2007 Graphics Team / Webmaster Report

Starr Hoffman

What Worked

• The posters looked good, and were printed well. Their bright colors ensured good visibility in places they were posted in Denton.
• The photographs of the events looked good, and add a lot of depth when incorporated into the existing website. Having a Flickr account provides further depth to the event by allowing the public to comment on the photos.
• The webmaster was able to get most website updates performed in a timely manner.
• The email list-serv proved to be a valuable communications resource during the project.

What Didn’t Work

• Only had two team members.
• One team member was not familiar with specific graphic software applications.
• Didn’t get many photos of book discussion groups or related library displays.
• Several flyers were created by Denton Reads participants without knowledge of the graphics team; the logo was sometimes incorrectly sized and appeared “stretched.” These graphics did not completely fit in with the look that the graphics team was attempting to create.
• The bookmarks were designed and printed far too late, and had to be re-designed with a single color last-minute, which resulted in a lesser-quality product than had been desired, as well as less bookmarks being used.

To think about next year (webmaster)

• Make sure everyone’s contact information is online somewhere, and that everyone knows where to find it.
• Be sure that everyone knows how to contact the webmaster when they have a problem or an update. Have an email and phone address for this person.
• When the webmaster (or any committee chair) will be out of town, that person should email the list-serv notifying the group and specifying an alternate contact for website/committee emergencies. The webmaster may need to give this person the ability to make web updates during their absence. Also be sure that at least the Denton Reads chair and one other person on your committee has an emergency phone number for you while you’re gone.
• Make sure that meeting dates, times, and locations are posted online (perhaps use the Google calendar for this), and that all participants are notified several days in advance by email.
• Perhaps designate one person to be in charge of all communications, no matter what form (list-serv, other email updates, blog, website, Google calendar). Route all official communication through that person; this would be a good way to ensure that meeting details are posted.

To think about next year (graphics team)

• Have a photographer or two arranged ahead of time for every event, and also for several book club meetings. Also arrange a group picture of all participants (either at one of the meetings, or at the author event).
• Take photographs of the posters/flyers up at various locations around town.
• Take photographs of related displays at various libraries.
• When taking photos, carefully consider the following: lighting, background, and subject diversity (age/race/gender). Particularly if those photos are to be used for promotional materials.
• When taking photos indoors, try to use a wide-angle lens (14mm) and a tripod.
• Make up participation/thanks certificates for volunteers ahead of time, using the logo and font for the project.
• All graphics materials—all flyers, shirts, posters, whatnot—should at least be run by the graphics team, and preferably be designed by them, so that the program has a cohesive, professional look.
• Be sure that everyone who will be using the logo knows where to find it, and how to use it/re-size it.
• Talk with a printing company about what kinds of file formats they'll need you to send them for posters, bookmarks, etc. Talk to them as soon as possible, before you design anything.
• All promotional materials should be designed by the graphics team as early as possible, and printed several months in advance.
• If more shirts are to be printed, work with whomever is designing/printing the shirts to ensure the logo is used as best as possible.

Back to the Committee Reports page.