Course Material

1. Editor’s Letter
DMET 255

2. Purpose
 This is first editorial page in the magazine. It is welcoming letter
from the editor-in-chief in which he or she explains the content of
the issue.
 It depends on the style of the publication and the editor’s
journalism voice but it basically covers the main topics in the issue
but also it can contain some thoughts about the topics this
magazine covers in general.
 For example: if the magazine in hand is a political weekly than the
editor’s letter can cover some political events that happened just
before the magazine’s issue date.

3. DMET 255 PURPOSE
 Brainstorm for your magazine
 Find a voice & make it personal
 Practice your writing skills
 Reference feature article and page #

4. Sections
1. Introduction – Short personal story or point of reference to grab the attention of the reader and
relate to the contents of the magazine.
2. Body – Editor’s chance to reference articles in the magazine, include related facts, or reference
current news/trends that relate to the magazine issue.
3. Conclusion – Time to quickly draw your message to an end by wrapping up your ideas into a few
sentences. You may also leave the reader off with a rhetorical question or invite them to actually
write in and ask questions!

5. Design and Layout

6. Kicker
Acts as a bridge between text and body
copy
Sets tone of the article-what to expect in
the issue
Smaller font size than heading-bigger
than body copy
If headline is in a sans serif font, make the
kicker in a serif font
Not a required element, but can add to
the design. Sometimes the image and
header are enough.

7. Pull Quotes
Attractive design element that can break
up big blocks of body copy.
Use them in conjunction with the image
to tell a story
Set the font size big enough to pull the
reader’s attention, but it shouldn't be at
big as the headline.

8. Kicker
Acts as a bridge between text and body
copy
Sets tone of the article-what to expect in
the issue
Smaller font size than heading-bigger
than body copy
If headline is in a sans serif font, make the
kicker in a serif font
Not a required element, but can add to
the design. Sometimes the image and
header are enough.

9. Organization & Harmony
Includes a Title
Colors Match throughout
One column of text in serif font
Easy to read

10. Saturation & Placement of
Image
Black and White can transform a picture!
Text wrap creates a unique column and
design.
Notice the signature!

11. Kicker & pull quote
Quote marks as decoration.
Kicker is distinct and matches color
palette.
Pull quote stands out & is easy to read.

12. Simplicity
2 columns
Justified text – tracking adjusted
Simple but effective!

13. Typography
Typography adds excitement.
Extra images might be PNG files.

14. Purposeful photography
Buttons and thread were taken with
intent.
Image is framed off and a drop shadow is
used, which matches the thread.

18. Checklist
 Signature & Title
 Professional Photo
 A letter from you!
What do you need to create your editor’s
letter?

19. Let’s Get Started!