Tim Harrowers Rules of Thumb

Basic Layout

All stories should be shaped like rectangles.

Avoid boxing stories just to keep headlines from butting.
Only box stories if they are special or different.
The optimum depth for legs of text is 2-10 inches.
Run at least 4 inches of a story before you jump it.
Jump at least 6 inches of a story.
Jump stories once and only once.
Whenever possible jump all stories to the same place.

Headlines

Every story needs a headline.

Headlines should get smaller as you move down the page.
5-10 words are optimum for most headlines.
Dont butt headlines.

Art

Every page should have a dominant piece of art.

A well designed page is generally at least 1/3 art.
Avoid placing any graphic element in the middle of a leg of type.
Avoid placing art at the bottom of a leg of type.
When in doubt, run one big photo instead of two smaller photos.
When using two or more photos, make one dominant.
Try to vary the shapes and sizes of all photos.

Cutlines

When cutlines run beside photos, they should be at least 6 picas wide.
When cutlines run below the photo, square them off evenly and make sure they do not
extend beyond either edge of the photo.

Text

Use italics, boldface, reverse and special effects in SMALL doses.

Type smaller than 8 point is difficult to read.
Text that wraps below a photo should be at least 1 inch deep.