Cur. Chapter 3 Theme Development

Yearbook Curriculum & Adviser Guide A reference guide to train your yearbook staff

- Chapter 3 -

Theme Development

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So...first we need a good

Theme Unifying the book, reflecting the year One of the first duties of the yearbook staff is to select a theme that reflects their school for this particular year. The theme is a concept that everyone in the school can understand, and realize how it applies to them.

A good approach when selecting the theme is to host a staff discussion, answering the school analysis questions near the end of this chapter.

Talk about your school — how it’s different from all other schools in your area, in your state and in your country.

What makes everyone proud of your school?

What groups shine above all others? What words describe your student body? What concept will help your staff tell the story of the year?

When you’ve answered those questions and others, your theme will emerge. Once you’ve chosen it, you’ll want to discuss graphic elements, photos, words, colors and typography that will reflect the theme.

You will use those elements to unify your book verbally and visually.

Choosing the

Theme • 1

Goal: At the end of this unit, the editors and staff will select a theme reflective of the unique aspects of the school and the year and develop the theme verbally and visually throughout the book.

Objectives: 1. Staff members will exhibit an understanding of yearbook theme concepts and how they are developed within a yearbook.

2. Editors will lead class discussion, encourage input from the staff, examine students’ ideas and make the final decision on the book’s theme concept.

3. Editors will determine the thematic design, photo and copy strategies and teach those to the staff.

4. Staff members will plan and design pages following the editors’ instructions on thematic design, photo and copy strategies.

Methodology: Staff members will complete the school analysis and concept exercise within this chapter and assist editors in the final theme development exercise near the end of the chapter.

Evaluation: Editors will develop theme/theme packet according to the exercises near the end of this chapter with input from staff. Staff members will work in groups to create sample theme packets, as described in that exercise.

Why have a theme or concept?

The yearbook theme is the unifying device that holds

If the school is making cuts due to a budget shortfall

the book together verbally and visually. The best themes

but trying to do more with less (fewer faculty, less money,

reflect specific, unique aspects of the year. For example, if

etc.), the staff might select “Less is More” as the theme.

it’s an “odd year” numerically and if your school is facing

If there are no unusual aspects to the upcoming year,

new and different challenges, the staff might choose “One

the staff might focus on the unique personalities within

Odd Year” as the theme.

the school, using “You-nique” as the theme.

Spinoff theme

Each year, the Choctaw Middle School yearbook staff selects a theme related to the principal’s academic slogan she uses throughout the entire school year. The administrator chose “Waves of Change” for the school’s academic theme, so the yearbook staff picked“Waves of Change” for their yearbook concept. The staff used wavy lines on the cover and inside spreads to reflect the concept throughout the book.

Choctaw Middle School • Choctaw, OK

Choosing the

Theme • 2

titles, copy, captions and secondary coverage modules

on the endsheet with theme-inspired titles for each section

Choose a theme that truly reflects the events and

(small copy areas that supplement the main story, such as

of the book. If the staff doesn’t print on the endsheets, the

personalities within your school.

quote areas, timelines, etc.) to tie the book to the theme.

contents can be placed on pages two or three.

What works for one school may not work for another.

Yearbooks without defining concepts or themes often

Theme development elements

lack continuity. Let the concept dictate the book’s look,

The theme statement or a reference to it appears on

using design elements, typography and photos to help

the cover. The unifying idea also appears on the title page

readers understand the unifying idea.

(page one), opening spread, dividers and closing pages. If a

Also use theme-related words or phrases in section

Location theme To remind students of their proximity to the Rocky Mountains, editors choose a theme to emphasize the school’s mile-high elevation.

The capital A and V in “Elevate” are cut through the cover to reveal a mountain scene on the front endsheet. The staff included the names of the graduation seniors in the shape of “17” on the back cover.

Academy High School • Westminster, CO

staff chooses to print on the endsheets, the theme appears

Choosing the

Theme • 3

Theme

Developing your

throughout the book

Where to include the theme Cover

Developing the

Theme • 4

Introduce your theme on the cover using words designed as a logo that embodies the theme concept. In this cover example (right), “empowered” comprises the theme logo. When designing your theme logo, select readable type that reflects the book’s theme and personality.

Cover designs may include photos, foil applications, silkscreened ink, embossing, grain treatments, colored materials or die cuts. It’s important to create a cover design that visually symbolizes the theme.

Cover

Endsheets

Front endsheet

Endsheets continue the look of the theme and include theme-related section titles. Near those titles, readers should see the content of each section and the section’s starting page number.

Designers may also use photos that represent each section. This practice helps designers include more students in the book.

The theme starts on the cover. Typography, graphics and colors start “the look” for the book and continue to the inside.

Cut-out-background photos represent the sections. Titles for each portion of the book relate to the theme.

Developing the

Title page

Theme • 5

Page one of every book includes theme-related photos and essential information related to the school, i.e., school name, address, year, book’s name, school website and volume number.

Student life divider

Division page dividers use elements from the cover and opening spread, including them on the introductory pages for each section.

This practice creates visual continuity throughout the book.

Opening

Pages 2-3 in the book introduce the theme with theme-related words and photos.

Title page Page one of your yearbook introduces readers to the school, its location and the students who attend classes there. Include essential information, such as school name and address, phone and fax number, year, book’s title, school’s website and volume number.

Opening section and dividers Think of the opening section as the introduction to the theme. Design elements mirror those on the cover.

Captions, copy and headlines relate to the theme.

Theme copy features specifics about the year in a creative style that represents the theme.

Division pages are designed as facing pages in a style that reflects the opening and closing spreads.

Developing the

Theme • 6

Academics divider

Division page designers include graphics from the cover and feature photos symbolizing the section content.

Sports divider

Cut-out-background photos represent the sections. Titles for each portion of the book relate to the theme.

Dividers Designed in a style similar to the opening, dividers tell readers that a new section follows.

Divider copy is written in the same style as the opening copy with references to specific people and events that relate to each section.

The sports divider features photos of sports involving both genders, practices and games from varied seasons.

Developing the

Theme • 7

Clubs divider

Photos representing the section content invite readers to explore the organizations section.

People divider

Designers maintain divider consistency using the same typographical treatments, graphics and design strategies.

Dividers (continued) Photo content on division pages represents a variety of stories included within the section.

For example, the academics divider might include pictures from classroom experiments, presentations, study methods and student

Student life spread Topic: Rodeo

Telling all aspects of the story through the lens of the camera causes readers to spend time with each spread. Cutout-background photos with identifications and quotes add depth to the coverage. The primary headline reflects the “power” theme.

Student life spread Topic: Talent show

Images show a variety of students performing in the all-school talent show. Designers use consistent typography for headlines, captions, copy and quote areas throughout the book to create a “whole book look.” The “power” graphic, taken from the cover, repeats on each spread to visually unify the book. The headline and secondary coverage title relate to the theme.

Developing the

Theme • 8

reactions to class activities.

The sports divider features photos of sports involving both genders, practices and games from varied seasons.

Section designs include theme references

Emphasize the theme through concept-related headlines for secondary coverage modules (i.e., quote areas, timelines, mini-features, etc.). The titles can relate to the actual theme of the book or to each section’s concept-related title. For example, if the section title is “The Power to Enjoy,” the editor might title a small module with “Enjoying Our Pastimes.”

Section editors may want to use a word from the spread or section title as inspiration for secondary module titles.

In the theme samples in this curriculum, the staff uses “Empowered” as the theme, reflecting the school’s namesake, Thomas Edison, and his “powerful” inventions. The staff found stories that reflect the theme, too, and emphasize the “power” angle in the primary headline on each spread.

Student life spread Topic: Cowgirl fashion

Maintaining a consistent look, designers include small cutouts embedded in a secondary coverage module near the bottom of the spread. Quotes from students describing their love for cowgirl fashion replace the traditional story.

“Power” is embedded into the primary headline and secondary module title.

Student life spread Topic: The fair

A secondary module includes students’ reactions to the fair with quotes placed under each student’s photo. Secondary modules also include cutouts with quotes and four candid photos of students with their comments on the “power”of the fair.

Developing the

Theme • 9

Section designs feature theme-related titles To continue references to the theme in the student life section, designers include the word “power” in some titles for secondary modules.

Section editors created a look for each part of the book, reflecting the look of opening spread and dividers.

Either theme-development method is fine so long as the reader understands the connection to the concept.

Although it’s ideal to use theme-related titles on all secondary coverage modules, it’s not always possible or necessary to do so.

Telling the story through secondary packages adds depth and dimension to coverage. Using theme-related titles for those modules is an added bonus to the book.

Student life spread

Developing the

Topic: Pets

Theme • 10

Telling all aspects of the story through the lens of the camera causes readers to spend time with each spread.

Cutouts with identifications and quotes add depth to the coverage. The primary headline reflects the “power” theme.

Academics spread Topic: Dance class

To include everyone involved in the dance program, designers showcase action shots of each performer with identifications and, in some instances, expanded captions or quotes

Section designs unify book To help readers better understand the story, plan the content of each spread before designing it. Include a variety of secondary modules designed with consistent typography, colors and lines to tell all aspects of the story and to maintain the “whole book look.”

Other unifying design elements include candid photos inset into the dominant picture, an overlapping cut-out-background photo placed on top of the dominant and smaller cutouts to accompany the secondary modules or headlines.

Developing the

Academics spread Topic: How students study

Theme • 11

Including the thematic word in the headline and secondary module title, designers create a visual spread to remind readers of students’ study methods.

Academics spread Topic: Chemistry experiments

To cover the science department, section editors create a spread featuring students conducting and reacting to experiments in chemistry class. The thematic word repeats in the primary headline and secondary coverage module. Secondary modules add depth to the coverage.

Academics section continues the look On the top spread, the primary headline includes the theme-related word “power” to connect with the overall topic, student study methods.

The secondary module title includes the embedded word “power” to address students’ study habits in photos and words.

On the bottom academics spread, designers use a similar strategy to title the spread and secondary modules with theme-related words.

Sports spread Topic: Soccer

Developing the

A small scoreboard works with a horizontal line along the top of the spread to tie facing pages together. A secondary module (the photo series across the bottom) contains a theme-related word in the title to echo the theme on the spread.

Sports spread

Topic: Winning gymnastics team

Small action photos embedded into the dominant add visual interest and depth to the coverage. Face shots with identifications across the top of the spread tie facing pages together and provide additional content. Key words in the primary headline and module title tie the spread to the theme.

Theme • 12

Sports section features thematic titles Section designers continue to develop the theme verbally and visually through headlines, secondary module titles, typography and graphics to give the publication a “whole book look.”

Developing the

Sports spread

Theme • 13

Topic: Football state champs

Candid, close-up photos feature important moments in the state championship game.

Primary and secondary titles emphasize the verbal aspects of the theme.

Organizations spread

Topic: Band

Large and small cut-out-background photos continue the “whole book look,”working in conjunction with photos and headlines.

Modules expand coverage Small photo modules continue to tell the story thematically. A unique sports scoreboard design provides valuable reader information without conflicting with photo content.

Developing the

Theme • 14

Organizations spread Topic: Volunteering

Designers maintain thematic unity using consistent typography, graphics and color.

Organizations spread

Topic: Community service

One theme-related module ties facing pages together across the top of the spread. The title for the small module across the bottom of the spread describes the content with no reference to the theme. Group photos of volunteer organizations are placed down the right side.

Section designs Within each section, designers include verbal references to the theme in primary headlines and in titles for secondary coverage modules.

Developing the

Theme • 15

People spread

Topic: Faculty empowered through teaching

Members of the faculty and staff are included in the people section with the same design strategy used in other portions of the portraits section.

People spread Topic: Seniors celebrate diversity

By placing names to the outside of the portrait blocks, designers leave space for additional coverage.

Following the look of the cut-out-background personality photos, designers include three profiles on the left side and a quote area featuring candid shots of students and their responses to questions on the right side.

Portrait designs In the people section, place names to the outsides of portrait blocks. This will allow designers to include secondary coverage modules.

People spread Topic: Juniors help less fortunate

Developing the

Theme • 16

Individual cutouts are placed as a group to feature the contributions of different class members on this horizontal portrait spread. A quote module on the top adds depth to the coverage.

People spread

Topic: Sophomores learn life’s lessons

Featuring cutouts and quotes, section editors explore a variety of lessons sophomores experience during their first years of high school. A secondary module on the right side provides additional insight into the topic.

Portrait designs continued Editors continue the look of the portrait section using cutouts, graphics, consistent typography, secondary modules and color. The designs fit the thematic appearance of the entire book, providing further unity.

Designers continue the same plan for all classes, teachers and staff, to unify the section and maintain the thematic look of the book.

Advertising spread

Developing the

Theme • 17

Topic: Parent ads

In some instances, students or parents design congratulatory ads.

The staff can create templates with standard type faces and sizes, borders and graphics to create an eye-pleasing look.

Advertising spread

Topic: Pre-designed ads from companies or parents

Using contrast between light and dark ads is a good technique to use when placing pre-designed ads.

Ad section designs fit into the book’s look It is acceptable to mandate standards when building ads with photos and words provided by parents. Such standards include type faces, sizes, borders, colors and graphics.

If parents provide pre-designed ads, vary the sizes on the spread and use the lines of the dominant photo to guide readers to the inside of the spread.

Index spread

Topic: Friendship photos

Developing the

Adding candid photos in a series across the bottom of the spread ties facing pages together and adds depth to the coverage.

Designers break up gray space by introducing each letter of the alphabet in the index with large type and photos, adding visual interest to the design.

Index and editors’ spread Topic: Editors’ notes of thanks and colophon

Designers include the end of the index with the colophon and acknowledgements.

The colophon contains detailed information about the book. The acknowledgements area allows editors to thank those who helped them produce the publication.

Theme • 18

Index designs Maintaining the “whole book look,” index editors include a large cut-out-background photo with a special quote and a secondary module across the bottom of the spread. Candid pictures placed near each large introductory letter in the index add visual interest and more extensive coverage of the students to the spread.

Ending theme spreads

Closing spread Topic: End-of-year activities

The final double-page spread, space permitted, is devoted to the closing section, the “final chapter” of the book. Using images from end-of-the-year activities, designers wrap up the year in words and photos.

Parting page Topic: Senior class

The final page of the book also includes end-of-the-year photos and a theme-related headline to wrap up the year.

Back endsheet

Topic: End-of-year images

Printing images from the end of the school year on the back endsheet adds more coverage opportunities and finalizes the concept for readers.

The last double-page spread in the book serves as the “final chapter” for readers. The copy, captions and headline feature theme-related words. Images reflect end-of-the-year activities.

The parting page is the last page of the book and is designed as a single page that includes a wrap-up of the final portion of the year. The headline is related to the theme. Copy and captions include words that reflect the concept.

The back endsheet, if printed, might include images from the end of the school year and a theme-related headline.

Developing the

Theme • 19

Additional

Theme

resources and ideas

Where to find ideas Theme ideas are everywhere: The shopping mall, on the internet, in publications, on billboards and on television, to name a few. College view books are excellent resources for theme/concept ideas. The most important aspect of theme is that it is relevant, fresh and representative of the school year.

The following pages contain examples of theme ideas that were popular among students who purchased books.

Relevant theme

In observance of their fifth year as a school, Trivium Preparatory Academy staff members chose the theme “Trivium” with an emphasis on the “V,” symbolic of the Roman numeral for “five.”

The staff used angled lines in a variety of ways throughout the book to reflect the diagonal lines of the letter,“V.”

Trivium Preparatory Academy Goodyear, AZ

Theme with meaning and purpose Relevant themes have meaning and value for all students. The Trivium Preparatory Academy theme celebrates the school’s fifth anniversary, in which every teacher, administrator and student participated. Note how the staff used the diagonal lines on the cover and throughout the book to symbolize the concept.

Ideas for

Theme • 20

Echoing the theme verbally and visually To continue the fifth anniversary concept on dividers, and to make the theme evident to non-staff members, editors use headlines with the letter “V,” increasing its size for emphasis.

Ideas for

Theme • 21

Repeating concept

An oversized “V” embedded in the section title emphasizes the theme on the academics divider. The letter is placed over the dominant photo, creating an angled look on the spread.

Matching idea

Continuing to emphasize the fifth-year theme, designers include the word “victorious” in the sports divider headline.

Trivium Preparatory Academy Goodyear, AZ

Design elements sustain the look Section designers incorporate angled lines in secondary coverage modules and in other design elements.

Diagonal lines

Ideas for

Theme • 22

Using the lines of the dominant photo, designers use angled lines to point readers toward the copy, also set in a diagonal manner.

Small, angled photos illustrate the secondary module at the bottom of the spread.

Slanted line module

Designers create angled photos with captions along picture edges for thematic emphasis.

Trivium Preparatory Academy Goodyear, AZ

Additional

Theme

resources and ideas

A sense of place Reminding readers of their school’s location and emphasizing their school’s colors, designers place a map of Arkansas behind the theme logo and institution’s seal. The theme, “Purple Reign,” a play on words, symbolizes the students’ love for their school.

Pride theme

Using a school color, editors feature “purple” in the theme logo, placing it on a gray, textured map of the school’s location. A large seal includes an image of the mascot.

Berryville High School Berryville, AR

Ideas for

Theme • 23

School color emphasized Designers use colorized, full-spread images to add contrast to the opening and dividers, accentuating the colorful theme.

Ideas for

Theme • 24

Strong contrast

Theme editors draw readers into the dominant photo on dividers using a colorization technique to feature the French horn and section title, while de-emphasizing the rest of the photo.

Color block

A purple rectangle of semi-transparent color showcases the opening copy and echoes the color in the thematic headline.

Berryville High School Berryville, AR

School colors featured in photos To continue emphasizing the “Purple Reign” theme, sports editors feature photos of athletes wearing home game uniforms.

Ideas for

Theme • 25

Color echo

Designers pull purple from the photos and repeat the color in the headline and rectangular block to emphasize the theme concept.

Unifying elements

Consistent typography, folios and color elements create visual continuity.

Berryville High School Berryville, AR

Additional

Theme

resources and ideas

Defining identity To emphasize students’ personalitites and interests, this staff chose “Identity” as their theme. A large paw print embedded in the type reflects the school’s mascot and brings together the varied personalities.

Overlapping type

Varying type sizes and weights merge to symbolize members of the student body and their unique qualities. The paw print reflects the school’s mascot, the cougar, tying the personalities together as a unified student body.

Cactus Canyon Junior High School Apache Junction, AZ

Ideas for

Theme • 26

Clever thematic tie-in Highlighting “id” in secondary headline words carries the theme through each section in a unique way. On dividers, “id” appears under words describing traits of students involved in activities within each section.

Ideas for

Theme • 27

Divider descriptors

Editors place words describing traits of students involved in the athletic program on top of the theme/concept, “id.” Each division page featured a similar design with words and photos reflecting the section content.

Theme emphasis

Throughout the book, editors include words with “id” embedded in secondary headlines. The letters are consistently featured in red within the secondary portions of each headline.

Cactus Canyon Junior High School Apache Junction, AZ

Photo modules and captions To add visual variety to double-page spreads, designers include small photo clusters with captions to contrast with dominant photos. Designers maintain consistency in typography throughout the publication.

Ideas for

Theme • 28

Driving the theme

Sports section editors use red to highlight “id” in one word in each secondary headline within the section.

Contrast in sizes

Large, dynamic images pull readers into each spread. Smaller pictures provide contrast for readers. Consistent typography and graphics provide visual unity throughout the book.

Cactus Canyon Junior High School Apache Junction, AZ

Additional

Theme

resources and ideas

Classic cover pulls readers into the book A raised image on the cover with gold foil words and numbers invites readers to explore “The Brief” from Choate Rosemary Hall. The staff reveals the theme on the front endsheet.

Detailed embossing

An image of the school is featured on the front cover, symbolizing the book’s theme, “I’m in the Brief,” in a unique way. The staff reveals the theme on the front endsheet.

Choate Rosemary Hall High School Wallingford, CT

Ideas for

Theme • 29

Elements of repetition Using phrases beginning with “I’m in,” editors introduce the theme and the book’s contents on the front endsheet. A unique design symbolizes the “in” concept with photos placed inside parallelograms and color blocks.

Ideas for

Theme • 30

Repeating ‘in’

Every section’s title starts with “in,” providing an element of repetition to introduce each section to readers.

Divider consistency

Placing the dominant photo in a unique picture window and adding smaller pictures across the bottom, designers give readers glimpses into the section content that follows.

Choate Rosemary Hall High School Wallingford, CT

Continuous elements The dark blue background, gold circle, rectangular bar and dominant photo design provide thematic unity for readers.

Ideas for

Theme • 31

Symbolic dominant

The large photo on each divider represents the content of each section it introduces.

Thematic words

Writers include words beginning with “in” throughout divider copy areas.

Choate Rosemary Hall High School Wallingford, CT

Additional

Theme

resources and ideas

Focus on community A local artist provides a detailed, full-cover image symbolizing the concept, “Never Forget Your Roots.”

Gold foil words contrast with the black-and-white image.

Historic record

To feature each individual’s importance to the school and community, editors remind students of their heritage, events and interests and how such influences have impacted their lives.

East Coweta High School Sharpsburg, GA

Ideas for

Theme • 32

Unifying design Using purple color blocks, designers direct readers to headlines and secondary coverage modules throughout the book.

Ideas for

Theme • 33

Secondary modules

A photo essay is attached to the dominant photo and to a purple color block that extends across the double-page spread.

Designers add a Q and A module to expand coverage.

Guiding readers

Subjects in the dominant photos point readers toward headlines and copy areas. Consistency with type, color and folios maintains the “whole book look.”

East Coweta High School Sharpsburg, GA

Seasonal coverage Editors organize the book by seasons, using drawings of trees representing autumn, winter and spring on dividers. Colors used in horizontal blocks echo colors in images to provide visual continuity.

Ideas for

Theme • 34

Featured area

A red color block extends across the facing pages and features a special event honoring bus drivers. Other topics covered on the spread include Ultimate Frisbee and Mole Day.

Verbal-visual link

A strong photo of cheerleaders raised above the heads of their teammates connects with the headline, “Uplifting the Spirit.”

East Coweta High School Sharpsburg, GA

Additional

Theme

resources and ideas

Die cut reveals image on endsheet The letter “i” is enlarged and cut through the cover to personalize the theme and catch the readers’ attention.

Eye-catching cover

A perfectly placed image on the front endsheet shows through the die cut in the cover and pulls readers into the book.

James Clemens High School Madison, AL

Ideas for

Theme • 35

Contents revealed Images symbolizing each aspect of the book appear in the table of contents on the front endsheet. Dominant photos on division pages connect with the section titles.

Ideas for

Theme • 36

Perpendicular titles

To reflect the strong, vertical “i” in the die cut, designers place section headlines at a 90-degree angle in the contents.

Color tie-in

Designers echo the bright yellow in the dominant picture in words and letters, as well as in a color block to link the facing pages.

James Clemens High School Madison, AL

Linking facing pages Section designers use photo series across the top of each sports spread to connect the facing pages.

Ideas for

Theme • 37

Dominant elements

Pulling readers into each spread, designers place eye-catching action photos near the center, connecting facing pages and representing the topic.

Featured cutouts

Key players are profiled in the lower left corner of each spread in the sports section.

James Clemens High School Madison, AL

Additional

Theme

resources and ideas

Environmental pride Transmitting a sense of place, Syracuse Schools cover designers feature a textured photo of a wheat field.

Syracuse Schools are located in western Kansas where farming is an important part of the town’s economy.

Tri-concept theme

Editors use a three-concept theme, “Expand, Evolve and Endure,” using three dividers instead of the traditional five.

The triangular shape reflects the “tri” concept. Copper foil lines emphasize the diagonal look.

Syracuse Schools Syracuse, KS

Ideas for

Theme • 38

Symbolic theme design To emphasize the “three” concept, designers include triangular graphics and diagonal lines, echoing the look of the cover.

Ideas for

Theme • 39

Contents design

On the front endsheet, angular modules feature each portion of the book and include photos representing each section.

Lively look

Colorful triangles spill down the divider, reflecting the book’s thematic design. A striking image pulls readers into the spread and provides distinct visual contrast for readers.

Syracuse Schools Syracuse, KS

Diagonal designs continue Angular lines maintain the look of each section in a unique, thematic style. Sports spreads feature a dominant photo with one slanted side. Activities spreads include a block placed at an angle across the facing pages, anchoring the headline and secondary modules.

Ideas for

Theme • 40

Angled approach

Angled color blocks serve as foundations for secondary coverage modules in the sports section. Copy set diagonally profiles key players.

Oblique slices

Giving the activities section a distinctive look, designers maintain the slant of the blue color block, cutting the photos and placing the headline on the same angle.

Syracuse Schools Syracuse, KS

Additional

Theme

resources and ideas

Catch phrase provides a glimpse inside Cutting words through the front portion of the cover gives readers a peek inside the book. A montage of faces appears on the front endsheet with only portions of it showing through the die cut.

Spirited theme

On the cover, school colors work with the book’s theme, “Got Life?,” to display the respect and pride students have for their school.

Treasure Coast High School Port St. Lucie, FL

Ideas for

Theme • 41

Repeating word Spinning off the “Got Life”” theme, editors repeat the concept in each headline within the book.

Ideas for

Theme • 42

Color combinations

Designers create the “whole book look” by pulling colors from one or more photos on each spread and maintaining consistent typography throughout the book.

Concept headlines

Writers use a thematic approach to incorporate words relating to each topic when introducing stories.

Treasure Coast High School Port St. Lucie, FL

Keeping the look Using typography and graphics, designers create a unified flow through the publication.

Ideas for

Theme • 43

Striking dominants

Large, storytelling moments serve as points of visual entry, showcasing the content on each spread.

Spread linkage

Using a large teal color block behind photos, designers tie together facing pages. Small action shots feature players wearing magenta, providing an element of repetition on the spread.

Treasure Coast High School Port St. Lucie, FL

Additional

Theme

resources and ideas

Colorful theme To represent the concept, “In Living Color,” designers create a series of paint splashes on a solid black background in the upper third of the cover.

Word emphasis

An informal script type face calls attention to the key word in the theme logo.

Union Grove High School McDonough, GA

Ideas for

Theme • 44

Dynamic, storytelling photos A colorful dominant photo illustrates the opening spread, symbolizing the theme, “In Living Color.” A “colorful personality” picture pulls readers into the travel spread.

Ideas for

Theme • 45

Rainbow gradient

A colorful rectangular bar links facing pages together on the opening spread.

Word emphasis

Designers fill one key headline word with a rainbow gradient to symbolize the theme.

Union Grove High School McDonough, GA

Working with color Blue paint splashes emphasize the headline on the school spirit spread. Below, a maroon color bar features personality shots of cheerleaders across the top of the spread. Both methods use spot color to echo the theme, “In Living Color.”

Ideas for

Theme • 46

Subtle spot color

To form an element of repetition on the spread, designers include one of the school’s colors in a key headline word and in a color bar across the top of the spread.

Headline emphasis

To maintain the thematic look, blue paint splatters and a color bar drive readers to the headline and copy. The colors were pulled from a student’s shirt in the dominant photo.

Union Grove High School McDonough, GA

Additional

Theme

resources and ideas

Visual play on words Editors select the theme “In Our Element,” using the Periodic Table as a inspiration for the cover design and interior pages.

Clever concept

Using square graphics and large type, editors begin the thematic design on the cover.

Yulee Middle School Yulee, FL

Ideas for

Theme • 47

Developing the look Writers incorporate the “element” concept in divider headlines with section content echoed in the square design title on the cover. Headlines work with photos, attracting readers to each spead. Secondary module titles reflect the theme.

Ideas for

Theme • 48

Meaningful words

On every divider, a strong, theme-related statement carries readers across the spread and works with the photos representing the section.

Clever headline

To connect with the photo, section editors include a headline that reflects the dominant photo.

The title for the secondary coverage area in the upper right corner reflects the theme.

Yulee Middle School Yulee, FL

Echoing the theme with headline designs To drive the concept through sections, editors include references to the Periodic Table of Elements in their headline designs.

Modular look

Candid photos placed in a series down the left side of the spread add depth to the book’s photo coverage. The headline design reflects the thematic look. An informational graphic on the right side reflects the topic covered in a clever, theme-related way.

Ideas for

Theme • 49

Thematic designs

Using the look of the Periodic Table of Elements, section editors create unique headline designs to introduce special coverage topics throughout the book.

Yulee Middle School Yulee, FL

Additional

Theme

resources and ideas

Theme related to academic year concept Each year, the principal at Choctaw Middle School creates a theme for the academic school year. In keeping with this year’s idea, “Waves of Change,” the yearbook staff chose the concept, “Making Waves.” Using curved lines and bouncing photos on the cover, cover designers reflected the “wave” concept.

Looks like the ocean

To symbolize the concept, “Waves of Change,” cover designers use school colors and curved graphics beneath bouncing photos of the student body at a pep assembly.

Choctaw Middle School Choctaw, OK

Ideas for

Theme • 50

Waving graphics Curved color bars mimic the wavy lines on the cover and frame candid photos related to the topic covered on the spread.

Ideas for

Theme • 51

Cutout callouts

Cut-out-background photos are placed close to headlines to attract readers to the words.

Thematic look

Wavy lines anchor cutouts at the top and bottom of the spread, reflecting the cover design.

Choctaw Middle School Choctaw, OK

Working with photos and graphics To give each spread a dynamic look, designers place dominant photos with faces or bodies guiding readers toward the center of each spread. Wavy graphics and cutouts on each spread complete the thematic look.

Related titles

Ideas for

Theme • 52

In keeping with the theme, “Making Waves,” editors use thematic titles for secondary coverage elements. Notice how the Ebb and Flow headline for the quote area on the right side of the spread reflects the concept.

Anchoring faces

Designers anchor candid face shots with identifications to wavy lines across the bottom of the spread to form a thematic secondary coverage module.

Curved lines also highlight the headlne at the top of the spread.

Choctaw Middle School Choctaw, OK

Theme ideas Use this list to help you find an appropriate slogan for your school this year. Brainstorm with your team to develop it fully and make it memorable, relevant and right for your yearbook. Support your theme with consistent and unique design, specific, well-written copy, and great, storytelling photos.

1,000 strong and growing 100 years to get it right 100% genuine 100% natural 2,000 possibilities 3 of a kind 5.4.3.2.1.

9 lives

A

A banner year A bird’s eye view A century in focus A century of excellence A certain kind of cool A certain point of view A change of pace A chip off the old block A closer look A common ground A complete package A cut above the rest A day at a time A day in the life A delicate balance A different perspective A different point of view A dramatic comeback A dynasty like no other A face in the crowd A first class label A first time for everything A fork in the road A fraction of time A full revolution A glance back A good thing going A horse of a different color A ‘Knight’ to remember A language of our own A league of our own

A little bit more A little bit of everything (except girls) A little give and take A little off center A little rough around the edges A lot to remember A matter of time A method to the madness A modest proposal A must see A name you recognize A new combination A new day and age A new direction A new horizon A new twist A novel approach A novel idea A okay A part of history A paws in time A penny for your thoughts A perfect ten A picture is worth 2,000 words A race against time A rare combination A roaring twenty A sense of pride A side never seen A step ahead A step beyond A story to be told A study in contrasts A time for change A time for everything A touch of silver in solid gold A turn in the road A two for one special A uniform way A view from the valley A vision becomes reality A walk on the wild side A way with words A whole new ball game A work in progress A world of difference A world of possibilities A year ‘2’ acknowledge A year like no other A year worth looking at About face Above & beyond Above it all Absence of moderation According to all accounts

Across the board Acting our age Actions speak louder than words After all is said and done After the fact Again and again Ahead of our time Ahead of the rest AKA (Also known as) All about change All about us All and all All at once All better now All eyes on us All in one piece All in the mix All in the numbers All of our memories All of a sudden All of the above All others are green with envy All over the place All over town All part of the picture All part of the plan All that shimmers All things aside All things said and done All together now ‘All-ways’ All worked up All wound up All wrapped up in tradition All’s well that ends well Alone together Along for the ride Along the way Alpha & Omega Alphabetical order Always and forever Always first Always never the same Always room for more An A for effort An acquired taste An all-out effort An American classic An eye for style An inside look Anatomy of (your mascot) And don’t you forget it And it all comes together And now for something completely different

And now it’s your turn And so it was And that’s just the half of it And the story begins...

And then some And then there was one And your point is...

Any given day Any way you look at it Any way you say it Anything and everything Anything but ordinary Are we caught up yet?

Are we for real?

Are we having fun yet?

Are we Lion?

Are we there yet?

Are you connected?

Are you ready?

Aren’t you the one?

Around the block As a matter of fact As a rule As big as life As different as ‘Knight’ and day As far as anyone knows As far as it goes As far as we’re concerned As good as done As good as gold As good as it gets As long as we’re together As luck would have it As we know it As we see it Aspire to inspire At a loss for words At best At face value At first glance At it again At long last At the crossroads At the peak At the rainbow’s end At your own risk Attitude is everything

B

Back and forth Back in circulation Back in the day Back on track Back to back

Back to square one Back to the beginning Backed by tradition Background check Basic questions. Basic answers.

Basic training Be all you can ‘B’ Be yourself

Ideas for ‘Bear’ necessities ‘Bear’ with us Beating the odds Been there, done that Before long Before you know it Before ... after Beginner’s luck Behind the scenes Believe it or not Beneath the surface Best in the west Best kept secret Better late than never Better look twice Better yet Between extremes Beyond a shadow of a doubt Beyond belief Beyond expectations Beyond imagination Beyond our wildest dreams Beyond the breaking point Beyond the expected Beyond the obvioUS Beyond the shore Beyond tradition Beyond words Big deal Bigger and better Bits and pieces Black tie and blue jeans Blazing a trail Block party Bluestreaks Body, heart, spirit Bound and determined Bound to be different Boxed in Boxed set Boys will be boys Brace yourself Break out of the box Break the mold

Theme • 53

Breaking barriers Breaking new ground Breaking out Breaking the surface Bridging the gap Bring it on ‘Bruin’ up a storm Bugging out Building blocks Building new traditions Building on excellence Built to last Burning bright Bursting at the seams Bursting on the scene But who are we really?

But who’s counting?

By all accounts By all means By any other name By definition

By George, we’ve done it!

By popular demand By the book By the numbers By the way By word of mouth

C

Call it what you want Can you believe it?

Can you dig it?

Can you top this?

Capture the moment Carved in stone Case in point Catch us if you can Caught in the act Caught in the middle Caught in the shuffle Caught red-handed Cause & effect Causing an uproar Center of attention Certain restrictions may apply Change by design Change for the better Change your tune Changing directions Changing faces Changing tides Changing with the tides Chaos unfolding Chapter two Character counts

Charmed life Charting your course Check this out Check us out Choices Choosing up sides Classic way to spend a quarter Clearly the exception Close to home Coincidence?

Color outside the lines Color commentary Combinations Come and get it Come as you are Coming in loud and clear Coming to a school near you Common threads Complete Completely unforgettable Connected Connections Consider the possibilities Consistently good Continuing the legacy Continuing the story Contradictions Contrary to popular belief Controlled chaos Couldn’t have done it without you Count on it Count us in Countdown Counting on character Crossing lines Crossing paths Cutting loose

D

Dare you Day after day Day to day Days, hours, seconds Deal with it Deep impact Define us Defining character Defining moments Defining the future Déjà vu Despite it all Details Diamond in the rough Did you know?

Different by design

Diffusion Diversity Do a double take Do you have what it takes?

Do you like what you see?

Doing it right the first time Don’t blink or you’ll miss it Don’t count us out Don’t hold back Don’t hold your breath Don’t miss a thing Don’t take us for granted Don’t worry about it Done it, said it, noted, quoted Double take Double talk Double vision Down to the wire Dramatic differences Draw your own conclusions Drawing you in Dream catcher Dream, dare, do Dreaming out loud Dreams Dreams made real

E

Earning our stripes Easier said than done Eastside story Easy come, easy go Echoes Emotion End of an era End of the line Endless possibilities Energized Enjoy the view Enough is enough Enough said Equally different Etc. Every dog has its day Every day counts Every day matters Every ending is a new beginning Every inch of the way Every last one Every minute counts Every now and then Every second counts Every shade of blue Every step of the way Everything and more

Everything from A to Z Everything under the sun Everything you never expected Evolving Exactly the same Excellence without excuse Excellence (the year) Exclusively now Excuse the interruptions Expect more Expect the unexpected Express yourself ExTENsions Extreme exposure Eye of the storm

F

F.Y.I. Face it Face to face Faces and places Fall in line Falling into place Far from it Fast forward Feature presentation Figure it out Filling in the blanks Filling the gap Finding yourself Finishing touches Fired up First and foremost First class First the good news First things first Fits us to a “T” Five of a kind Flipping channels Flying first class Focus Food for thought For a good time, call ...

For all it’s worth For all the right reasons For keeps For real For the moment For the record For those who know us For whatever it’s worth Foundations Four of a kind Frame by frame Freeze frame

From blueprints to footprints From day to day From every angle From here to there From our point of view From reel to real From start to finish From the ground up From the heart From the word go

Ideas for

Theme • 54

From time to time Frozen in time Full capacity Full circle Full house Full of wonder Fun and games

G

Gaining attention Games we play Generation next Get a clue Get a head start Get a life Get a move on Get comfortable Get it together Get over it Get ready to ...

Get real Get serious Get set Get the message?

Get the picture Get to the point Get what’s coming to you Getting carried away Getting down to business Getting in the last word Getting it down on paper Getting the blues Getting there is half the fun Getting to know our way Getting what we deserve Give it all you’ve got Give us a break Giving credit where credit is due Go for it Goes without saying Going all out Going on and on

Going places Going to town Going, going, gone Gold rush Gold through and through Golden opportunities Good and ready Good as gold Good things come in small packages Got life?

Gotta love it Grin and ‘Barrett’ (school name) Grounds for change Growing by leaps and bounds Guess you had to be there

H

Have it made Have it your way Have we got news for you Have what it takes Have you ‘herd?’

Having the last laugh Heading in the right direction Heard that before Heart of gold Here and now Here and there Here’s looking @ you Hey, have you heard?

History in the making Hold everything Hold it!

Holding fast Honor, truth, duty Hooked together Hope you had the time ...

How ‘bout that How hard can it be?

How lucky can you get How sweet it is How the west was won Huh?

I

I.D.entity Identities If all else fails If this isn’t the real world, then what is?

If these walls could talk If we don’t do it, who will?

If we only came with instructions

If only you knew If you thought If you’ve got it, flaunt it!

Image is everything Image is nothing Imagine Imagine that In 25 words or less In a different light In a nutshell In a word In a world of our own In addition to tradition In and out In any event In between In black and white In brief In Dog years In due time In focus In for a little shock In full swing In good time In less than no time In no uncertain terms In one accord In other words In our own backyard In our own world In our prime In our right mind In pursuit In retrospect, in anticipation In so many words In the blink of an “I” In the first place In the know In the limelight In the line of duty In the long run In the loop In the midst of change In the prime of life In the red In the shadows In the spotlight In tune In with the new In your face In, out and about Indeed Individual results may vary Indulge yourself Influence

Information overload Initial reactions Inner strength Innerview Innovation Inquire inside Inquire within Inside Inside out Inside outside Interdependence Into focus Introspection Is it just a question of time?

Is it me or is it hot in here?

Is this the end or just the beginning?

Isn’t it clear to see?

Isn’t that special?

It all adds up It all starts right here It blue us away It figures It just goes to show It only gets better It only happens once It takes all kinds It takes practice It’s a deal It’s a good time It’s a jungle out there It’s a matter of give and take It’s about time It’s about you It’s all about (what) It’s all behind us now It’s all here in black and white It’s all in how you look at it It’s all in the cards It’s all in the game It’s all our fault It’s all over but the shouting It’s all over town It’s all up to you It’s an attitude It’s been done before It’s been quite It’s confidential It’s harder than it looks It’s how you play the game It’s in the numbers It’s just too much It’s like this It’s no surprise It’s not a feeling you get every day It’s not an option

It’s not as easy as 1, 2, 3 It’s not easy being green It’s not over until the last bell rings It’s not over yet It’s not what you think It’s personal It’s so you It’s the small things that count It’s the thought that counts It’s up to you It’s what we’ve become It’s what you make it It’s what’s on the inside that counts It’s your history It’s your life, take notes

J

Jammed in Joining forces Jump at the chance Jump right in Just a bit different Just a click away Just a little mixed up Just a second Just add water Just around the corner Just because ...

Just goes to show you Just had to be there Just in case you ever wondered Just look at us Just one of those things Just one step at a time Just passing time Just push play Just scratching the surface Just so Just us Just wait and see Just when you thought it was over Just when you thought you’d seen it all Just your type

K

Keep a straight face Keep an eye on it Keep it real Keep it simple Keep the change Keep the triumphs Keeping it real Keeping pace

Keeping tabs Knight vision Knights! Camera! Action!

Knock it off Knock knock Know a thing or two Know it inside out Know the score Know the tricks of the trade

Ideas for Know what it takes Know what we mean?

Know what’s what Knowing our place Knowing the ropes

L

Theme • 55

Larger than life Last but not least Lasting impressions Laying it on the line Leading the pack Leading the way Leave it to Beavers Leaving our mark Leaving the past behind Less is more Let the magic begin Let the tradition begin Let us spell it out for you Let yourself in Let’s cut to the point Let’s get this show on the road Let’s make hisssstory Let’s talk story Life 101 Life in the middle Life is multiple choice Life’s too short to be ordinary Life, camera, action Life@schoolname.

Lift here Light Lighten up Lightning strikes twice Lights, camera, action Like I was saying Like never before Like ...

Linked as one Little by little Little things

Live and learn Live it up Live the dream Living on the edge Log on ...

Long time, no see Look again Look at us now Look before we leap Look closer Look inside for details Look what the cat dragged in Look who’s talking Looking beyond Looking forward to looking back Looks can be deceiving Looks like it’s that time Looks like we made it Loud & clear Luck has nothing to do with it

M

Mad about plaid Made for success Made in the shade Made to order Made you look Make a big deal Make a great showing Make a note of it Make a run for it Make it count Make it happen Make no mistake about it Make nothing of it Make something of it Make the scene Make way Make your move Making a comeback Making a fuss Making a go of it Making a long story short Making a name for ourselves Making a statement Making both ends meet Making connections Making every day count Making fun of it Making headlines Making it all fit Making it work Making ourselves at home Making the best of it

Making the grade Making the pieces fit Making time for ...

Many as one Mark my words Maxed out Maximum occupancy May we have your atTENtion please?

Maybe I’ll see you there Me, you, us Measuring up to the test Membership has its privileges Memories are made of this Mind over matter Mind, body, soul Missing the point Mission accomplished Mission: possible Mix it up Mixed emotions More More about everything More often than not More or less More than just the basics More than meets the eye More than one can play at this game More than words can say More than you imagined More to come Most of all Moving up in the world Multiple choice

N

Name of the game Neither here nor there Never before Never before, never again Never had it so good Never quite like this Never-ending questions New and improved Next No borders, no boundaries No doubt about it No ifs, ands or buts No joke No kidding No laughing matter No limits No limits, no boundaries No matter what No one quite like us

No problem No reservations No small change No time to catch our breath No turning back No two are alike No two ways about it No vacancy No wonder Northside story Not a bit Not another peep out of you Not as it seems Not just another face in the crowd Not just skimming the surface Not on your life Note this Nothing but ...

Nothing can stop us now Nothing greater than a Raider Nothing held back Nothing of the kind Nothing ordinary about us Nothing stays the same Nothing to hide Nothing to it Nothing’s perfect Now Now & then Now look what you’ve done Now or never Now we’ve got it Now we’ve got something to shout about Now you know

O

Oh my!

Objects in the mirror ...

Of all things Of epic proportions Of our own free will Off balance Off the beaten track Off the wall Off to a wild start On both sides of the line On common ground On edge On hold On our way On target On the contrary On the cutting edge On the double

On the edge On the face of it On the flip side On the inside On the level On the move On the other hand ...

On the spot On the spur of the moment On the up and up On the verge On top again On top of things Once a Warrior, always a Warrior Once and for all Once in a blue moon Once in a great while Once in a lifetime One One 4 all One 4 all and all 4 one One and only One by one One for the books One for the record books One good turn deserves another One hot number One in a hundred One in a millennium One in a million One in every crowd One last look One of a kind One of these days One size does not fit all One small step One thing leads to another One voice One way or another Only the beginning Only the name’s the same Only time will tell Or something like that Orange you glad?

Organized chaos Original formula Our final answer Our kind of place Our legend lives on Our moment in time Our name says it all Our story, your story Our turn Our way Out and about

Out loud Out of line Out of place Out of sight, out of mind Out of the blue Out of the box Out of the ordinary Out of the question Out of the shadows

Ideas for

Theme • 56

Out with the old, in with the new Outside the box Over and over Over the top

P

Pack, pride, purpose Packed INdividually Packed and ready to go Pages in time Pardon our dust Part of the pack Pass it on Past, present, future Paws and reflect Paws for reflection Paws-abilities Paying attention People are talking People, places, things, ideas Permission granted Perspectives Pick of the pack Picture perfect Picture the possibilities Picture this Piece of the action Playing for keeps Playing it cool Playing your cards right Plus a whole lot more Point being Pointed in all directions Polished performance Pop the question Power of one Power, purpose, pride Premium blend Price is right Priceless PS: pride & spirit

Pssst ... there’s more Purple reign Put 2 and 2 together Put to the test Putting us on the map

Q

Quick as a wink Quips & quotes Quite the place

R

‘R’ way Raising our sights Raising the roof Raising the standard Random Rated R Reaching new heights Read between the lines Read more into it Read the fine print Ready or not Ready, set, go Ready, willing and able Reality check Red hot Red hot, cool blue Red, white & you Red, white and new Reinventing ourselves Reinvention Rekindle the flames Remember when?

Remember, live, dream Respect Return to sender Revision Revolution evolution Right before your eyes Right here, right now Right on time Right this way Ripped to pieces Rise and shine Road to success Roll out the red carpet Room to breathe Room to grow Rude awakenings Running on empty

S

S-s-s-econd to none Same as it ever was Same difference Same here Saving the best for last Say it with an accent Say the word Scream ‘til you’re red in the face Seal of approval Sealed in gold Second chances Second to none See for yourself See it; believe it See the writing on the wall See you later, Alligator Seeing double Seeing is believing Seeing it through Seeing red Seems like only yesterday Seen, heard, noted and quoted Seize the day Sense of time Serendipity Serves you right Setting the world on fire Settling the score Shake, rattle and roll Sharing a common difference Shed some light on it Shifting gears Short and sweet Show offs Showing our true colors Shrink to fit Side by side Sign of the times Sign on the dotted line Signed, sealed and delivered Silver and black attack Simplicity is just an illusion Simply complicated Simply unforgettable Simply you, simply us Sit up and take notice Situation under control Slightly off center Small change Small impressions, big impact Small talk Small talk’s a big deal So bad we’re good

So be it So far, so good So it goes So much the better So much to say So now what?

So they say So to speak So what else do you need to know?

So what’s your story?

So, what else is new?

Solid as a rock Some assembly required Some impressions never fade Some people Some things never change Something for everyone Something from nothing Something old, something new, something white, something blue Something to shout about Something to think about Something to write home about Something unpredictable Sometimes nonsense just makes sense Sometimes numbers lie Sometimes we get it ‘Wright’ Somewhere in between Sooner or later Sophistication and fun are not mutually exclusive Sound bytes Southern accents Southern roots Space is limited Spare change Speak up Special effects Split decision Split the difference Stand and be counted Stand by ...

Stand for something Stand up, stand out Standing on our own two feet Standing out Stands to reason Starting at 1 Starting from scratch Starting over Stay the course Step by step Sterling silver Still in one peace Still the one

Stop! Hold everything!

Stopping at nothing Stories all our own Strength in numbers Strike it rich Structure Subject to change Success hasn’t spoiled us yet Such a name dropper Such is life Suit yourself Suits us to a “T” Super-sized Surrounded Survival of the fittest Surviving the glitches Symbiosis Syndication Synergy System overload

T

Take a chance Take a closer look Take a hint Take a look at us now Take a new turn Take a number Take a picture, it lasts longer Take a second look Take a stand Take another look Take it or leave it Take the hint Take two Taken by surprise Takes one to know one Taking it from the top Taking it to another level Taking off the wraps Taking our 15 minutes Taking the bull by the horns Taking the world by storm Talk big Talk of the town Teaching old dogs new tricks Technically speaking Tell it like it is Ten times more That certain something That small town feeling That takes care of that That was then That’s a wrap

That’s all we need That’s just the half of it That’s my final answer That’s no excuse That’s not all That’s our story and we’re sticking to it That’s the difference That’s the ticket The A list

Ideas for

Theme • 57

The adventure continues The best is yet to come The big picture The big squeeze The bottom line The breaking point The budget blues The clock is ticking The coast is clear The elements of style The end The final touch The finer points The full experience The fun starts here The game of life The gold standard The grass is greener The inside track The it list The legacy continues The legend lives on The long and short of it The main event The missing link The more the merrier The more things change ...

The name of the game The one to watch The people ... the stories ...the experiences...

The places we’ll go The possibilities are endless The power of expression The real deal The real world The right combination The season finale The start of something big The thrill of it all The truth inside The ultimate investment The winner’s circle

The word is out Then & now Then & wow There’s a Bulldog in every crowd There’s no stopping us There’s nothing generic about us There’s nothing like it There’s only one Things are looking up Things aren’t always what they seem Think about it Thinking big Thinking out loud Thinking outside the box Third time’s a charm This drives us wild This hour, this day, this month, this year This is how we see it This is it This is the place This is the year This is who we are This spot reserved This will blow your mind This will shock you Thought for the day Thought you’d like to know Thoughts, beliefs, opinions Three of a kind Threshold Thriving in chaos Through our eyes Tight Time after time Time and time again Time flies when you’re having fun Time for everything Time of our lives Time out Time stands still Time will tell To a great extent To another level To be continued To make a long story short To the hill and back To the letter To the ‘nth’ degree To whom it may concern Together as one Together to the end Told you so Too close for comfort Too good to be forgotten Too good to be true

Too good to keep under wraps Too grand Too hot to handle Too much of a good thing Top of the charts Top secret Torn together Tough act to follow Tradition with a twist Traditions & transitions Transformations Transitions Treasure the moment Tried and true True blue Truth is out there Try not to stare Turn of phrase Turn the page Turning point Turning the world upside down Two sides to every story Two steps forward

U

Unbound Undefinable Undeniably different Under construction Under cover Under pressure Under the circumstances Under wraps Unfolding the truth Unforgettable in every way Unified diversity Uniform differences United we stand Unleashed Unlimited Unplugged Unpredictable Untitled Up close and personal Up in the air Up to date Utter chaos

V

Vantage point Version 1.0 Very highly motivated Viewers like you

Visibly different Visualize

W

Way 2 kool We are We are not We are one We are ... RU We bring good things to life We couldn’t make up these stories if we tried We deliver We demand respect We faced it together We have it all ... and then some We hold these truths ...

We kid you not We know a thing or two We lead; others follow We make looking good easy We make the difference We survived We told ya We won’t go quietly We’ll see about that We’re all in this together We’re all that We’re going wild We’re ‘IN-’dependence We’re on the map We’re over it We’re packed and ready to go We’re something more We’re still flying high We’re turning some heads We’ve caught your eye We’ve completely flipped We’ve got a line on you We’ve got it all We’ve got style We’ve got the hookup We’ve got you covered We’ve hit the Bull’s eye Welcome to our world What a difference a year makes What a long strange trip it’s been What a vue What are you driving at?

What are you looking for?

What did you expect?

What do you do?

What do you mean?

What goes?

What happened?

What if ...

What is it about this place?

What make us tick?

What matters most What next?

What now?

What was, what is, what will be What year is it anyway?

What’s all this noise about anyway?

What’s done is done What’s going on?

What’s gotten into you?

What’s in a name?

What’s it mean?

What’s so different?

What’s the big deal?

What’s the buzz?

What’s the difference?

What’s the idea?

What’s the point?

What’s unique about us?

What’s your Pointe?

What? Huh? Hmmm ...

Whatever it takes When all is said and done When the dust settles Where are the keys?

Where do we fit in?

Where everybody knows your name Where in the world?

Where’s the Bulldog in you?

Who are we?

Who cares?

Who do you think we are?

Who knew?

Who let the cat out of the bag?

Who no one sees Who says?

Who? Me? Who? What? Where? When?

Why? How? Wired With flying colors Without a doubt Without question Word for word Word travels fast Words Worth looking into Worth the wait Would we lie to you?

Would you care to join us?

Wouldn’t change a thing Wouldn’t you like to know?

Wrapping it up Written in the stars

X

Xtra special Xtra ordinary Xtreme year

Y

Ideas for

Theme • 58

Y not?

Yadda yadda yadda Years 2 keep Yes we can Yesterday, today, tomorrow You ain’t seen nuthin’ yet You are here You be the judge You can count on it You can get there from here You can quote us on that You can read us like a book You can say that again You can’t ask for anything more You can’t believe everything you hear You can’t judge a book by its cover You can’t take it with you You complete the puzzle You do the math You don’t say You gotta love it!

You had to be there You know it You oughta know You provide the color You said it You should be in pictures You think you know ... but you have no idea You were there You’re invited You’re not going to believe this, but ...

You’ve got mail You. Captured.

Younique Your guess is as good as mine Yourbook Yours 2 keep

Z

Zero in

Analyze your

School

7. What part of your school makes your students proud?

15. What’s the first thing visitors notice about your campus?

Use the questions and statements below to analyze your school. Include as much detail as possible. The specific information in your responses can be used to write the copy to introduce the theme to your readers and to relate the theme to each section of the book.

8. How is your school “above average?”

16. What physical changes or other changes will occur at your school next year?

1. What is the name of your school and how long has it been in existence?

9. Describe your school in one word.

17. How do community, national and international events affect your school?

and use responses to develop your theme

2. Name and describe your mascot. How was your mascot chosen?

10. Describe your student body in one word.

18. What challenges is your school facing this year?

11. How do rival schools describe your school?

19. How is your school dealing with these changes and challenges?

12. What athletic event is most significant to your school each year? Why?

20. Describe your school’s faculty.

3. What are your school colors and how were they chosen?

4. Describe your school and explain where it is located.

21. What clubs are most outstanding in your school? Why? 13. What other events are significant at your school each year? Why? 5. Describe your location (inner city, mountain top, country)?

6. What traditions are important to your students?

14. Where would we find your student body on Friday night?

Group Members:

Theme Chapter Adviser Resource • page 1

Creative

Theme

concept exercise

Divide the class into groups of three or four students each.

On the following page, based on the sample below, create a fictitious school and answer the questions about the fictitious school. Write three theme ideas for this school and select the best theme for that year. Discuss theme spin-off titles for each section in the book and design strategies to reflect your concept.

Example: School’s name: Theodore Roosevelt High School City, State: Wild Horse, TX Describe location: On the prairie on the outskirts of town Mascot: Mustang School colors: Teal and purple Traditions: • Everyone comes back for homecoming • Spring fling - class competitions with some faculty participating • Rodeo brings participants from across the U.S. and Canada to participate • Christmas Angel Tree Project raises funds for less fortunate children in the community School’s pride factors: • Excellent athletic program; won state in football, girls’ basketball and volleyball; state runners-up in boys’ basketball, baseball and tennis • Six National Merit Scholars • Vocational club and DECA won state contests; FFA took top awards in steers, horses and goats

• We work with our local law enforcement officers to provide students opportunities to host weekend events in which the entire school participates • Nationally recognized for anti-peer pressure program, helping students to make good decisions, to take pride in their work and to avoid drugs and alcohol How this school differs from other schools: • Ninety-five percent graduation rate • Parent involvement at all levels, from elementary to high school • Our building is 75 years old and is on the National Historic Registry. It has been well cared-for.

Changes/challenges for this year: • State has cut our funding by 40%, possibly forcing us to cut programs • Principal and his leadership council are making plans for fund-raisers to offset the cuts • Community members are assisting as volunteer teachers, aides, custodians and bus drivers to help Honors/awards: • State sportsmanship award • State spirit award • Highest test scores in the state • Highest percentage of students going to and completing higher education • State Teacher of the Year • Proud to be You-nique honors from the National Education Association

Sample Answers: Three possible theme ideas: 1. A Horse of a Different Color (based on school colors and the unique pride-building programs in the school) 2. Just Cut It Out (based on budget cuts and how we are dealing with them) 3. You-niquely yours (based on the wide variety of personalities within the school and our unique school colors) Our choice: A Horse of a Different Color Spinoff section titles: Student Life: Our Colorful World Sports: Pride in Our Colors Academics: Colorful Facts Organizations: Colorful Interests People: Colorful Personalities Design/copy strategies: • Colorful paint splatters behind headlines, caption headlines and secondary modules • Color-coded sections • Colorful phrases and descriptions in stories • Colorful action photos featuring our school colors

Theme Chapter Adviser Resource • page 2

Creative

Theme

concept exercise

Exercise: Divide the class into groups of three or four students each.

Write the name of a fictitious school and answer the questions about the school in the blank spaces below.

Write three theme ideas for this school and select the best theme for that year. Discuss theme spin-off titles for each section in the book and design strategies to reflect the concept.

How your school differs from other schools:

Three possible theme ideas:

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1.

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2.

Example:

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3.

School’s name:

•

Our choice:

City, State:

Changes/challenges for this year:

Describe location:

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Mascot:

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School colors:

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Traditions:

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Honors/awards:

Spin-off section titles: Student Life: Sports: Academics: Organizations: People: Design/copy strategies: •

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•

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School’s pride factors: •

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Group Members:

Theme Chapter Adviser Resource • page 3

Creating your

Theme

from start to finish

Exercise:

Design strategies: Copy strategies:

Based on your discussion of the questions about your school, choose three possible theme ideas. Work with your group to select the best idea and justify it in the spaces below. Then begin developing your theme/concept using the information on this page as a starting point.

•Colors:

Your theme/concept:

•Special effects:

• Related words for secondary coverage titles: •Graphics:

• Typography:

• Thematic words to use in copy and captions:

Three possible theme ideas: 1.

Photo strategies:

2.

• Opening photos:

3.

• Student life divider photos:

• Embedded words for clever titles or headlines:

• Sports divider photos:

• Synonyms for copy, headlines or captions:

Opening:

• Academics divider photos:

Student Life:

Sports:

• Organizations divider photos:

• How we will emphasize thematic words in copy:

Academics:

Organizations:

• People divider photos:

People:

Closing:

• Closing photos:

Your choice:

Spin-off section titles:

Theme Chapter Adviser Resource • page 4

Creating your

Theme from start to finish

Exercise: Sketch a cover design in the space below. Design a logo to reflect your theme concept and include it on the front part of the cover. Also include the book’s title and year. On the spine, include the following: School name, city, state, book’s title, year and volume number. If space permits on the spine, you may also include your theme logo.

Your cover idea

Theme Chapter Adviser Resource • page 5

Creating your

Theme from start to finish

Exercise:

Print two copies of this page. If you plan to print on the front endsheet, sketch it on one of the pages. Add your theme logo and design the table of contents using theme-related phrases or words to tie each section to the theme. Add the section content and beginning page numbers in smaller type. You may also add photos to represent each section in the book. On the other page, sketch a smilar design for the back endsheet, eliminating the table of contents.

Your ideas for front/back endsheets

Theme Chapter Adviser Resource • page 6

Creating your

Theme from start to finish

Exercise:

On the left, sketch the title page in a style that represents your theme. On the right, sketch a parting page in a similar style.

Include photos that reflect the theme with one image obviously larger than all others. Include captions or identifications for each photo. On the title page, include following essential information: School name, address, phone number, fax number, website, theme logo and volume number. Optional items might include school population, school’s honors or awards, and number of faculty and staff and other facts that showcase the school. For the parting page, include, photos, captions and a theme-related headline representing the end of the school year.

Your title page idea

Your parting page idea

Theme Chapter Adviser Resource • page 7

Creating your

Theme from start to finish

Exercise:

Print two copies of this page. On one, design the opening section to reflect your theme. You may include your theme logo and/or theme-related headline. Add photos that represent the opening of school. If your theme were “One Hot Number,” for example, you might include a photo of people standing in front of a bonfire taken during a pep rally, or an athlete practicing in the sweltering summer heat. Add smaller photos for contrast. Each picture should represent the school’s opening and the theme. Add captions for each image. Also include space for copy to introduce the theme. On the second page, design the closing section. Include theme-related images, captions, copy and a headline to represent the year’s end.

Your opening/closing section ideas

Theme Chapter Adviser Resource • page 8

Creating your

Theme from start to finish

Exercise: Design your division page in a style that reflects your theme. Include a theme-related headline that applies to the section.

This should be the same headline as the title used in the table of contents. Include photos that represent section content and relate to the theme. Add smaller photos for contrast. Include captions for each image. Also include space for theme-related copy that introduces the section.

Your division page idea

Theme Chapter Adviser Resource • page 9

Creating your

Theme from start to finish

Exercise:

Print two copies of this page. On one page, sketch a student life design that reflects the design of your theme spreads. On this sketch, start with a dominant vertical photo. Design your headline using the same type faces as those used in your theme logo. Include a secondary headline. Add photos that represent the topic you’re covering. Add smaller photos for contrast and include captions or identifications for each image. Also include space for a story or photo/quote area to explain the topic.

Create secondary modules to add to the story. On the second page, sketch a student life design that begins with a dominant horizontal photo. Include the same elements as those used in the vertical design.

Your student life vertical and horizontal dominant spread ideas

Theme Chapter Adviser Resource • page 10

Creating your

Theme from start to finish

Exercise:

Print two copies of this page. On one, sketch a sports design following the style used on your theme spreads. On one page, start with a dominant horizontal photo. Create the headline using type faces in your theme logo. Include a secondary headline. Add photos that represent the topic you’re covering. Add smaller photos for contrast and include captions or identifications for each image. Include space for a story or photo/quote module to explain more about the topic. Include secondary coverage modules to help tell the story. On the second page, sketch a sports design with a dominant vertical photo. Follow the guidelines you used for the first design on this spread.

Your sports horizontal and vertical dominant spread ideas

Theme Chapter Adviser Resource • page 11

Creating your

Theme from start to finish

Exercise:

Print two copies of this page. On one, sketch an academics design resembling your theme spreads. Start with a dominant vertical photo on this sketch. Create a headline similar to your theme logo. Include a secondary headline. Include photos that represent the topic you’re covering. Add smaller photos for contrast and include captions or identifications for each image. Also include space for a story or photo/quote module and secondary coverage modules to explain more about the topic. On the second page, sketch an academics design with a dominant horizontal photo including the same elements as those used in the vertical design.

Your academics vertical and horizontal dominant spread ideas

Theme Chapter Adviser Resource • page 12

Creating your

Theme from start to finish

Exercise:

Print two copies of this page. On one, sketch an organizations design resembling your theme spreads. Start with a dominant horizontal photo. Design a headline to complement your theme logo. Include a secondary headline and photos reflecting the topic you’re covering. Add smaller photos for contrast, adding captions or identifications for each image. You may want to add small group of photos in a series across the bottom or down the side. Include space for a story or photo/quote module and secondary coverage modules to help tell your story. On the second page, design a spread starting with a dominant vertical photo and include similar items used in your horizontal spread.

Your organizations horizontal and vertical dominant spread ideas

Theme Chapter Adviser Resource • page 13

Creating your

Theme from start to finish

Exercise:

Print two copies of this page. Sketch a people/portrait design in a manner reflecting your theme spreads. Start with a dominant horizontal portrait block on this sketch. Add a headline design similar to your theme logo and include a secondary headline. Create small secondary coverage modules for contrast and include captions or identifications for each image. On the second page, sketch a people/portrait design with a dominant vertical portrait block. Include similar elements as those used in your horizontal design.

Your people spreads with horizontal and vertical portrait blocks

Theme Chapter Adviser Resource • page 14

Creating your

Theme from start to finish

Exercise:

Sketch a patron and/or business advertising spread. Use type consistent with the rest of the book. Add graphics that complement the the book’s overall style and look.

Your patron/business advertising spread

Theme Chapter Adviser Resource • page 15

Creating your

Theme from start to finish

Exercise: Sketch an index spread design. Incorporate photos to add depth to the coverage.

Your index spread

Theme Chapter Adviser Resource • page 16