With the advent of the personal computer, a wealth of desktop publishing software has enabled the aspiring work-at-home publisher to create presentations, brochures, posters, business cards and a wide variety of materials needed to run a business or advertise a garage sale. Here, Internet Brothers will provide some pointers so that your desktop publishing projects will have the best look possible without spending years in design school. We talk about the basics to get started, establishing a relationship with a professional desktop publisher and print shop, and learning the importance of text and layout in your presentation.
The Basics of DTP — Consider your options.
Here we'll discuss do-it-yourself vs. hiring a professional. We'll take a look at
typography, presentation, alignment, design, and much, much more. There's more
than meets the eye. First and foremost, you have to realize that a personal
computer is not a typewriter. Do you know what justified text is? You will.
Working with a Professional — by John Gold of Custom Communications. Since 1989, Custom Communications has been providing superior writing, editing, and graphic design services for clients in the Northeastern United States. Their expanded business now offers a wide variety of services including: design, writing, editing, photography, production (layout and typesetting), book packaging, corporate and organizational histories, and web site creation. Just as owning a propane torch doesn't necessarily qualify you to do the plumbing in your house, having a computer and a printer in the den doesn't mean you're ready to create a professional-looking publication.
Text in Terms of Layout — Continuing our tradition of guest articles, Judy Vorfeld of Office Support Services has been kind enough to share her expertise on this subject with us, and now you. Judy, affectionately known as Webgrammar, calls Arizona home. Hard working, dedicated, and a great friend come to mind. Here, she offers a case study of a web site she improved with simple DTP technique.
“If you provide clients with finished artwork that will go to a print shop, you want the finest contrast possible.” — Judy Vorfeld
DTP Potpourri — Webgrammar is back with a new series guaranteed to improve your Desktop Publishing skills. Ever wonder what kerning and leading are? Learn some of the basic ANSI character sets and get advice about printing and art work. She'll teach you how to make your favorite print shop happy by preparing ahead of time. Choose the right paper and finishing for your job and sound smart when doing it. What are you waiting for?
Other Online Desktop Publishing Resources:
Desktoppublishing.com
DTP at About.com
Design and Publishing
Desktop Publishing Software Reviews
DTP
at Wikipedia
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