THE SECRET TO
WINNING
AWARDS
Photo by Finn Bedell
Judging with Makena
📘 In this episode, you will learn:
What judges look for first when opening a yearbook
The power of a layered theme that tells a complete story
Details that make or break design consistency
How photography ties your theme together
Judging with Andrew
🔥 You’ll learn:
How to innovate without losing structure
Why variety and hierarchy matter in design
How to elevate common sections like portraits and indexes
Real examples of standout books from award-winning schools
Why You Need Your Yearbook Critiqued Podcast
In this episode of That Yearbook Podcast, hosts Jim Jordan and Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, sit down to share insider advice and practical tips for earning awards and improving your critique scores. Together, these resources will help you:
- Understand what national judges look for
- Strengthen your storytelling, design consistency and coverage
- Apply judging criteria to your own staff critiques
Ready for a Better Yearbook Experience?
Looking for a reliable printing partner? We specialize in high-quality yearbook printing tailored to your school’s needs.