Module 4- Desktop Publishing

To prepare for this assignment, I watched the video about using Microsoft Word as a document publisher.  I chose to use Word because it was readily available on my desktop and I had never used it to make flyers or posters before.  I decided I would use a template for the paper document but then attempt to build my own for the e-flyer.

Honestly, I decided to use the template for the paper version by accident.  I found a template that included a section of customizable contact information slips and because the flyer I wanted to create was for a class, I thought this would be helpful.

I changed the template by adding my information and switching out the images.  I also added some shadowing and WordArt for my heading text boxes.  I tried to play with the margins to have the color reach the bottom of the page but when it wasn't looking right, I decided to leave them alone.

I then saved my paper flyer as a PDF and made the drive out to the nearest print shop.  Much to my disappointment, I realized the text box and the strips I used for the contact information got clipped from the bottom.

I knew I wouldn't have a chance to get back to the print shop but I still wanted to figure out how to fix my problem.  I moved the text box up a bit and then I was able to see it in the PDF form.  I still haven't been able to figure out how to make the contact slips appear completely, even after having my tech-y husband take a look.

Meanwhile, I decided to focus on the e-flyer.  I rewatched the video about Microsoft Word and tried to follow along to create my own e-flyer.  The video showed a version of Word that didn't totally match with mine but I was still able to use some of the tools and enhancements it used.

The trickiest thing I tried to do was change the shape of the clip art images.  I didn't want to just have boring squares, so I began trying to figure out how to fill the shapes with the image, similarly to the technique I used in the Keynote presentation.  After trying to figure it out on my own for a while, I decided to go out and see if I could find a tutorial.  Finally, I found one that explained I had to go the Shape option on the toolbar and select the "Picture" tab.  There was then an opportunity to choose a clipart image, however, none of the images were labeled.  I had to select and preview a series of images until I found the ones I needed.  It was time consuming, but I was glad to finally have the images in different shapes.  I think it made the simple e-flyer appear a bit more interesting.