~ by Hamza Hijazi, Yearbook Print Consultant, British Columbia
We’ve handed out the yearbooks, signed the last ones, and the deadline frenzy has finally subsided. However, the yearbook journey doesn’t end just because the book is printed. A yearbook’s off-season is one of its most valuable periods.
This quiet period between editions is the perfect time for reflection, building skills, and gathering feedback. Here’s how to make the most of it:
REFLECT ON WHAT WORKED…AND WHAT DIDN’T
Examine last year’s yearbook honestly. Which moments stood out? Was there anything students loved? How strong were the pages, and how could they be improved? Utilize this time to collect feedback from students, teachers, and staff. Set up a simple feedback form or run a short focus group to hear what people liked or disliked. Then, celebrate the team’s achievements!
RECONNECT WITH THE OBJECTIVE: WHY YEARBOOKS MATTER
The off-season is an excellent time to re-examine the why behind the yearbook. Besides pictures and signatures, a yearbook is a time capsule, a record of the school year that future students and alumni can look back fondly on.
It’s additionally a reflection of school culture. What you decide to include, and how you display it, matters. In Canada especially, yearbook journalism is often underused. The off-season is a great time to rethink how storytelling can play a greater role in your yearbook. Did anything go untold? Could next year’s yearbook involve more student voices, deeper coverage, or more viewpoints?
Use this time to come up with a rough idea for themes, sections, or spreads that go further than just “who” was there.
STAY ON TOP OF TRENDS
Design trends shift fast, and the off-season is a great time to explore what’s fresh. 2025 is leaning into bold minimalism, with lots of clean layouts, bold typefaces, and space for photos to breathe. Play with different trends, experiment while you have some downtime. Try mocking up a few page designs just for fun. It’s low-pressure, and you’ll build confidence in your visual voice.
SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS
Want a better book next year? Make the most of this time by sharpening your skills. Time is tight during the school year, but the off-season is an excellent time to experiment with new tools.
Here’s what we use:
- Adobe InDesign for professional-level layout design
- Adobe Express or Photoshop for fast graphics or social media previews
- Google Drive for team organization and collaboration
Take this time to:
- Organize last year’s assets (photos, fonts, layouts)
- Create templates you can reuse
- Watch tutorials or attend workshops on design, photography, or writing
- Offer mini training for new team members
Spending a little time now will save you hours later!
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Taking great yearbook photos doesn’t require a school event. Build your photo library during the off-season, especially during the first few months of the school year.
Some tips:
- Candid wins over posed: Capture people in action: talking, laughing, creating.
- Use the rule of thirds: Frame your subjects off-centre for more dynamic composition.
- Take behind-the-scenes shots: These often tell better stories than formal event photos.
- Watch lighting: Early morning or late afternoon gives soft, flattering light.
- Shoot now, sort later: Take more photos than you think you need, and curate later.
PLAN, SKETCH, AND DREAM
Additionally, the off-season is a great time to brainstorm without deadlines looming. Create a file of some inspirational themes for your yearbook. Start building mood boards around your theme. Explore colour palettes, font combinations, section dividers, cover ideas, and new story concepts.
The offseason isn’t just a break from the hustle and bustle of creating a yearbook, it’s a golden opportunity to elevate your school’s next edition! Embrace this time as a time for growth and creativity, and you’ll be well-prepared to create a yearbook that your school will cherish for years to come!
Hamza Hijazi has a passion for helping schools create a memory they can all be proud of. He believes that, by working together, we can give students a chance to express their creativity, collaborate as a team, and make tough decisions that ultimately prepare them further for their professional lives. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his large family, playing sports (anything from snowboarding to MMA), and watching cinema.
