Developing a theme idea throughout the yearbook not only helps to unify the book, but also adds a special dimension of involvement for readers. In the late 90s, there are many theme directions you can pursue.
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Theme
Struggling to come up with a theme for this year’s yearbook? Find hundreds of ideas for every possible section of your yearbook.
Here are examples of some themes schools have used in past years. Within each theme, there are examples of titles for possible sections in the yearbook.
Strong theme copy helps introduce your unifying concept to your readers. Learn some tips and tricks for creating the optimal copy.
If a theme is going to have a wide range of appeal, it should evolve from brainstorming by the entire yearbook staff. Follow the enclosed guidelines.
One of my students’ favorite activities is a yearbook theme design contest. Instead of waiting until September to come up with a concept, we have a contest every spring. The winning theme is usually the yearbook theme for the next school year. Here are the rules and advantages.
Every year, yearbook staffs work through the process of developing their theme and design package. It could be compared to a game, with the twists and turns of brainstorming, dropping bad ideas, adding new ideas, combining ideas, and then narrowing the choices until you have perfected the theme. So use the following game board to guide you through brainstorming (or just play a game).
The new editor could visualize it: a pink and purple yearbook cover with a castle and the words, “Once Upon a Time….”
Each year, advisers and staffs work to develop a theme to unify their yearbook and make it a reflection of the school and students during that particular year. This is one of the most daunting tasks of the entire production process. Themes do not magically appear. It takes thought and hard work. And theme development itself has a process.
Your staff has successfully created a theme, and now they must interpret it on the cover for everyone to see. Luckily, help is available for advisers and staff to get their cover finalized and into production.
