Mako Fuka
MAST Academy, Miami, Fla.
Theme: “What’s on your list?”
Adviser: Lynn Paisley
Editor: Maya Becker
Yearbook representative: Ashley Caddell
By using items familiar to most of us — such as pencils, Post-it® notes, Sharpie® markers, notebook paper and the corner of a laptop — the cover reveals what our lives were like in 2011. A can leaves a soda ring on paper where a student has handwritten a list of “to do” items before asking at the bottom “What’s on YOUR list?”
The 3-D effect of tacks pushing into Post-it® notes catches your attention, then you notice the theme spinoffs of each section and their page numbers. Each spinoff could be a reminder from the list to “relax” (life), “study” (academics) “play” (sports), “unite” (people), “join” (clubs), “change” (current events) and “remember” (ads).
The handwritten theme appears at the top of the page, with all of the expected resource information typed in a copy block on the right. The standout visual for the page is a collection of overlapping hands, with handwritten lists in multiple Sharpie® colors written on and covering each palm.
The headline is the theme repeated, with three answers written on cardstock paper held in front of three students’ faces. They read, “To have my photography published,” “Become an animator!!” and “Bike the Great Wall.” The opening theme body copy plays with bold and italicized type, with a numbered list in the middle. It is concisely written and explains the theme concept easily.
Within the Life section, multiple topics share spread space. This particular stand-out includes a list of ”the top five most random things kept in the front compartments of students’ bags and backpacks” on the left and a fun, first-person profile on the right about a girl who enjoys soccer, karate, running, painting and fixing cars.
What’s fun about the divider spreads is that each one is written in a different handwriting, and the lists of 10 items are funny and bring in details about teachers, classes and self-expectations. The “Study” list items include: “1. Bring ALL 12 pounds of textbooks in my backpack on Wednesday.” And “4. Do Mr. Morgan’s homework — or else!!”
While the tone and graphic design for the book is fun and whimsical, the staff is careful to not overdo it. In fact, the basis for most spreads is a basic grid design, with one-pica internal margins between photos and elements, and uneven white space as part of external margins.
The tone of the spread is purposely lighthearted, with three students now sitting, laughing and gesturing their happiness at completing their lists by clapping, using a fist pump and giving a thumbs-up. Above their heads are hand-drawn thought clouds, with a check mark inside each; this represents checking the last item on their lists. The closing copy veers toward sentimentality but it is well written and previews future plans… and future lists.
