Objective

To learn InDesign layout and production techniques by recreating the following band flyer:

Procedure

Laying out the flyer

1. download starter files
2. launch InDesign
3. file > new: letter, portrait; margins=0; save preset "blank portrait"
4. practice Adobe navigation keyboard shortcuts: space=hand; space+cmd=zoom in; space+cmd+opt=zoom out; cmd+zero=fit in window
5. practice InDesign preview shortcuts: cmd+opt+I (show/hide hidden characters); W (normal/preview mode)
6. file > place "weiss.doc" (click+drag) and "weiss.jpg" (single-click)
7. scale and crop image
8. dupe picture frame (opt+shift drag), delete content (direct select tool), make fill black
9. spec fonts (Franklin Gothic Condensed and Cochin)
10. split up text into logical boxes
11. adjust font size, leading, kerning, color
12. adjust layout until it matches the reference PDF file
13. submit b&w laser proof with your name on it for grading
14. file graded proof in your 3-ring binder for individual review

Helpful keyboard shortcuts

• cmd+D: file > place
• cmd+shift drag handle: resize frame & content (text or image)
• cmd+shift+[ or ]: object > arrange > send to back or front
• cmd+\: type > insert special character > indent to here
• opt+shift+hyphen: type > insert special character > em dash
• shift+RETURN: forced line break
• cmd+shift+< or >: change font size (2pts)
• cmd+shift+C: center type
• cmd+shift+I: italic/roman
• cmd+shift+K: all caps/lowercase
• opt+up or down: change leading
• opt+left or right: change tracking

Tip: Other keyboard hotkeys are in the help menu. Search for "keys for working with type" (print this page for reference).