Flat plans are drawings that show the proposed layout of text, images, and graphics on a page. They allow designers to experiment with different layouts quickly before making a final decision. This helps reduce production time and ensures the design is well thought out. More detailed plans can then be made incorporating example content to better visualize how the page will look. Good flat plans presented neatly that show a range of layout ideas will receive higher marks than a single idea or poorly presented work.

1. Flat plans / Mock-ups
Flat plans are drawings of a page layout that show where the
different text, picture and graphic elements will go on a page.
Flat plans give designers the chance to experiment with a wide
variety of different layouts quickly and easily, before coming to a
final decision on page layout.
They will allow you to experiment and try and find a layout you are
happy with before going into production.
This helps to cut down on production time and leads to a product
which has been clearly thought out.

2. Flat plans
2
b

3. Flat plans
From these simple first draft outlines you can
then produce a more detailed plan which
incorporates some example content
This will help to give you a better idea of how
your page might look.

4. Example Layout
20 21
ArticleHeading
Text Text
Text
Text
Information bar
www.bluesmag.co.uk www.bluesmag.co.uk

5. Example Front Cover
Additional cover line
Additional cover line
Picture
Here is a basic layout for
a front cover along with
an example image
Main Sell line
Additional cover line
MASTHEAD

6. Getting good marks
In order to gain high marks you must show
that you have drafted a range of ideas. One
single idea will not get high marks
You need to present your work clearly and
neatly. Badly presented work will not get
high marks
You need to make sure you manage you
time well, so that you hit your deadlines
and you produce a good range of work
 Work on layouts,
drafting, scripting or
storyboarding.
 Care taken in the
presentation of research
and planning
 Time management
Grading Criteria

7. Over to you
 Now it’s your turn to produce a flat plan / mock up for each page of your
magazine.
 Look at what you have found in your research and use it to inform and
influence your design.
 Your project should have a clear progression from research to planning and
then to production.