Top tips for catching the eye with design
First impressions aren’t just important when it comes to meeting new people. In fact, on average it takes 1/10th of a second for someone to make a judgement. A page layout has the ability to deter someone from reading an article, to enticing them to read further. Here are our top tips, from our top designers, on creating a standout page layout.
- Imagery
Using an appropriate image provides the reader with a snapshot of what the article is about, so make sure it matches. In other words, if the article is about how good meat pies are, don’t incorporate an image of someone enjoying a cake, that’s a good way to end up with a confused readership. - Pull Quotes
Pull quotes are another great way to allow the readers, a preview of what the text is about, and is a good space-filler. What’s even more attractive, is using a really interesting, or controversial pull out quote, to make the reader want to know more. - Legibility
Can the reader actually READ the text? Not everyone has 20/20 vision, and if the text isn’t clear and precise than you bet the reader would rather put down the magazine, than continue squinting their eyes.
So don’t go pulling out fonts such as this one.
Did you squint?
Was it fun? No. - Colour
For articles that are packed full of information, or if your journalist didn’t stick to the word count – adding bright and engaging colours, can entice the reader into giving it a go. However, also keep in mind that the colour should still match the mood of the story. You wouldn’t use bright red as the colour scheme for an article about the environment and ‘going green’. - Style
If a publication has a certain tone to it, use imagery that matches that tone. For instance, Retail Pharmacy Assistants, is a playful, bright magazine, so often fun imagery is used. If a publication has a particular colour palette, use those colours, as it creates a complete flow throughout its entirety. - Headline
Headlines are exactly what they say they are, the head of the text! Ensure it is bold, in a clear font, a bright colour and jumps off of the page into the readers lap – or at least vision. - Space
This is sometimes forgotten about but making sure there is enough space around the text so that the page doesn’t look too busy is important.
A busy, messy page is unattractive, don’t be afraid to leave space and gaps around headlines, images and the text so that the readers eyes aren’t overwhelmed with content.