The Art-Edit Relationship Katie Schlientz Woman’s World magazine
Katie@KatieSchlientz.com • www.KatieSchlientz.com
The Art-Edit Relationship
Welcome! A little about me W hy I think this topic is important
The Art-Edit Relationship
In my experience, the main reason WHY there can be a conflict between the two is simple. It’s because the designer and editor have the SAME goals. There is a fine line in between.
The Art-Edit Relationship
A t some publications, I’ve seen more of a disconnect between the art and edit departments. At other places, it’s been more of a team effort.
The Art-Edit Relationship
ď W hen there is a team effort: - Problems are solved effortlessly -Deadlines are met -Employees are happier
The Art-Edit Relationship
ď T he Art-Edit Relationship has two basic levels: -On the page -In the office
The Art-Edit Relationship
ď On the page: - Art and edit directly rely on each other - You have to cater your skills to your magazine, and a lot of that focuses on the editorial goal
The Art-Edit Relationship
ď O n the page: -Editorial goal - You always have to keep the bigger picture in mind: 1. Your Readership: men vs woman, adult vs child, demographics... Who is your reader? 2. Time: Month/Season
The Art-Edit Relationship
ď O n the page: - Then comes the specifics of your story - It shouldn’t be a guessing game when a reader looks at the page; the topic should be clear - The edit and art has to match
The Art-Edit Relationship
ď O n the page: - The number one mistake designers make is not reading the copy. - It should be your first step each and every time. -Read it carefully!
The Art-Edit Relationship
ď O n the page: - A great example
The Art-Edit Relationship
O n the page: - Even if you rely on a photo department to pull images, you still must read the copy - Mistakes are made often; has the domino effect - It’s a designer’s responsibility to make sure the art and edit match
The Art-Edit Relationship
ď O n the page: -Example
The Art-Edit Relationship
ď O n the page: Looking for a job?
Learn how to use illustrator and other drawing programs to create these elements. Companies are looking to design on the cheap! If you can provide these items instead of using stock, you have a leg up on your competition!
- Art can also be used to enhance or add to a story - Photographs, graphs, and illustrations can be used to provide the reader with information that didn’t make it into the story
The Art-Edit Relationship
ď In the office: * Quick disclaimer: Conflict with the edit and art departments does not happen every where and every day.
The Art-Edit Relationship
ď In the office: - It is important the art and edit departments communicate effectively - It will effect the process - It can effect the page
The Art-Edit Relationship
In the office: - Why is there conflict? • Designers think visually, editors sometimes can’t • Editors don’t like to cut copy • Designers don’t like to change designs • Editors don’t understand the limitations of art (using low res images, tracking type, etc.) • Both sides have creative people who take pride in their work • Both sides sometimes do not communicate clearly with each other
The Art-Edit Relationship
ď In the office: - The Solution? - It may sound like common sense, but there are simple solutions that will get you through any art-edit conflict
The Art-Edit Relationship
In the office: - The Solution? • Listen to each side • Do not give attitude, even if you are receiving it • Be FLEXIBLE • Practice empathy • Don’t focus on the problem, focus on the solution • Have to be able to sell your product • Use emotional intelligence
The Art-Edit Relationship
In the office: - Emotional Intelligence: • Managing your emotions without becoming overcome by them • Having a strong sense of empathy • Not letting setbacks/ disappointments derail you
The Art-Edit Relationship
In the office: - Emotional Intelligence: • Daniel Goleman conducted several studies in the workplace. He came to the conclusion that people who have high emotional intelligence are more likely to succeed in their careers. • What’s your “EQ”?
The Art-Edit Relationship
In the office: - Emotional Intelligence: • Whether you are a writer, editor, or designer, you are going to have a lot of things thrown at you; ads change; stories change; layouts change... • It’s important to be able to cope and quickly create solutions
The Art-Edit Relationship
In the office: - Emotional Intelligence: • Doesn’t just help you with your sanity • Your peers will notice and they will want to work with you • Helps you become a permanent fixture at your company
Thank you! Questions?
Can’t think of any right now? E-mail: Katie@KatieSchlientz.com Katie@KatieSchlientz.com • www.KatieSchlientz.com