Brochures That Work: What Designing One Taught Me About PR

Stock photos, royalty-free images, graphics, vectors & videos | Adobe Stock

Designing a brochure from the ground up showed me how much strategy goes into this classic PR tool. Before this project, I thought brochures were simple printed pieces. Now I understand how much they can influence the way people see an organization. A brochure is more than a folded sheet. It is a snapshot of a brand, a guide for an audience, and a chance to make a strong impression.


Why Brochures Still Matter

Brochures remain effective because people like to hold something real. In an online world, print materials stand out. They create a sense of trust and formality. A good brochure lets readers flip through information at their own pace, which makes it perfect for events, tours, orientations, or community outreach.

Brochures share key details in one place. They can highlight a mission, introduce services, explain programs, and invite people to take action. They help organizations appear organized, credible, and confident. I realized that when a brochure reflects strong design, it also reflects a strong brand.

EDDM Printing & Mailing | Every Door Direct Mail

Designing for the Right Audience

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that a brochure only works when it is built for a clear audience. Knowing who I was speaking to changed everything from the tone of the writing to the photos I selected. It guided how much text I used and how formal the layout needed to be.

Audience targeting shaped every design choice. It helped me understand what mattered most to the reader and what information should stand out. When a brochure aligns with the audience’s needs, the message becomes more clear.


Using Design Principles to Build the Layout

The early lessons from this semester helped me the most. I found myself thinking about harmony, balance, hierarchy, and consistency during every step.

Harmony kept the colors and fonts working together. Balance helped the panels feel even. Hierarchy guided where the eye should look first. Consistency created unity between all six panels. These ideas gave my brochure structure and flow.


Final Thoughts on the Brochure Process

This project taught me that brochures are powerful when everything inside them is intentional. A strong brochure reflects the identity of the brand and respects the needs of the reader. It uses visuals and text to guide people toward action. Designing my brochure helped me grow as a communicator and reminded me that good design is thoughtful, clear, and audience driven.

Paige Brown

OU Public Relations major - OU Cheer

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *