TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Covers and color From:Stuart Reynolds <stuartr -at- FIRSTGRAPHICS -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 19 Jul 1995 19:25:04 -0700
Hi Marilynne..
>I am in the process of writing a brand new User Guide. The User Guide will
>be placed in 3-ring binders. I need ideas for the cover, especially for
>colors. This User Guide will be used by people working in the area of law
>enforcement.
I would stick to "conservative" colour schemes, most likely with
blue/white/black. Use white-space as your "friend" and not dead space. If
it is a regional enforcement unit, then perhaps go along the lines of their
colours. If it is for general law enforcement across a wide area (even
country) then as boring as it is, stick with the blue/black and white. I
don't like using red or amber/yellow with law related work. It is fine for
ad's and the like, but for more serious documentation stay clear of "loud"
colours. However, based on that statement, exactly who the audience is and
what the document relates too, can also have an effect on the colour
scheming. The more serious (well ok ALL law enforcement documentation is
serious) the more reason to stay conservative. Keeping to conservative
colouring yes, is boring as hell. But, you can use half-toning and create a
collage effect, to give the cover some "eye appeal".
Hope this helps, somewhat at least.
Stui
------=| First Impression Graphics |=------
No One's Life, Liberty or Property is safe while the
Legislature is in session