Henninger Consulting

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newspaper design, typography

Narrowing it down

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08.23.18: Narrowing it down


OK…SO THE NAME of your newspaper is long. So long, it has to stretch from margin to margin just to give it some size.

Or does it?

Well, if you’re using a wide typeface like Times, yes.

But you don’t have to use Times. You can use a typeface that’s much more condensed, yet still very strong.

Like Niagara Solid, in the middle. Classy and modern.

Or Onyx, at the bottom. Though condensed, it’s still very traditional.

Going to a bolder, more condensed typeface can give your nameplate the “oomph” you’re looking for.

25 on-the-job ideals

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25 on-the-job ideals

I’VE BEEN A CONSULTANT for almost 30 years. Before that, I worked more than 20 years in writing and editing positions, most of those years as an editor and manager at daily newspapers.
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During that half-century, I’ve learned a few things about how to do my work well and how to conduct myself in the workplace.
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I recently received a call from someone close to me who was struggling in her work. She asked my advice and I did my best to help her.
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After that conversation, I sent her my list of  “25 on-the-job ideals.” 
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I thought I’d take a side road from design this month to share them with you.
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Here’s the list:
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  1. Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.
  2. Be a leader.
  3. Serve the company. 
  4. Bring solutions (not problems) to the table.
  5. Be the “go to” person.
  6. Always say “yes.” You can backpedal later.
  7. Promise low, deliver high. 
  8. Share your time freely…when you can.
  9. Demand respect.
  10. Face opposition firmly…but gracefully.
  11. Be professional in everything you do.
  12. Control the things you can control. Let go of the things you can’t.
  13. Be responsible. 
  14. Be accountable.
  15. Take the high road.  
  16. Admit your mistakes…and learn from them. 
  17. Never claim credit for yourself. Those who matter will know.
  18. Lower your expectations of others. Foolish and lazy people aren’t worth the space you give them (rent free!) in your head.
  19. With rare exceptions, you’ll never be able to change what someone thinks about you. It’s usually not worth the effort.
  20. Get a mentor—someone you can talk to. 
  21. Be a mentor—someone needs your help.
  22. Leave ’em laughing.
  23. Leave ’em wanting more of you.
  24. Never think of it as “just a job.” It’s more than that to the people who matter.
  25. Remember: it’s “just a job.” Never let your work define who you are as a person.
I’ve tried to live by these ideals during my entire career. There’s been occasional slip here and there, but following these principles sure has made my professional life easier, more productive — and more fun.

WANT A FREE evaluation of your newspaper’s design? Just contact Ed: edh@henningerconsulting.com | 803-327-3322

Don’t overthink it

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08.09.18: Don’t overthink it

IT’S PAST DEADLINE. Your last page was cleared ten minutes ago. You’re done for this issue.

Now, it’s time to let it go.

You’ve done your best. All the writing, editing, designing, processing is complete.

Don’t waste a moment. Get on to work on the next issue. There’s lots to be done.

You may have made a mistake or two in this issue…but it’s done.

Let it go.

Don’t overthink it.

You’re on the list

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07.26.18: You’re on the list

WHEN YOU’RE creating a list, you’ve got some choices to make. Here are three options:

  1. Numbers with periods following.
  2. Numbers with parenthesis following.
  3. Numbers set bold, no punctuation following.

Any of these will work well and you can set these up as InDesign style sheets for use whenever.

But…be consistent. Create a style for lists and stick with it.

Next week: some other approaches to lists.