Ben Cotton * Lifestream + E-portfolio * Public Relations, Social Media + the Web * Consultancy, Speaking + Training

Carnegie Matters

Overview - Carnegie Matters is a seasonal print based publication produced by Leeds Met. The publication is a summary of news stories from across the faculty and 10,000 were printed. It can be obtained from various positions on campus and is also distributed via post to Carnegie alumni.

Brief – In April 2007 I was given the task of editing the summer edition of Carnegie Matters. I was required to include a variety of stories from across the faculty reflecting sport, education, research and partnerships as well strong images.

Objective – To produce the summer edition of Carnegie Matters. It was required to be ready for print by the end of June in time for the July graduation ceremonies.

Task – I held a meeting with the Marketing Manager and Dean of Carnegie in order to discuss what should be included in Carnegie Matters and set timeframes for completion and distribution. After the meeting I researched what similar Leeds Met publications looked like and then set about collating relevant stories and sourcing appropriate images for Carnegie Matters.

At this stage I contacted the Leeds Met design team who followed my draft plans and produced several ‘mock ups’ of Carnegie Matters. Some of the stories required shortening and new images had to be sourced to enhance the documents appearance.

The publication was then submitted at the weekly Leeds Met branding meeting for approval. The initial draft was returned with some minor amendments from the Vice-Chancellor. In consultation with the design team I then made the required changes and it was resubmitted and given approval the following week. After approval had been granted I contacted an external company to arrange for 10,000 copies to be printed. I then arranged for Carnegie Matters to be distributed throughout Headingley Campus, graduation and posted to Carnegie alumni.

Publication – Carnegie Matters. 

Results - Carnegie Matters was distributed throughout the university campus and graduation ceremonies. It received positive feedback from senior management, faculty staff and students and all 10,000 copies were distributed. This project not only enhanced my writing skills, but I gained a valuable insight into the design process and branding procedure at Leeds Met, which will no doubt will prove invaluable.