Magazines, Publications, & Layouts
One of the first skills I learned professionally was layout design. Beginning in college I helped my fraternity bid for and produce our regional publication which we turned into an online blog and a printed newsletter/magazine hybrid. Since then every position I’ve held professionally has allowed me to dust up and improve upon their newsletters, magazines, and other publications to increase their success and notoriety.
I have written, done wireframes, drawn storyboards, and completed concept production on publications in addition to layout and pre-press production. I’ve worked on over 300 publications, over 120 of which I have led through the entire print process from initial scope to publication and mailing.
A PASSION FOR LAYOUT
Once I began working with the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce my layout skills were used heavily. I have produced an average of twelve newsletter magazines, one 80-page destination guide, 2 program guides, and one or two multi-page layouts per year. I oversee the content, layout, and image assets for everything that goes out, and I love to find unique ways to add visual flair to a layout.
Over the next few pages, I’ve included some of my favorite projects to have worked on over the years. A few of these, including the Good Life Destination Guide (cover for 2024 featured to the right) have even won Communications Excellence awards from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) over the past few years.
I have created a project management flow that suits multiple organizations when it comes to layout and magazine workflow. I can turn a 40-page document around in 2 days' design time and like to allow 48 hours for editorial proofing and final approvals up the chain of command.
I predominantly use InDesign as my program of choice, though the entire Adobe® Creative Suite gets used during my creative layout process most days.
MY LAYOUT & DESIGN PROCESS
Step 1: Scope & Planning
I scope out every project I work on, and the layout is no different. I find out what content needs to be created, placed, and assigned, then work through pagination to make sure there’s enough space allotted for all requirements.
Step 2: initiation & Execution
Next, I begin the initial placement of all elements for a design and determine where I might be able to add creative spin to something in production. I also ensure all ads or other assets are accounted for. Once that’s done I create a style guide/template to use for the whole of the document.
Step 3: Monitor & Finalize
During main production I ensure nothing new needs added or, in cases where something HAS to be added I adapt the design and continue to build. Once all content is placed I print and do a sight proof for myself and the team before releasing it to all parties for final proof and approval.
Published May 2023
The Good Life Destination Guide is an annual publication produced in coordination between Destination Rogers and the Rogers Lowell Chamber. This issue included several new maps I designed along with a new smattering of photography from several photoshoots supervised by myself and our Marketing Communication team at the chamber.
MY ROLES |
Creative Director
Photographer
Customer Relations (ad sales)
Visual Designer
Print Manager
Published February 2023
Each year the Rogers Lowell Chamber produces twelve Chamber Voice Magazines, and each February the issue released is the Annual Report. This issue is special and tricky for the same reason – there’s a ton of special information that needs to be displayed in a way that attracts the reader to both care and want more. For this issue, I took a more directorial role and was able to mentor a new designer on infographics for the first time in their career. The results were impactful and fulfilling for both of us!
MY ROLES |
Creative Director
UX Director
Visual Designer
Team Manager
Other Publications and Writing Examples
I wanted to include a selection of other types of publications I have contributed to. These six offer a glimpse at the wide range of work and my style development over the years.
Title | 2023 NWA Entrepreneur’s Guide
A quick, introductory guide for those looking to start a business in Arkansas
Title | 2021-2022 The Good Life Destination Guide
A previous issue of The Good Life, this one featuring the creativity I developed with the Chamber’s older branding
Title | Chamber Voice of Business Magazine Special Edition - Centennial Celebration
A special release of our Chamber Voice magazine in commemoration of our Centennial Celebration event
Title | 2023 Mission 5 Mid-Year Report
A clean, informative mid-year report on the Chamber’s mission work – subtlety doesn’t have to mean boring
Title | Spring 2012 Podium Magazine
The Podium is the official magazine of the fraternity and sorority I worked at, and was a lot of fun to produce
Title | Kappa Kappa Psi Guide to Membership
I don’t just do magazines and reports, as this educational guidebook for members of the fraternity shows