Objective

To learn InDesign layout and production techniques by recreating the following band flyer:

Procedure

Laying out the flyer

1. download starter files
2. launch InDesign
3. file > new: letter, portrait; margins=0
4. file > place "weiss.doc" and "weiss.jpg" (click+drag)
5. practice Adobe navigation keyboard shortcuts:
   • space=hand
   • space+cmd=zoom in
   • space+cmd+opt=zoom out
   • cmd+zero=fit in window
6. practice InDesign preview shortcuts:
   • cmd+opt+I (show/hide hidden characters)
   • W (normal/preview mode)
7. crop and scale image; center to page
8. draw new frame, make fill black, send object to back
9. spec fonts (ITC Franklin Gothic Demi Cond and Cochin Regular/Italic)
10. split up text into logical frames
11. adjust font size, leading, kerning, color
12. adjust layout until it matches the reference PDF file
13. print a proof for grading (with your name and exercise number)
14. file graded proof in your Process Book for individual review

Helpful keyboard shortcuts

• cmd+N: file > new
• cmd+D: file > place
• cmd+shift drag handle: resize frame & content (text or image)
• cmd+shift+[ or ]: object > arrange > send to back or front
• cmd+\: type > insert special character > indent to here
• opt+shift+hyphen: type > insert special character > em dash
• opt+8: bullet
• shift+RETURN: forced line break
• cmd+shift+< or >: change font size (2pts)
• cmd+shift+C: center type
• cmd+shift+I: italic/roman
• cmd+shift+K: all caps/lowercase
• opt+up or down: change leading
• opt+left or right: change tracking
• cmd+T: show/hide "character" palette

Tip: Google "indesign default hotkeys" or "indesign keys for working with type"