Flatplan
A flatplan is a planning tool used in magazine and publication design that shows the layout of an entire magazine issue, including the placement of articles, advertisements, and other content. Think of it like a bird's-eye view blueprint of a magazine, where each page is represented as a small box. It helps editors and designers organize content, track advertising spaces, and ensure the magazine flows well from start to finish. Some people also call it a 'dummy' or 'layout plan.' In modern publishing, this can be either a physical board with paper representations or, more commonly now, a digital tool that serves the same purpose.
Examples in Resumes
Created and managed monthly Flatplan layouts for a 120-page lifestyle magazine
Coordinated advertising placements using digital Flatplan software
Developed efficient Flatplan strategies that increased ad revenue by 25%
Typical job title: "Magazine Production Coordinators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Magazine Production Coordinators
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a last-minute advertising change that affects the entire flatplan?
Expected Answer: Should explain process of repagination, prioritizing content, managing printer deadlines, and communicating changes to stakeholders while maintaining magazine balance and advertiser relationships.
Q: How do you optimize a flatplan to maximize both editorial impact and advertising revenue?
Expected Answer: Should discuss balancing premium advertising positions with key editorial content, creating effective spreads, and understanding reader engagement patterns throughout the magazine.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when creating a flatplan?
Expected Answer: Should mention advertising requirements, editorial content flow, production deadlines, special sections, and how different types of content work together.
Q: How do you manage competing demands between editorial and advertising in a flatplan?
Expected Answer: Should explain strategies for balancing advertiser requests with editorial needs, maintaining reader experience, and finding compromise solutions.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a flatplan and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a visual layout of the magazine showing page arrangement, helping coordinate content placement and ad positions throughout the issue.
Q: What are the basic elements that need to be included in a flatplan?
Expected Answer: Should mention page numbers, ad positions, editorial sections, running order of features, and special positions like covers and prime spots.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of magazine structure
- Ability to read and interpret flatplans
- Knowledge of standard ad positions
- Basic digital publishing software skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing multiple issue flatplans
- Coordinating with advertising and editorial teams
- Digital flatplan software expertise
- Understanding of print production requirements
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic planning of annual publishing schedules
- Advanced problem-solving for layout challenges
- Team coordination and workflow optimization
- Revenue optimization through strategic placement
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic magazine structure
- Unfamiliarity with advertising position terminology
- Lack of experience with publishing deadlines
- Poor communication skills with stakeholders
- No knowledge of digital publishing tools
