Portrait sections often get overlooked, but they don’t have to be predictable grids of faces. With the right mod packages, these pages can become one of the most engaging parts of your yearbook. This month’s Timely Tips lesson, written by Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, shows your staff how to use portrait mods to bring personality, storytelling and theme-driven design into your portrait spreads.
Make portraits a part of your theme
Portrait sections naturally include every student, but that doesn’t mean they have to feel uniform. Mods give your team a chance to show more of who your students are. Think mini profiles, polls, timelines or word clouds – simple ideas that add insight into your school community. By tying these designs to your theme, you create visual interest and give your readers something new to discover on every page.
Practice with purpose
The lesson walks your students through designing their own mod package from concept to presentation. They’ll brainstorm, sketch or design digitally, then decide where their mod fits best on the page. It’s a quick, creative way to make sure your coverage reflects real stories, not just faces.
Compare and reflect
Show two examples: one standard portrait spread and one that includes creative mods. Ask your staff what makes the second one more engaging. Encourage them to think about balance, theme and storytelling. By the end, your team will see that even small additions can completely change how a page feels.
Bring it to life
After the activity, have the class discuss which mod ideas they’d actually include in this year’s book. Let them vote on their favorites and refine those concepts for real use. When students see their designs make it into print, it reinforces that every page is a chance to connect design, theme and storytelling.
Ready to try it?
This Timely Tips lesson helps you turn your portrait section into something fresh and full of life. Download the resource and use it in class to spark new design ideas your staff can use right away. Looking to see what Walsworth can do to further the vision of your publication? Contact us today.
