Design
Design plays a crucial role in the success of a newspaper. It is not just about making the paper look pretty, but it is about creating a visually appealing and engaging reading experience that captures the attention of the audience. As the Co-Editor-in-Chief for Nordic News, I have been responsible for overseeing the design of each issue, ensuring that every page has a consistent and professional look. In this section of my portfolio, I will showcase some of the design work I have done for Nordic News, as well as explain the design principles and techniques I have used to create visually impactful and effective pages.
My first year designing pages was a struggle. My lack of experience made it difficult to create visually appealing layouts and incorporate design elements that complemented the content of the articles. However, with the guidance of my editors and some trial and error, I was able to develop my skills and create designs that enhanced the overall look and feel of our newspaper. For my first page about the construction, I focused on incorporating the timeline that would capture the reader's attention and highlight the excitement surrounding the construction project. I played with colors, typography, and images to create a cohesive design that reflected the topic of the article. Through this process, I learned the importance of creating a clear hierarchy on the page, utilizing white space effectively, and maintaining consistency throughout the design. As I continued to design pages, I became more comfortable experimenting with different techniques and incorporating more advanced design elements.
In my second year of design, I made significant progress in my skills and abilities. I took on the challenge of designing all my pages independently, with no assistance from my peers except for my page partner on occasions. One of the most significant challenges I faced was dealing with white space on the page. I struggled to find the right balance between too much and too little. However, as I created more graphics and planned out my pages later, I found that it became easier to resolve this issue.As the year progressed, I realized the importance of finding the right balance. A page that is cluttered with too many elements can be overwhelming and difficult to read, but one that is too empty can be uninteresting and lacking in depth. Through experimentation and feedback from my peers and editors, I learned how to find the perfect balance between white space and design elements, resulting in visually appealing pages that complemented the content of the articles. One page that stands out to me is the spread I designed for the Hapara Article in Issue 4. The simplicity of the layout and eye-catching (literally) graphics helped to create a cohesive theme and draw the reader's eye to the important information.
In my third year as co-editor-in-chief, I have continued to develop my design skills and implement new techniques to create visually engaging layouts. One of the areas where I have seen the most growth is in my ability to use design elements to draw the reader's attention and enhance the overall aesthetic of the page. For example, in the bathroom article featured in our first issue, I utilized a unique pull quote and knew it had to be highlighted in a special manner. So, I incorporated design elements like bold typography and color to make it stand out and create a more impactful visual statement. In addition, I have also been experimenting with the use of infographics to visually communicate complex information in a more engaging way. One example of this is our coverage of the recycling issue, where I created an infographic to break down the different solutions. This not only made the information more digestible but also added a visually appealing element to the page. As co-editor-in-chief, I also prioritize collaboration with reporters in the design process. I give feedback and constructive criticism, and work closely with the staff to ensure that the visual design of the page complements and enhances their articles. Through this collaborative process, I have been able to continue growing my design skills and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with our layouts.