Artwork considerations
Jul 12, 2006 8:00 AM
The planning and preparation of artwork for a technical article is a consideration that is often overlooked. When preparing a technical manuscript, consider what artwork (photographs, charts, tables or schematics) could be included to make the presentation easier to understand and more interesting to read.
Photographs must be of high quality. Digital camera files must provide 300dpi resolution at 4in x 5in size.
Try to include people, even if the photos support circuit-oriented editorial. Show someone operating the unit or working on it, but avoid posed shots. The magazine will not publish photos that primarily focus on people.
Include captions with each photo. Number each photo to match its caption. If a photo is referred to in the article, make note of this in the caption.
Give a credit line to each photo. If photo credit should be given to an individual, it must be clearly stated on the photo caption sheet. (Unless specifically requested, no photo credits will be given.) If more than one photographer must be credited, clearly state on which photos the credit should be placed. In no case will we list a photo credit to a single individual more than once in an article.
Photographs supplied by manufacturers will not be credited unless specifically requested. Photo credit will not be given to a company if the company name, logo or product name is clearly visible in the photograph. A photo credit to a manufacturer will not be listed more than once in an article.
Drawings and schematics
Block diagrams, schematics and drawings can be submitted as sketches, but they must be easy to understand. Our art department will give them the professional touch. Accurately draw and clearly label graphs, charts and tables. Mistakes are easily made in the creation of technical art, and particular attention must be paid to such matters.
Keep all technical art as clear and concise as possible, without unnecessary components or notations. Do not waste your time creating camera-ready art. Few drawings prepared by outside authors are used as drawn. Submit accurate, clear and well-labeled drawings. Our designers redraw your concepts in order to meet Broadcast Engineering style guidelines.
All figures should be referenced somewhere in the actual article. Make sure to include this when you submit the article. For example: Essential picture sharpness and the associated image texture can be mapped onto the HDTV lens MTF characteristic. (See Figure 1.)
Do not embed your artwork or photo in the document. Reference them in the text and send them as attachments in your e-mail submission.
Cover art/photo
Artwork for use on the magazine’s front cover is a special case that should be discussed with the editorial director. Selection of cover artwork involves a number of approval steps. The cover photo must be of top technical quality. Because of its importance to the magazine, planning for cover artwork is done well in advance of the issue cover date.
Graphics can be submitted via e-mail or CD. Please call to find out the best format to use. Questions regarding art can be directed at Robin Metheny, art director, at robin.metheny@penton.com or 314-729-7183.
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