Creating an Effective Brochure Excerpted from The Non-Designer’s Design Book, 2 nd Ed. By Robin Williams. ©2004 Reprinted with permission of Pearson Education, Inc. and Peachpit Press.

What is a brochure: Brochures are a quick and inexpensive way to get the word out about a project. “Dynamic, well-designed brochures can be ‘eye candy’ for the readers, drawing them in and educating them in a delightful and painless way.” (Williams, 105)

Types of paper Standard tri-fold – 8.5” x 11” paper folded into thirds Booklet – –8.5” x 14” folded in half –11” X 17” folded in half

Don’t Do This…

Don’t Do This

Remember Design Principles

Tips on Designing Brochures Contrast: Use contrast in typefaces, rules, colors, spacing, size of elements, etc. But remember: Don’t be a Wimp! Repetition: Repeat various elements in the design to create a unified look. Alignment: Strong, sharp edges create a strong, sharp impression. Break out of alignment only if you have other strong alignments to contrast with the breakout. Proximity: Group similar items close together. Know your software to create proper spacing between paragraphs. Avoid keying enter twice.

Plan Ahead Plan your brochure. –If you plan your design, you control the design. –If you fail to plan, your software controls your design.

Thanks to Robin Williams. The Non-Designer’s Design Book, 2 nd ed. Berkley: Peachpit Press. 1987