around design idea. thanks so much

[Ned]

Any time. ;)

[Broacher]

Just a comment on corporate re-designs in general from someone who has developed thick callouses on his forehead (thank you concrete support pillar outside my cubicle)... improving the design and look will get noticed... maybe even read. For a while at least. The most limiting factor in getting them to achieve their communication objective (assuming there really is one) though is the writing.

Interesting stories with great headlines, lively hooking intros, consistent tone, flow, crisp and pithy copy, good captions--- all that kind of stuff is what makes a corporate newspaper really hum, gives you layout room to play and support graphically, and most importantly, makes the reader want to read it. The problem is getting someone to take on that writing job. Without it though, you'll just be gift-wrapping the kaka.

It's no accident that in every design mag 'make-over' effort for a corporate newsletter that I've ever seen, a copy makeover is always included (though often not credited).

Of course, the challenge is getting support from the top down to invest the time and resources into making this kind of step. In too many cases, many marketing/communication directors will promise a re-design to an in-house newsletter rather than risk discussing the shortcomings of running with another front page story about the president's latest bowling trophy. Much easier to call in the graphic designer and tell them to 'make it better looking' and pretend that's all it needs.

And that's really too bad as a properly created newsletter can be one of the most effective in-house communication devices out there, if taken seriously enough.