7

Layout

As we will explain later, Salient is [unclear: ninted] by a process known as Offset. This [unclear: nvolves] taking a photograph of a comple[unclear: tely] laid out page, this image is then [unclear: transered] directly to the page of the [unclear: newspappaper] In other words what you put down is [unclear: xictly] what the final newspaper page will [unclear: ook] like.

Layout is the process of getting the page [unclear: eady] for the photograph. Using a sheet [unclear: f] suitably lined paper (showing the exact [unclear: ize] of the final newspaper page) all the [unclear: arious] processes described above are [unclear: irought] together.

The stripped copy is cut into sections which will be the columns in the final page, [unclear: nd] then stuck down with glue. The [unclear: letraet] headlines, with any graphics or [unclear: photographs] are similarly placed. Any straight [unclear: ines] that are required are inserted, and the [unclear: tage] is given a final proof-reading. It is [unclear: hen] ready to go to the printer.

While this may [unclear: ound] simple and straight-forward, it doesn't quite work like that. For a start you have only a certain amount of space available, and this space must be filled without leaving gaps. A judicious choice of photos, graphics and headlines are used to make the article fill up the space allocated it and no more.

As soon as these "non-copy" items arrive there is the problem of where to put them so that the page looks tidy and easy to read - for example photos are often used to break up otherwise long columns of copy which would be difficult to read. Lines can be used to separate stories or box sections of copy (as is done here).

This must all be done so that the page ends up looking "balanced" ie. the relationships between the various components of the page work together to produce an attractive (and hence more likely to be read) page.

While it can be tedious, frustrating and tiring, layout is the most tangibly creative part of working on a newspaper, and often the most satisfying.