USA Today
Publication, Layout and Typography Design
Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop
The USA Today newspaper design was a project created for an advanced Publication and Layout course during my time at school. The goals of the project were to showcase strong typography arrangement, techniques and formatting, utilize a grid system and produce a professional and balanced layout. The content for the newspaper was created by referencing popular events and influential figures during the year 2015.
Thought Process & Concept Sketches
Before gathering my images and creating the stories (which I used from other newspaper articles) for the articles, I took reference from other USA Today newspaper covers from the past to see how their arrangements were created. I analyzed the layouts, image choice and placement of the elements to ensure my cover aligned with USA Today’s brand standards as well as the overall cover style.
Color Palette & Typography
In order to maintain consistency throughout the newspaper cover design, I used the same typefaces and color palette that USA Today uses for their real cover designs. Creating and utilizing a grid system that functioned as the starting point for the space where the articles would fit on the cover was the biggest challenge I faced during this project. I wanted the arrangement and formatting of the articles to compliment the imagery selected for them and the grid system helped me in executing this step.
Outcome
By studying past USA Today covers and utilizing an effective grid system, the final design for the USA Today newspaper cover showcases strong use of the fundamental design principles such as hierarchy, balance, alignment, movement, repetition and contrast. When looked at side by side it is difficult to tell that the cover is not a real USA Today newspaper.
