Every year students and yearbook teams pour their heart and soul into creating books that will be cherished memories for years to come. We know your cover design ultimately is one that you love, and that’s the most important thing. But for the purposes of the Friesens 2024 cover contest, where there are prizes on the line, we want you to know what the judges will be looking at when it comes to your cover design (keeping in mind, everything is subjective).
CREATIVITY (20 points)
- Exceptional (16-20 points): Innovative and creative design elements that effectively capture the theme and essence of the school year.
- Proficient (11-15 points): Creative elements present but may lack originality or a strong connection to the theme.
- Basic (6-10 points): Some creative elements, but they may be generic or not well-integrated into the overall design.
- Limited (1-5 points): Minimal creativity; design elements may be uninspiring or unrelated to the theme.
THEME POTENTIAL (15 points):
- Exceptional (12-15 points): The design elements, color schemes, and imagery work together seamlessly to create a strong, cohesive message that is easily understood and impactful.
- Proficient (8-11 points): There is a noticeable connection between the design elements, color schemes, and imagery, but some inconsistencies may weaken the overall message.
- Basic (4-7 points): The connection between design elements, color schemes, and imagery is weak, with elements appearing scattered or only loosely related, leading to a less clear message.
- Limited (1-3 points): There is minimal to no visible connection between the design elements, color schemes, and imagery, resulting in a message that is difficult to discern.
VISUAL APPEAL (15 points):
- Exceptional (12-15 points): Visually striking, well-balanced, and aesthetically pleasing with an effective use of color, typography, and layout.
- Proficient (8-11 points): Visually appealing, but some elements may be unbalanced or distract from the overall design.
- Basic (4-7 points): Adequate but lacks overall visual harmony; design elements may be haphazardly arranged.
- Limited (1-3 points): Minimal visual appeal; design may be cluttered or disorganized.
TYPOGRAPHY (15 points):
- Exceptional (12-15 points): Thoughtful and purposeful use of typography that enhances the overall design and readability.
- Proficient (8-11 points): Good use of typography, but some inconsistencies or issues with readability.
- Basic (4-7 points): Typography is functional but may lack creativity or pose readability challenges.
- Limited (1-3 points): Poor typography choices; negatively impacts overall design and readability.
COMPOSITION (15 points):
- Exceptional (12-15 points): The design demonstrates a strong and thoughtful arrangement of elements, with a clear focal point, balanced layout, and effective use of space. Incorporates spine and good balance between the front and back covers.
- Proficient (8-11 points): The composition is well-organized, with a good balance of elements, though there may be minor areas for improvement.
- Basic (4-7 points): The composition lacks organization and may be confusing or cluttered, impacting overall visual appeal.
- Limited (1-3 point): The composition is chaotic, with poor organization and no clear focal point, making it difficult to understand.
DIFFICULTY (15 points):
- Exceptional (12-15 points): The design demonstrates a high level of technical skill and complexity, incorporating advanced techniques or features that showcase the designer’s expertise.
- Proficient (8-11 points): The design shows proficiency in execution and includes moderately challenging elements, but there is room for more complexity.
- Basic (4-7 points): The design lacks technical skill, with minimal evidence of challenging elements or advanced techniques.
- Limited (1-3 point): The design is rudimentary, lacking any evidence of technical skill or complexity.
