Yearbook Study Notes

YEARBOOK TERMS

Yearbook Basics

  • Sections of the Book

  • Theme & Incorporating Your Theme

YEARBOOK COMPONENTS

Yearbook Basics

  • The yearbook is printed in 16-page mini-booklets known as signatures.

    • Each signature begins with a large sheet of paper printed on both sides, consisting of eight pages on each side, termed a multiple.

    • After printing, the sheet is folded into booklet form and trimmed to produce 16 consecutive pages.

    • Multiple 1: Shows pages printed on one side of the sheet.

    • Multiple 2: Displays pages printed on the other side of the sheet.

  • Note: Pages are not printed consecutively; the top of each page faces the center fold. The paper, once printed, is folded and cut to form 16 consecutive pages called a signature.

What is a Ladder?

  • A ladder is a page-by-page planner and deadline tracker utilized for:

    • Identifying content.

    • Recording deadlines.

    • Planning color placement and tracking pages that have been submitted and proofed.

  • It is organized by spreads, multiples, and signatures, and it should be completed before the yearbook production process commences.

  • It is efficient to use both a paper ladder (usually in the yearbook kit) and an electronic editable ladder.

MORE THAN JUST A COVER

Yearbook Basics

  • The cover reflects the unique theme of the year, showcasing fonts, colors, and graphics that will be consistent throughout the book.

  • The cover comprises:

    • Front lid

    • Back lid

    • Spine/backbone

ENDSHEETS

Yearbook Basics

  • Endsheets are thick paper located between the front cover and the first page as well as between the back cover and the last page, serving to secure signatures in the yearbook.

  • They can be designed by the staff to complement the cover design.

DEFINITIONS

Yearbook Basics

  • Double Page Spread (DPS): Two facing pages that collectively tell a story.

  • Page: A single page of content that often features a contrasting, yet related topic on the opposite page.

  • Page Numbers: Also referred to as folio or folio tabs, serve as quick reference markers for readers. For example: “Page 26 - Varsity Football.”

  • Byline: Represents the name(s) of the author(s) of the spread/page/module, added to the end of a feature story or included as part of the folio.

  • Content Module (or Mod): A section of a page/spread that contains a mini-design of photos/text, which can be displayed alongside other content modules to provide various perspectives on the same topic.

TRADITIONAL COVERAGE

Yearbook Basics

  • Traditional yearbook components include:

    • Title Page

    • Table of Contents

    • Opening

  • The table of contents can be strategically placed on the endsheet or title page (page 1), which is also a suitable location for including school information and the book’s theme.

Sections of the Book

  • Sports Section: Highlights athletic events within the school.

  • Academics Section: Documents exciting and engaging activities conducted within the classroom.

  • Clubs/Organizations Section: Records events related to both school-sponsored and student-sponsored clubs.

  • People Section: Features “mug shots” of all students and staff within the school.

  • Student Life Section: Showcases various activities undertaken by students both inside and outside the school context.

STUDENT LIFE SECTIONS

Examples

  • Birthday Blues: The joys and stress relief from unexpected gestures during pivotal moments such as competitive games.

    • Quotes from team members reveal personal stress management strategies linked to team support.

  • Many students also describe their bonding experiences and methods for coping with stress while engaging with friends through music and leisure activities.

THERAPY DOGS EVENT

  • A unique event organized by the Youth Wellness Connection club where therapy dogs were brought in to reduce students' stress before finals week.

  • Senior Phoebe Leonard articulates the relaxing power of therapy dogs, emphasizing their trained capacity to provide comfort.

  • Emotional expressions reveal how these interactions allow students to momentarily forget examination pressures, highlighting the positive impact of such initiatives.

ODE TO ORCHESTRA

Student Experiences

  • Student testimonies reflect on their favorite orchestral experiences, showcasing personal development through collaborative work and performances.

  • Highlighting key performances and friendships formed, these narratives underline the importance of teamwork in musical endeavors and the emotional growth associated with these shared experiences.

INCORPORATING YOUR THEME

  • Theme: Central idea or concept that sets the overall tone of the yearbook.

    • The theme resonates through the cover, endsheets, opening, closing, and divider pages, providing continuity and cohesion throughout the yearbook.

  • Logo:

    • Type styles and design should convey the meaning and tone of the theme; emphasize key words or phrases meant to evoke particular sentiments or imagery.

  • Colors: Consistent use of colors introduced on the cover is critical, enhancing thematic resonance throughout the yearbook.

  • Graphics: Specific design elements like lines, tints, and textures are utilized to enhance visual effectiveness and reinforce the theme.

  • Typography: Chosen fonts must enhance the theme while ensuring that body copy remains simple and easily legible.

OPENING AND CLOSING SECTIONS

  • Both serve critical functions within the yearbook, establishing initial connections with the theme and providing closure for the overall narrative of the school year.

SECTIONS OF THE BOOK

Chronological Yearbooks

  • Structure Options:
    A chronological format organizes yearbook content by seasons, months, weeks, or days, aiding staff in meeting deadlines through timely photos and stories.

ADVERTISING/COMMUNITY SECTION

  • Used as a fundraiser, featuring personal ads from family, friends, or local businesses to celebrate achievements and milestones of students.

Reference Section

  • Comprises team shots and group shots to consolidate visual documentation without overcrowding content spreads.

INDEX

  • Purpose: Provides a record of who appears in the book, with page numbers indicating their location.

PUBLISHING JOSTENS

Jostens Overview

  • Role: Acts as a collaboration between Jostens representatives and the yearbook staff to ensure deadlines and budgets are met.

Jostens Terms

  • Yearbook Avenue (YBA): An online platform that offers tools for yearbook creation, selling, and promotion, equipped with software for maintaining records and reporting on coverage.

  • Layout Pro and Monarch: Tools available within YBA for creating yearbooks online.

  • Tagging: Allows detailed indexing of individual students in photographs to enhance coverage and accessibility.

  • Deadline: A crucial date marking when pages are due at the Jostens printing plant, essential for timely delivery.