Objective

To learn InDesign layout and production techniques by recreating the ad below.

Procedure

prepping for the exercise

1. download starter files
2. using Font Book, turn on Birch
3. launch InDesign
4. file > new: width = 51p9, height = 84p; margins=0; bottom slug=3p (more options); save preset "news gazette 4x14"
5. practice Adobe navigation keyboard shortcuts: space=hand; space+cmd=zoom in; space+cmd+opt=zoom out; cmd+zero=fit in window
6. practice InDesign preview shortcuts: cmd+opt+I (show/hide hidden characters); W (normal/preview mode)
7. rename "layer 1" "pix"
8. file > place all pictures (cmd+D); resize (cmd+shift-drag corner handle)
9. new layer "text"
10. file > place "reality check.doc" (cmd+D); position on pasteboard

laying out the ad

1. replace two spaces with one space (cmd+F)
2. relace two ¶ with one ¶ (^p=RETURN)
3. window > paragraph styles: normal=10/14 ITC Century Book; hyphenation=off; justification=single line composer
4. split up text into logical frames
5. make head and subhead Birch, size visually
6. indent body copy with a tab (except first paragraph); make tab 2p
7. tag text is 18pt (italic)
8. chart info: table > insert table (2 row, 5 columns)
9. select first row: table > merge cells
10. table > cell options > text: vertical align=center
11. cut and paste text into table cells, center (cmd+shift+C)
12. chart info numbers is 28/25, kerning=optical (new paragraph style)
13. use superior for "$", kern
14. "Per Month..." is 7/10 (new paragraph style)
15. small text is 6/8 Helvetica Condensed, horizontal scale=90% (new paragraph style)
16. boxed text head is Helvetica Black, center (cmd+shift+C), size visually (cmd+< or cmd+>), fill=white
17. select first row: table > cell options > rows & columns: bg=black
18. adjust table row height visually

finishing the ad

1. add drop shadow to check art (object > drop shadow)
2. add box with 1pt border on new layer (snap to edge of ad)
3. window > strokes: align stroke=inside (adjust box dimensions)
4. unlock all layers, select all (cmd+A)
5. window > align: vertical align center
6. adjust layout until it matches the reference file
7. file > Adobe PDF presets > press quality (highest resolution)

grading

1. add slug at bottom with your name
2. submit b&w laser proof (centered on 11x17 paper) with your name on it for grading
3. file graded proof in your 3-ring binder for individual review