So, I'm currently going to school for Graphic Design/Communication Design whatever you want to call it! The current project I have to tackle is to design a newsletter directed towards a targeted group, and in order to break out of my usual project topics (animals, music, crafts being the biggest) I've decided to create a newsletter specifically geared towards Transgendered Youth. So, since I'm only one little boy, and everyone's situations are different, I can't possibly know what would be most beneficial to everyone, so I'm asking for the input of others!

Tentative name for the publication is "BEYOND" but I'm not sure if I totally like it, but that's really my only idea so far that is decent. So if anyone has any better names, I could use ideas!
Tentative masthead, if I do settle with "BEYOND" being the name...

(for this project we were given the restriction to one spot color plus black, the color I've chosen is the green)

Article Ideas: (In the end, I'll need enough articles for two issues, each being 4 or 6 pages, each page 8.5 X 11)
-Coming out tips, who to tell first, where to get help
-Passing tips
-How do you know you're transgender/ coming to terms with yourself
-Overcoming dysphoria
-Trans friendly stores, where to purchase prosthetics
-Success stories
-Trans friendly schools/colleges
-inspirational quotes
-Famous trans people?

heh, I'm drawing a blank now, I swear I had more ideas!

Also, in both issues, I plan on doing about a half a page of tips for parents, how to be most supportive, accepting your child, common parent's questions answered, etc.

So, if you're 13-23 what would YOU like to see in a newsletter. If you're older, think back to that age range and what would YOU like to see. Any ideas that you really like/dislike?

Any and ALL ideas, feedback, adding to my ideas, etc is welcome!! Thanks in advance! Of course I'll post the finished product for ya'll to see!

Hi colormyworld, (OK is there a short name?) I'm in the business your studying for. I was involved with the "International Association of Printing House Craftsmen" (IAPHC for short) and as I came through the ranks of officer I held the position of "Bulletin" editor and publisher.

Couple of things come to mind, You may want to have some kind of "message from the eitor or president, etc. at the beginning to kind of act as an introduction page. (we had a "message from the president, followed by the Vice president, treasurer,etc). Next I would include info from either medical or Ph.D. type professionals "advice" contacts, etc. In other words "expand" the content, of the newsletter, maybe even a Q.& A. section and feature a different or "resident" expert to cover the questions.

Anything else I can help with let me know.

Another note (I know you've choosen the green)but I thought you might be interested in this

QuoteIn 1999, Pantone announced cerulean blue as the Color of the Millennium.[14] In 2004, Pantone, partnering with Colorstrology by Michele Bernhardt, announced violet tulip as the Colorstrology Color of the Year for 2005.[15]
Colorstrology Color of the Year
2005: Violet tulip[16]
Solely, Pantone started announcing the Color of the Year series in 2007.[17]
Color of the Year:
2007: Chili pepper[18]
2008: Blue iris[19]
2009: Mimosa[20]
2010: Turquoise[21]

Good luck with your project, Evie
S.E.A. Graphics, NY

Quote from: colormyworld on January 15, 2010, 06:09:29 PM
If you're older, think back to that age range and what would YOU like to see. Any ideas that you really like/dislike?

I first read your message last night. With absolutely no experience nor training in publishing, there wasn't a lot to contribute.

Apart, perhaps, from this bit.

If I were in that age range still, and I saw this magazine, I would want to see an opening statement telling people like me that I am normal, that I'm not bad, not a pervert, not useless, pointless, degenerate, and that I do have a place in this world.

But I'm sorry to say, I don't know how you would write this.

Another point.

If this is directed at people like us, will it simply be a source of mirth to others?

If it is directed at others, will it be a preachy lecture on why TGs are cool and OK, really, honest, no kidding?

I make this second point to ask, to what extent, this will be directed?

In my limited experience with TG youth, the worry was how to come to terms with what I am. (Emphasise I, at that time, I was the only TG in the history of humanity).

These are just comments though, from someone who doen't know much abiut this subject. I really wish you the very best.

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Post Merge: January 16, 2010, 05:45:07 AM

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A thouhgt has just occured to me. But just a sugestion.

The newsletter is from the only TG in the history of humanity.

You are the only one.

You explain to people that this is what you are and variety is what makes humans so interesting.

You then go on to describe how you came to terms with it and what you do about it.

Braindump in... 3... 2... 1... GO! 

I like the idea of an "interview" (mock or otherwise) from a transitioned person that's integrated successfully into society as their real gender. Not a famous one, just an average person to show that it can be done - integration is not a pipe dream.

Extending on that.... reader voxpop style page. Think a forum style question, with lots of "readers" sending in their "viewpoints and experiances". Oh, and a question for "next issue", of course.

In the magazine / newsletter that I've read, there was also an "event calendar" for trans related events happening for the quarter.

Oh, there was also a review section for trans related books and films.

Perhaps some pieces written by family members or friends of people that have transitioned, and their road to acceptance? A way to tell the young readers that a) It's a transition for those around them too, b) Even if it takes time, most people accept you after a time, c) coming out is scary, but most of the time it works out ok.

Also, a letters to the editor section for feedback and comments regarding the last issues articles. It'd need a funky name instead of letters to the editor though... that's a bit Reader's Digest .

Oh! An "Advice Please" column! (How could I almost forget that?! It's the staple of teen mags!) Where readers send in letters with a problem, and the "staff" give advice. It's good because the topics don't have to be unique - only the "situations" for the individuals .

Maybe an article on therapy? Thing to talk about with your therapist if you get stuck, what to expect from therapy, etc. Young people would likely be looking at being in therapy (and nervous about opening up to a stranger) if they aren't already.

Names are also a big topic (I'd imagine) with the younger transitioner - getting your teachers to use a different name, picking a "good" name advice, etc.

I'd avoid going indepth on the topic of surgery, given the age group you're aiming it at (I know you didn't mention anything surgery related, it's just a thought).

There's so much content in passing and presenting - if you needed more padding you could always go "indepth" on a particular topic.

Look around at other trans newsletters, online and otherwise. I know FTM Australia do a PDF one you can download called Torque. It's not perfect, but you might get some ideas from it, anyway. The layout is terrible though, if I remember correctly.

Kudos for taking on an actual serious topic! I would have created the "Non Sequitur Segue", targeted the tinfoil hat brigade and gone for broke, personally! 

(Aliens stealing celebrities used milk container lids to create army of robot dentists? You better believe it!  ).

I like the name.

Features are always good, real people and real stories. People like having someone to relate too. Put some technical stuff, but don't over do it as those kind of things are easily found on the internet and don't add passion/life/value to the publication. It's good, however, to get interest. Pictures are always good (not clip-art). Pictures (that are relevant to the article) can be a great way to draw someone into the publication. Pictures with people in are even better, especially if there's something active going on (something that tells a story through the picture, to draw attention and interest to the main article).

My experience: co-owner/designer/editor of a pagan-based magazine for 1 year. I left after the one year, and it went on for a couple more months before the company dissolved. I've done a few advertisements for people as well.

I went to school, but I didn't finish because of financial reasons (couldn't afford to keep going, and I got refused loans).

I haven't been able to find a job here in the field. I've tried. Where I live seems to be very difficult to get into, despite some of the experience I have. Although, now, most of my efforts have been into organizing my personal life and then going from there.

Also, the fun thing is explaining to potential employers why most of my portfolio is all under a different (my old) name.

Thanks everyone!! I've got lots of good ideas now!! :] I actually have the replies in a text box off the side of my document for reference! heh!