Before you sit down to create your individual pages you need to create a flatplan that incorporates all the required elements of the publication. You will need to include a flatplan in your project brief. Is your design going to change as you get into it and learn more – YES. Do you need to start looking for ideas NOW to make your project a success – YES.
The more time you put into this, the easier it will be to face those 12, 16, 20 pieces of blank paper. Students tell me EVERY SEMESTER – “I wish I would have put in the time for planning, I think I would be happier with my end result.”
Remember you need to design a publication that is divisible by 4 to ensure you can print out a hardcopy for your portfolio. You will need at least 12 pages for most publications.
Flatplan Online Designer Options
You can create one by hand or use an online tool. I have not used all of these platforms, but they should get you started as you design the flatplan for your publication. You may need to set up a trial account and take a screenshot of your plan.
- https://www.pageplanr.com/
- https://www.blinkplan.com/
- https://www.flipsnack.com/
- https://www.flat-plan.com/
A flatplan is an important and integral link in the production of any magazine. It shows an overview of pages containing editorial and advert positions before the production work commences.
https://www.magazineproduction.com/how-to/what-is-a-flatplan/
Flatplan Samples
Your flatplan should include several content elements and will vary depending on the publication you are designing – you will want to review the rubric for each to determine the exact requirements for each. Note the page order is up to you – you don’t have to go exactly according to this list. The number of pages you allocate for each element is up to you – unless marked.
And YES, you are allowed to change the layout if something is not working.
Travel Guide Required Elements
- Front Cover
- Welcome Letter
- Table of Contents (Extra Credit)
- General Information Infographic
- Entertainment & Recreation
- Food
- Hotels
- Timeline
- Map & Attractions (2 pages)
- Top 10 Article
- Back Cover
Magazine Required Elements
- Front Cover
- Table of Contents
- Editor’s Note
- Letters To The Editor
- Top 10 Article
- Recipe Article (3 recipes)
- Long Article (3 pages)
- Infographic
- Bugle Girl Ad Full Page
- Product Ad Full Page
- AI CIAB Full Page Ad
- AI CIAB Half Page Ad
- AI CIAB Quarter Page Ad
- Subscription Cards (2 pages back-to-back)
- Classified Ads
- Back Cover
- Extra Credit Elements
- Author Profile
- Advice Column
- OYO Tutorial Ad
Planning Your Publication Project 