Brochures Digital Publication Design

Brochure Folds Each side of a fold is called a panel.

Brochure Folds

Brochure Design Tips Fold a piece of paper and label sides before designing. Otherwise, your design might be backwards. Folding and unfolding your sheet can help you design according to the way readers view your panels. Often you will treat the outside of a brochure fold (with cover panel and mailing panel) as separate panels because readers view the outside as folded.

Brochure Design Tips Typically the inside panels are viewed as one visual unit. Decide whether to treat each panel individually or several panels as one visual unit. Select outside margin and gutter options. You will want to have even margins around each panel that readers view separately. Prioritize brochure content. The most important information (dominant heading and graphic) should be on the cover panel because readers see it first.

Proximity—Place related items close together on a page to create unity visually. Repetition—Use repetitive elements such as shapes or unique fonts to tie the panels together Harmony/consistency—Create harmony by using items with a similar theme, mood or treatment. Consistency of color, shape, size and style. Direction—Use design elements to direct the eye from one item or section to another. Items should point into rather than off the page and toward rather than away from one another.

Contrast permits one item to stand out from others on the page Contrast permits one item to stand out from others on the page. This can be used to provide emphasis and avoid monotony. Plan appropriate use of color, white space, photos and illustrations. Make conscious decisions regarding photos—consider demographic parity, avoid bias and stereotypes, and avoid photo clichés. Remember your target audiences.

Brochure Assignment Tri-fold brochure. Front cover panel: Must have dominant heading and graphic element. Must clearly identify the focus of the publication. Back cover panel: Contact information for organization. Logo is optional. Must use photos or illustrations. Use appropriate design elements, such as color, white space, bullets, headings, rules, boxes, text wrap, extra leading. Avoid using too many different fonts. Goal: Clean and attractive publication, with increasingly sophisticated design evident. Use text and graphics to guide the eye throughout your publication.