September 12, 2017
Yearbook Theme Part 1 – Why is it important?
What is this theme thing, and why do people keep talking about it?
Your yearbook theme is important because it will make the rest of your job in creating your yearbook easier…that’s the real reason. Yes, it helps unify your book, yes it creates a mood, yes it helps flow, but when it comes right down to it, when you are wandering about in the middle of January trying to decide what to do for the next page design, your theme is what will help keep it easy, and keep you grounded and focused. It’s the most important thing to do prior to starting your yearbook!
A theme should:
- Unify the book from the cover to the last endsheet
- Create a mood or tempo for the year
- Be appropriate for the school and the year
- Have both text and graphic elements
- Create continuity throughout the book
- Be visible throughout each section
The theme should be represented on each of the following:
- Cover
- Endsheets
- Divider Pages
- Mug Shots
- People Pages
- Staff Pages
- Grad Ads
- Clubs and Teams
- Folios
The theme can be a word, or catchphrase, the theme can also be colour and graphics or design elements. Whatever you choose the purpose is to help make your year easy. So take your time and come up with a solid theme. You will thank yourself for it. If you need some inspiration, check out our theme list. Since we have seen a few over the years, it should help kick start your ideas.