Brochure

I was working on making a brochure this past week and I decided that I would just a bunch of tools to help me through the process.  I used a simple document program to start with, Pages.  I found a very nice looking template that I almost immediately changed completely to the point that I am still not sure as to why I didn't create my own.   I also used an app on my phone that let me add decoration to my photos.  So after I took some screen shots of the OverDrive app I used this photo app to add in these colorful boxes to highlight areas I wanted to talk about.  I was happy with how these photos turned out and I am would use this type of photo enhancement again.  

I added the red rectangles!

After I had my photos ready, I started to add them into the trifold.  I was not happy with any layouts and I was continually changing the order of things and often using way too much text.  I found it hard to find just the right amount of text.  I would either end up with a complicated paragraph of directions that was so tiny no one could ever read it or such a short description that it left more questions than answers. I left it at the "too short" end of the spectrum.  I decided that if someone had a basic knowledge of technology and apps that this would be just enough to get them going and let them explore.  I also decided that it was enough information to get others logged in and ready to check out a book and the contact information would give them the opportunity to come in and let me go over other aspects of the app with them one-on-one.  

I hope to have more practice at making brochures because I am really not that happy with the one I created.  It may be because I simply haven't made many, or because there was just too much information needed and it became too busy.  I am leaning towards the fact that I am just inexperienced.  

One thing I thought about doing (if I had more time) was to add a QR code to link to a video or online set of instructions.  At my school, we often make little videos to send out to classes that are almost like a mini lesson.  I would think having some type of link for an online video tutorial would be helpful when using technology.  There was a lot more I wanted to show on this brochure but it just didn't fit well.  

Once again, this is the type of project that I would have said sounded easy and "of course I can make that for you",  later to find out that there is a lot more to it than I had originally thought.  I plan to get some lessons from my sister who happens to be a graphic designer and improve my skills.  I hope that I can make some templates for myself that I know will work for what I need in the library.