Design is the principal component of a newspaper. It establishes harmony of the text with the words and facilitates in communicating functional messages.
2. What is newspaper design?
• Newspaper design is an
important part of print
production.
• It not only makes the
newspaper look visually
pleasing but also facilitates
communication.
• Design is communication
through signs and symbols
aimed at constructing a
functional message.
• The functional message is
constructed through pictures
and a written word—
language, creating visual
harmony.
3. Key elements of design
• Rhythm
• Balance
• Unity
• Proportion
• Contrast
• Dominance
5. Purpose of design
• Placement of the content
• Impression of the content
• Prioritization of the content
• Visibility of the elements
• Clarity of the elements
6. Elements of first page
• Format
• Newspaper head/logo
• Main Headline
• Smaller headlines
• Color
• The main photograph
• Teaser/topic above the head
• Information surrounding the
• head/flag
• Advertisement/feature or gift announcement
8. Layout of a newspaper
The modular layout:
a. Horizontal: The horizontal layout is more popular because it creates a favorable
optical illusion. They make long news reports look less forbidding, and that is why
most newspaper design specialists prefer horizontal modules.
b. Vertical: A vertical module has a deeper vertical stem. The reports therefore long,
and make a reader wary. That is why in newspaper design vertical modules are
used on Edit pages, where they add to the seriousness of the page.
c. Mix of horizontal and vertical: However, there is always the danger of dullness
creeping on the page if all the stories are laid either horizontally or vertically. The
editors generally prefer to mix horizontal and vertical modules to give the page
variety and contrast.
d. Grids: An important development in newspaper design is the evolution of the grid
concept. Design-conscious editors divide the page into three or four equal
compartments called grids. These are then paved with modules, with no news
element straying out of its grid. This lay-out is called a grid lay-out and can be
vertical or horizontal depending on whether the grid is carved out horizontally or
vertically.
