here is what I usually do before the event:
1. Get inspired
The first step would be to reflect the spirit of the location. In the case of the upcoming World-Cup I will look for design possibilities that reflect Russia. I will read about russian design, look up Russian art and architecture. I will also try to get a feeling for russian typography, cyrillic fonts and their unique look. I will look at colours, symbols and logos that are used in russian design, in Russian magazines and newspapers.
I will also identify where and how to buy those pictures, colors and fonts that reflect the spirit of the host country.
2. What do we want to show?
Sit together with the editors, talk about the possibilities of this event. What do we want to present on a daily, weekly or one-time-only basis. For example: How will the daily game coverage look like. Will it change throughout the tournament? Will it change depending on the success of our team? How much space do we reserve for the different stages of the World-Cup? Will we prepare something special? Folder, plans and give-aways for the readers?
3. Prepare your surprises
The World-Cup is something special. I need to create special moments, pages and design which is very different from the daily page design.
I need to surprise my readers! If I can identify some of those surprises ahead of time, I can beat the clock. The more I can do ahead of time, the easier it will be during the tournament. Because most surprises will occur later on and need to be covered, based on the games results. Like Germany beating Brazil 7:1 in the 2014 Cup. Nobody expected this and the best pages where the ones that reflected this surprise with surprising design. Not just big pictures and bold headlines, but clever design ideas.
4. Last but not least
Cheer for Germany 😉
How to cover World Cup Soccer series
NEXT
Ron Reason
