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High tech, computer graphics and digital imaging are all buzzwords used to describe the modern world of publishing. But what about quality, accuracy and aesthetics? ARRL uses all types of hardware and software that can be described in terms of these buzzwords, but above all, the final product must be attractive and easy for the reader to follow. The Production and Graphics departments make it happen.
 Production Supervisor Shelly Bloom, WB1ENT. |
 Jodi Morin, KA1JPA, Assistant Production Supervisor, scans a piece of film before it is submitted to the printer. |
 Joe Shea tightens up a line or two to balance the page. |
 Customer Service Manager Amy Hurtado. |
Although QST, the monthly journal of the ARRL, is the most recognizable and tangible item associated with ARRL membership, it is only one of many items the League produces. Some members also subscribe to the companion magazines NCJ (for contesters) and QEX (for experimenters). Graphics and Production staff design and assemble these magazines--and everything else the ARRL produces: books, CDs, certificates, pins and forms.
Working with electronic files supplied by editors, Production staff creates page layouts, putting text and images into place. Once an issue of QST or a book is completed, staff produces film or electronic files that are sent to an outside printer.
The Graphics Department creates the artwork, circuit diagrams and the attractive covers used in ARRL publications. Graphic artists create a consistent corporate identity in the design of all certificates, pins, sportswear, mugs and other merchandise bearing the ARRL logo.
To illustrate the contributions of the Production and Graphics Departments, let's follow the path of an article destined for publication in QST.
An author submits an article, accompanied by photographs or drawings. If the article is accepted, it is assigned to a "handling editor" and scheduled for a particular issue. Once the article has been prepared for publication, the editor forwards an electronic file of the article and its drawings and photographs to the Production Department.
 Graphic Design Supervisor Sue Fagan checks a proof sheet against the computer original. |
 Senior Technical Illustrator Dave Pingree, N1NAS, uses AutoCad 2001i to create an illustration while viewing text on a second screen. |
Working in parallel with the Production Department, graphic artists and illustrators use a variety of software packages--including AutoCad 2001i, Photoshop, CorelDraw10 and Adobe Illustrator--to prepare the author's original photographs and drawings for inclusion with the article. "I consider our Department as a vendor to the other League Departments," said Graphic Design Supervisor Sue Fagan. "We provide our services to Production, Marketing and other departments in response to their requests."
At the same time, Production Department staff begin assembling the page layout. Using PageMaker software, compositors combine the text, drawings and photos to build the pages as you'll actually see them in QST. The handling editor and others at Headquarters review drafts of the article to ensure that all is well. About two weeks before the issue goes to press, a page proof is sent to the author for approval.
Once all corrections have been made, the electronic version of the article is sent to R. R. Donnelley & Sons in Glasgow, Kentucky, where the magazine is printed and mailed to members. "Our goal," explains Production Supervisor Shelly Bloom, "is to produce an easy to follow, graphically pleasing publication for the enjoyment of our members."
How about the advertising, you ask? Full-page advertisers usually supply film ready-to-go, but ARRL can assist in creating an ad if requested to do so. Production staff works closely with the Advertising Department to ensure that the ads are attractive and placed according to the wishes of the advertiser.
In fact, the production of QST and the other material ARRL publishes requires the cooperative efforts of almost every ARRL department. Editors and proofreaders may actually be located in other parts of the country, contributing their effort via e-mail. As the printer's deadline approaches, the process can become intense. In the days before a magazine or book is released to the printer, Production and Graphics staff can be found glued to their work stations, making last-minute revisions. The result of all their efforts is the high-quality publications the Amateur Radio community has come to expect from any item that sports the ARRL diamond logo.
