April 17, 2012 / Yearbook Zen

Introducing Yearbook Zen

Written by Kris Mateski, CJE

“We do not remember days; we remember moments.” – Cesare Pavese

Yearbook Zen is a new weekly series in the Yearbooks Blog that will give you simple, practical tips for creating yearbooks, along with a dose of encouragement to keep you inspired all year long. At Walsworth, we are committed to giving you the best experience in yearbooks – and a little wisdom.

Hi! My name is Alex Blackwell. I work in Walsworth’s marketing department, but almost a lifetime ago I was also a yearbook adviser. Meeting deadlines, balancing a budget, and managing a staff were essential to doing my job. I understand the challenges you face, and I know what resources you need to make your job a little easier.

If you have a spring-delivery yearbook, then most of you are getting ready for yearbook distribution day or getting an early start on the 2013 yearbook. Fall-delivery customers are probably busy with getting pages completed and proofs reviewed. No matter when your yearbooks ship, all of you have one important thing in common – you are providing immeasurable and lasting value for your school, its community, and your students.

As I approach the dreaded 50-year-old mark, I don’t remember days as much as I do the moments. Thinking back to high school, I don’t remember if Pam Creef agreed to go to the Winter Ball with me on a Monday or on a Tuesday. I just remember the moment when Pam and I walked into the dance, together. And it isn’t because my memory is stellar, it’s because I have my yearbook to remind me.

I know there’s still more work to be done before you can put a button on the 2012 yearbook, but while you are busy completing these remaining tasks, remember this: You have one of the most important jobs at your school, not because of deadlines or budgets, but  because you are making sure your students can remember their moments, too – even when they are approaching 50.

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Kris Mateski, CJE

Kristin Mateski, CJE, is the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Walsworth. Her love for marketing and degree from Southern Methodist University led to work at national advertising agencies in Dallas and Kansas City. Her father worked as a pressman, so it was just a matter of time before she returned to the world of print, joining Walsworth in 2009. With her team, Kris helps provide yearbook advisers and their staffs with the tools they need to brainstorm, build, promote and sell their yearbook.