LO1 - Comparing job roles

Sub-Editor

a) Key Functions

The sub-editor's main role is to make sure that the text in the publication is how it should be. This includes checking for grammatical and spelling errors as well as checking the accuracy of factual information such as statistics and names. The sub-editor also has to keep the text conforming to the house-style of the publication, and will edit the content to fit.
This practice is called copy editing. There are three levels of copy editing; light, medium and heavy. The level of copy editing that is employed depends on the budget and timescale of the publication.
There are two main types of copy editing: mechanical and substantive. Mechanical editing is the process of making sure that the text follows the house style of the publication. This includes editing and adjusting abbreviations and acronyms; additional elements that might be included in an article such as tables, charts and graphs; hyphenation; capitalisation; and where to use bold/italic type.

b) Equipment Used

Traditionally, the method for copy editing has been hard-copy editing. In this method, the sub-editor has a physical copy of the text and writes directly onto the copy, writing in a code that can be recognised by their colleagues. This means the sub-editor must also have legible handwriting, and they write in a different colour to the text itself to make it easier to see.
However, with technology being used more and more, the more modern method of on-screen copy editing is becoming more and more commonly seen in use. There are many advantages of using on-screen editing as opposed to hard-copy editing. These include being able to search for words, run spellcheckers and generate neat copies of messy pages. It will also be easier to decipher the sub-editor's notes with options to change colour and font.
A word-processor on a computer is the main thing needed for on-screen copy editing. A good word-processor like Microsoft Word or Adobe InCopy is best to use for copy-editing.

c) Skills Needed

A sub-editor needs to be someone who is literate and has knowledge of the correct use of grammar and language. The way that a text is interpreted is almost wholly the sub-editor's responsibility, as they are the person who alters and adjusts a text to make sure it fits the house style of the publication, and ensures it is grammatically correct.
The sub-editor must also be knowledgeable about how to use word-processing software. They should be adept at using the software that the company itself uses, especially when they are using on-screen copy editing.

Creative Director

a) Key Functions

A creative director is the driving force behind how the publication looks visually. They make sure the house style of the publication is evident, and work with their own team of designers to work on all of the visual elements of the publication.
Like the copy editor, they work on keeping the house style fitting to the brief, but the creative director works with images and layouts, rather than with text. They are the person responsible for hiring photographers, designers and content editors that work with their team to make the publication come together as a whole.

b) Equipment Used

The creative director may not have as much of a direct influence on the design of the publication - that is, they usually direct their team rather than working on it themselves. However, they don't entirely rely on the team - they can also work on the publication themselves. This means that they need extensive knowledge of programs such as the Adobe software, like Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator. These are the kinds of programs that will be used by the team that the creative director manages. To use these programs, the creative director will need a reliable computer or laptop that has a large enough memory to be able to run these programs smoothly.
They should also be able to use the computer or laptop to organize any meetings that they will be conducting. As a director of a team, they are responsible for making sure that every member of their team knows what to do and how to do it.

c) Skills Needed

A creative director needs to be efficient with time management, as they are in charge of managing deadlines for their team of designers. They must have a good visual eye, as the whole publication is relying on their design choices. Their job is probably even more crucial than that of the sub-editor, as this visual design is the first thing a reader will see when they look at the magazine. They must be a supportive tutor to their team, as well as a critical viewer of their team's work.

Comparison

Both of these roles are vital in the production of the publication. They both have to work to keep the publication conforming to the house style. Their roles go hand-in-hand to bring the whole publication together, as the creative director oversees the visuals and the sub-editor oversees the text.