Files, Continued
Filing systems
Picture morgue
Contents
Clipping
The following table represents the two basic filing systems found in most
shops and their advantages/disadvantages:
System
Advantages
Disadvantages
Standard Subject
Identification Codes
(SSIC) numbers
Sequential serial
numbers
broad coverage
Navy-wide use
easily expandable
easily retrievable
number identifies
subject
eliminates shifting
files
easily expandable
initial setup takes
time
more complicated
numbers do not
identify subject
requires extensive
cross-referencing
Every shop has a picture morgue. Your shop may call it a clip art file, or
scrap file. This is reference material and picture ideas collected for use in
whole or in part for future illustrations and layout formats.
Any image on any subject is appropriate for a picture morgue. Magazines,
newspapers, brochures, books, and catalogues are all excellent sources for
scavenging ideas. The intent here is to use the images as a catalyst to inspire
your own original ideas, not to copy another’s work blatantly.
Once you find artwork to clip for your file, identify the pictures by
annotating the date, publisher, caption or description, and copyright
information. Do this on the reverse of the image or on a firmly attached
separate paper. Carefully pry out all the staples and remove the tape from
the image area. Fold large pictures with the picture side out to minimize
damage created by creasing.
Continued on next page
1-36
