Researching other existing newspaper-style publications will help me to gauge where my own publication might sit within the field, as well as which design considerations might be appropriate or relevant to my work, and also what has not been previously explored within this style of publication:
The Skinny is a Northern independent monthly newspaper detailing
current events in the North of England, including music concerts, gallery
exhibitions and restaurants - recognisable for it's extensive content
and dense layouts
Another independent newspaper based in Leeds and Manchester - is similar
in many ways to regular tabloid but has a freer grid system, greater uses of white space
Iceberg, designed by SocioDesign, produced for KAE — Looking at scale, a smaller
newspaper such as this could prove to be more accessible to a larger audience,
and would allow the newspaper to be carried much further than the
initial point of receipt, in bags or pockets.
Again looking at scale, an obviously oversized publication could
be more attractive to certain audiences. Although it could be
considered inconvenient, the size could also serve as a key aspect
of the design, forcing readers to be immersive and to actively
engage in the publication and its content.
An example of a less conventional newspaper front page layout — it is mostly
pictorial but with a clear title and the minimum amount of information
for users to identify the publication.
Another example of an unconventional front page layout, this time
featuring a bolder design with more text but still as eye-catching
and attractive to audiences — the two tone colour palette is effective
in creating a clear identity for the publication
Another example of a minimal front page design with a greater use of
white space and off-centre image and text placement.
An example of a minimal layout within a publication — due to the traditional
size of a broadsheet most newspaper publications contain the maximum amount of information,
but it is still as effective to leave larger areas of white space to create clear and concise content.
This is a very effective example of how a newspaper publication might be packaged. Here
a sleeve is used to protect a fold-out print, however this does not limit the size of the
publication and aids a more convenient distribution and reader experience.
Another example of how packaging might be incorporated into the design — a
cardboard envelope that has to be torn open to access publication inside — envelope
also features cut away sections so that the publication may be visible through the packaging.
When undertaking this research I chose not to look at commercial information newspapers as the content and layouts are the opposite of what I would like to focus on within my publication. However, I will apply the distribution techniques of commercial publications when considering how I might distribute my own newspaper.