Yearbook Practice Spread AssignmentOur first step towards making a yearbook

You will be creating a spread in InDesign

A spread is two facing pages that usually focus on a single topic and are designed together

Why are we doing this instead of jumping into real content?

We will learn how to navigate InDesign more

We have some room for mistakes to happen that won’t affect deadlines

It gives us space to experiment with tools and different design elements that normally, we just wouldn’t have time for

We are building a design book that will be on hand for reference throughout the year. This will make our designs more cohesive

It gives me space to tell you “no.” If there isn’t something that is working or you don’t know a rule or concept yet, this is the time for us to find out.

I learn better when I am applying my knowledge to something. This is a learning exercise and I don’t expect you to have all the answers yet. I do, however, expect you to try to find out answers.

What does your spread need?

First, it needs a topic. You can pull ideas and copy from the personality profiles you completed or you can start from scratch.

While it is important for you to have a unifying idea between all items on your spread, remember that this is for practice and content is not as important as quality.

Some topic ideas: Starting a new year

Favorite hobbies

Stress at school

What does your spread need?

After you have a topic in mind, you need to design a scamp (sketch) of how you will layout your spread.

You may have to do several of these before you feel ready to start on InDesign

Do not design from the sky! Pull from other yearbooks, magazines, Pinterest, issuus.com, books, newspapers, marketing design, fashion, etc.

What layout items should you include? Main coverage: This should be on a specific topic, include

several pictures that EACH have an identifying caption, and include a feature article with a headline and byline

Secondary coverage: Can focus in on specific elements of the main coverage or can relate to the main coverage by topic. For example, a page about volleyball could include a mod that is an infographic about the game records and a mod that pulls quotes from a few players. On the other hand, it could have mods where people talk about school spirit at sport’s games and the cost of tickets. Get creative and get coverage.

Remember, this is a practice spread. At this point, quality is more important than content.

What copy do you need? Captions: Captions are the little boxes of text that

accompany every photo. Captions can be located next to the photo or can be grouped on the side and numbered. You’ll see examples of both styles in yearbooks and by looking at online spreads.

Headline: There is really only one big headline per page that speaks to the topic of the page or feature copy. Look at examples of spreads to see how different yearbooks approach this.

Feature copy: These article are between 200-400 words, depending on the topic of the page. A bit different than news copy, yearbook copy is more emotional and expressive, communicating the emotion behind the people and events that make up a year.

Keyword: appreciation

Photography You will need to use photography in your spread.

I would LOVE for you all to practice using the DSLR cameras. We have three that are currently working, and I need one of them on reserve for news.

That being said, for this project only, you may use your phones. Normally, we all wouldn’t be taking pictures at exactly the same time.

Play with camera angles and have fun with the photography. This is the time for that. Once we start actually completing spreads, you will need to be comfortable taking photos and understand what works.

Remember:

Each spread is a part of a larger design. Refer to the theme presentation on Slack to be sure that you are including theme elements in your spread.

Final Note: At the end of this process, I will be selecting the job roles

for the leadership staff. Leadership isn’t something that you should apply for

lightly. It is a commitment to lead, which isn’t something everyone feels comfortable with.

I require all of my editors to develop the staff (create lessons, assist with teaching skills, document how you have grown student learning), develop themselves (create spreads, actively learn in your area), and to take on a special interest that improves the school or the staff. I grade editors through a binder system.

Leadership needs to be available sometimes during lunch and/or after school to meet up or to work on projects.

Positions: Business & Technology Manager: Manages incoming messages and

orders, stays on top of ad purchases and creation, assists in the development of the UHSpress brand, assists in arranging fundraisers and activities for the staff, and works with the B&T manager for Titan Times on projects

Photography Editor: Manages the photography taken by staff, instructs and coaches staff members on camera usage and how to improve as photographers, develops as a photographer

Copy Editor: Oversees all writing in the final draft format before it goes to Ms. Kohler, organizes peer edit days and writing lessons for the staff

Managing Editor: Since this is my first year with this staff and roles were not assigned coming in, we will forgo the traditional spot of an editor-in-chief. Those of you who are able to take on yearbook again for next year will be able to apply for the position, but for this year, I will take on a managing editor instead. Next year, an editor-in-chief would run the yearbook while I would step into an advisory role.

A managing editor oversees all of the other editors, the progress towards deadlines, and the overall quality of the book. On a day-to-day basis, they assist staff and editors in achieving their goals.

Applications Will be available Monday and due on Friday. I will

take the weekend to consider and arrive the following Monday with my answer.

Recommendations from your teachers, your performance in my class, and my observations will be involved in the process.

Disclaimer: There are four positions and over twenty of you. Do not panic if you do not get chosen for something. It doesn’t mean I hate you. I have to think about what is best for the team moving forward and make the best decision I can make.