graphics com 365 newspaper layout & design. why graphics? need them to break up text, liven up...
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Graphics
COM 365
Newspaper Layout & Design
Why graphics?
• Need them to break up text, liven up page– Adds visual element
• Allow journalist to show visual relationships between numbers– Especially useful when data is complex
• A way to attract readers into a story– Readers more drawn to stories with graphics
Fast Facts
• Distills basic information in story into a quick read– May interest those
readers not really interested in reading whole story
Lists
• Used to graph rankings, itemize information
Bar Charts
• Compare two or more objects side by side
• Consists of a scale and bars running either horizontally or vertically
• Bars usually stacked in some order– By size, chronological
Fever Charts• Components:
– Scale that’s runs vertically measuring amounts– A scale that runs horizontally measuring time– A point-to-point line that shows trends
Pie Charts• Compare the parts that make up a whole
• Components:– A circle that represents 100%– Wedges that divide circle into smaller parts
(percentages)• Each slice needs to be accurate reflection of its
percentage
• Label slices inside pie or scatter around pie and draw line from label to slice
Tables
• Like lists but usually more emphasis on comparisons between rows
• Consist of:– Heading running across top of chart– Categories running down left side– Data, info in columns
• Important to align rows and columns – Align text flush left– Align numbers flush right
Timelines
• Show how events have unfolded– Key dates in history, past year– Of some event
• Crisis in Kosovo
• Chronology of events in O.J. Simpson case
Diagrams
• Freeze image so it can be examined in greater detail– Use cutaway views of object– Description of key
components of object
Locator Maps
• Can be used in stories in which:– Readers may want to go to the event
– Where something happened is important to story
• Show location of place where something occurred• Leave out unnecessary details, keep them simple
Explanatory Maps
• Used to tell a story
• Used a step-by-step sequence to tell how something happened
Guidelines
• Keep it simple– Limit number
of slices in pie chart, bars in bar chart etc.
• Keep it accurate– Charts need to be proportionate
• Especially bar charts
– Slices should be representative of percentages– Time units should be evenly spaced on fever
charts
• Compare two bars on ends– Are they proportionate? Accurate?
• Liven it up– Add illustrations, color, photos, etc.
• Need to be careful not to clutter up charts with cartoons – Should be used to organize, label data– Not just for decoration
USA Snapshots
Format• Need to have style guidelines for all
graphics– Type sizes, screen percentages, where to put credit
lines,
• Every graphic needs a headline– Except locator maps which need a pointer box
• Readability is key– Type should be normal size (around 10 pt.)
– Keep all type horizontal (except roads, rivers)
• Placement for graphics is the same as for photos– Above text
– Don’t jump text over
Parts of a graphic
• Headline: short explanation of the graphic
• Explainer: All graphics (except locator maps) should contain short explanation of what the graphic is about and why that information is important.
• Body: The element that transform the data into visual presentation
• Source: Identifies where the information for the graphic came from.
• Credit: The staff person who did the graphic.
Headline for ChartExplanation for chart goes here. It should tell the reader not only what the graphic is about but also why it is important.
Source: Associated Press
Janice Green: City News
Headline
Explanation
Body
Source
Credit Line
Bar ChartThe explanation for the chart goes here. Use a bar chart when you need to compare items.
Source: City of Normal
John Smith: City News
Pie ChartExplanation for the informational graphic goes here. Use a pie chart to compare different proportions of a whole.
Source: Associated Press
Jessica Small: City News
Fever ChartPut the explanation here. Use a fever chart to indicate trends over time
Source: Associated Press
Paul Hovey: City News
Site for newAce Hardware
Central
Stan Hunter: City News
College
Fourth Uni
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Locator MapUse when you need to locate event, trace a path, etc. Usually doesn’thave a headline or explanation, but a pointer box instead.
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