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Yearbook Hero Tina Schumacher tackles turnover
Treering Yearbook Heroes is a monthly feature focusing on yearbook tips and tricks.
When the yearbook adviser left St. Francis, a new teacher inherited the job. Then another. And another. Then, it was Tina Schumacher’s turn. She inherited unsold books and a program that was in the red. School leadership charged her with getting the yearbook program out of debt.
What did you discover when you became the adviser?
With our previous publisher, you had to sell a minimum number of books. And we weren't always selling that minimum, but we had to buy that many. In a closet at the school is anywhere from eight to 15 yearbooks, depending on the year. And then the kids would sell ads to go in the back, which didn’t make up the difference.
How did you turn things around?
I started hunting. I thought, there's gotta be a different way. When I found Treering, it was too good to be true. Those are the words that I said to the principal. I told her I found a way we can make our yearbooks and make money doing it.
Our first year we did a tiered sponsorship for local businesses. We just made platinum level, gold, etc. donor levels and put a list of names of supporters rather than ads to save on pages. I told them it would probably be the last time we would ask them, and we have been out of debt ever since. I was able to buy a new camera and a couple new lenses.
We are never in any kind of a money crunch, which is great, but on top of that we have really great books.
You create an elementary yearbook, a secondary one, and a book for the One Act. How do you balance multiple books at once?
When we started using it, the kids knew more than I did. They showed me around and taught me how to do things. I'm not necessarily the one making the high school yearbook: it's theirs, so they can do with it as they see fit provided as long as it's acceptable by me.
For eight years, I’ve made a book of still photos from our One Act; I moved that over to Treering. It's got pictures of the cast and crew working on things. It's mostly a book of the story of the play.
I think this is my fourth elementary book. Parents loved it. It started because I had too many students in journalism class and they needed something to do. I really kind of handle that book myself now.
How does Treering Yearbooks support you?
It is nice to be self-sufficient. If we continue to use this company we will not have to worry about being in debt.
Also, if I don't know what to do or forget how to do it, I contact support and they walk me right through it and ask if I need additional help, No one acts like I should know this by now.
Five yearbook activities not to miss
“Just putting pictures on pages” and other misleading statements about yearbook production do not capture what happens in the newsroom. However, it’s easy to take a heads-down approach to design as the deadline approaches. We all just want to finish! Nevertheless, amidst the rush, there are essential skills that you shouldn’t overlook. You’re going to want to save these activities.
1. Teaching Yearbook
Because no teacher program provided the comprehensive graphic design, marketing, journalism, editing and proofreading, photojournalism, contract negotiation, and volunteer management training that makes a great yearbook adviser. Breathe! (Club leaders, you too need to facilitate students’ creative and collaborative development.)
We created the Teaching Yearbook series so you would have grab-and-go resources to enhance your yearbook classroom.
2. Speaking the Language
Understanding yearbook and design terms means the team can have a conversation about the effectiveness of a dominant bleeding into the gutter without raising (too many) eyebrows.
3. Creating a Plan to Cover Everyone
Creating a plan to cover everyone involves more than just taking photos. It requires thoughtful consideration of how to represent the entire student body in your yearbook, even if you don’t offer custom pages.
Every student is more important than every activity.
4. Teambuilding Activities
Yes, games are important. Those forced fun activities help you break down the proverbial walls. (That’s the introvert talking.) More important: building a team of the right people.
Time spent investing in the right people and building healthy relationships will only benefit your book.
5. Managing Yearbook Complaints
Ouch. No one wants to field criticism of the yearbook when it is in print for all to see. No one volunteers to field emails with “friendly suggestions” for next year. From active listening to clear and transparent communication, having a plan in place for managing complaints ensures that any issues are addressed promptly and professionally.
This is one of those “better to have it and not need it” kind of things.
Can our school afford to start a yearbook program?
Financially risk-free and school programming don't intersect often. When they do, pay attention. Traditionally a yearbook program begins with a deposit, requires minimum orders, and ends with an invoice. That's no fun! Certain schools cannot pay to play. Others can't afford to remain in the (yearbook) game. Would you believe there is another way? (Say yes, and keep reading.)
Does my School Need a Yearbook Program?
Teachers, administrators, and parent groups seek opportunities to enhance the student experience, foster community spirit, and leave a lasting impact. A yearbook program checks all those boxes at once. A yearbook isn’t just a book; it’s a time capsule. It captures the essence of each school year— friendships, achievements, trends, and more. Whether it’s the class photo or the quirky candid shots from the pep rally, the yearbook immortalizes memories that would otherwise fade away.
How to Get Started
Here’s a handy checklist to get your yearbook program off the ground:
- Gather your team: assemble a yearbook committee—teachers, parents, and students who share a passion for preserving memories.
- Find a publishing partner: the right fit here can make all. the. difference. Talk to company representatives, ask for a sample to see the quality, and be sure you understand what you can afford.
- Arrange training for your yearbook team.
- Spread the word: let everyone know about the exciting yearbook project. Generate buzz among students, parents, and staff. Treering has plenty of free marketing tools and ideas. (Even if you don't choose us!)
- Plan Ahead: set deadlines for photo submissions, design, and ordering. Keep everyone in the loop.
- Celebrate the Unveiling: host a yearbook reveal event. Popcorn, excitement, and memories galore!
The Treering Difference
Just thinking yearbook, may be overwhelming. It's one more proverbial ball to juggle. That’s why Treering focuses on making things as easy as possible for everyone involved: yearbook team members, front office staff, teachers, parents, and students.
No Deposits, Contracts, or Minimimus
Schools can afford Treering's financially transparent and risk-free approach because we don't saddle schools with yearbook debt, contracts, guaranteed minimums, or hidden costs. Phew. Removing those huge hurdles at the outset lets you focus on creating a high-quality yearbook highlighting the best moments and events.
Yes to Personalization and Support
Custom pages are a hit with students and families who have the option to include two free personalized pages that appear only in their copy.
Treering schools never pay extra for
- Training and support
- Moving deadlines
- Yearbook themes, clip art, and fonts
- Creating a custom yearbook cover
- Using portraits from any photographer
Additionally, the on-demand printing process means you’ll get lots more coverage of spring events and sports. Treering only prints what you order, so there are no overruns.
A Tradition Worth Starting
Starting a yearbook program establishes a special tradition within your school community. Imagine the excitement during the yearbook reveal, the buzz as students eagerly flip through its glossy pages and the pride of seeing their own faces alongside their peers.
Remember, a yearbook isn’t just a book; it’s a legacy. So, go ahead—start your school’s yearbook journey with Treering. Your families and students will cherish the memories and you’ll be able to showcase all the great things happening in your school community! You’ve got great stories to share and Treering can help.
Treering would like to thank Dara Arouh, a Georgia-based yearbook mom of two, for contributing this blog.
Table of contents tips
Form and function. A yearbook table of contents needs both. A well-designed one can make it easier for students and families to navigate, even in a smaller book. It’s another avenue to communicate your theme. And it’s also a layout worthy of those images that didn't make it elsewhere in the book.
Do You Need a Table of Contents in Your Yearbook?
Yes, especially, if you do not do an index. A table of contents is the proverbial road map or neon directional sign for your book. It’s also professional.
Normally, I’m not a proponent of “everyone else does it.” This is an exception. Yearbooks are reference books. Reference books have tables of contents. Therefore, yearbooks should have tables of contents. (Somewhere, my son’s logic teacher is smiling.)
Tips for Small Yearbooks (<60 Pages)
If you're working on a smaller yearbook, here are a few additional things to keep in mind when designing your table of contents:
- Keep it Simple: Stick to the essentials and only include major sections or events in your table of contents.
- Use Space Wisely: You may not need a double-page spread; integrate your table of contents on the title page.
Tips for Larger Yearbooks (>100 pages)
For larger yearbooks, consider the following:
- Add Sub-Sections: Include sub-sections or categories to help readers navigate through the content more easily.
- Use Visual Cues: Incorporate visual cues such as icons or graphics to help readers quickly identify different sections of the yearbook. These should of course correspond to your theme.
How Do You Arrange a TOC for YB?
It may be tempting to tackle this first since it spans the first few spreads of your yearbook. Wait! You may increase sections or move pages through the design process.
- Let Your Ladder Be Your Guide: A yearbook ladder is essential when planning your book and for creating the table of contents. Make sure your ladder and table of contents align.
- Determine the Level of Detail: At a minimum, include the major sections: people/portraits, events, clubs and organizations, athletics, and arts. Larger yearbooks may need to create sub-sections.
- Focus on Clarity: Ensure your sections and page numbers are easy to read and understand, even at a glance.
4 Tips To Integrate Your Yearbook Theme
Because every detail counts when creating your epic school yearbook, there are a few ways to apply your theme to your yearbook’s table of contents.
1. Use Theme Colors: Incorporate theme colors into the layout for text, borders, or background elements.
2. Include Theme Graphics: Add graphics or illustrations related to your yearbook theme to enhance the visual appeal. This could be icons, symbols, or images representative of theme elements.
3. Custom Fonts: Choose fonts that complement your yearbook theme and use them consistently throughout your table of contents. This will help tie the design together and create a cohesive look and feel.
4. Creative Section Titles: Get creative with your section titles and use language that reflects your yearbook theme.
A well-designed table of contents is a requisite element of a school yearbook, helping to guide readers through the content and enhance their overall experience.
Memory marvels 2024 custom page design contest winners
We love nothing more than seeing yearbooks personalized with each student's memories. Custom pages embedded within the pages of classmates, activities, and school-wide celebrations deliver more than memories. They celebrate the uniqueness of the individual holding the yearbook. Congratulations to all the parents who created and shared their designs. The following six wowed our panel of designers and yearbook parents to earn the top honors in either the K-8 category or high school one.
K-8 Custom Page Winners
First Place: Laura Dauley, IL
"I wanted to honor Harper’s eleven years at Mayer with custom pages that show her journey from beginning to end," Dauley said.
Why we loved it: this spread looks like it could be a magazine ad. It's clean. The photos have a strong alignment. Dauley's use of the canary for both Harper's name and the years adds balance where the polo shirt could have been a distraction. The negative space in the parent message is a place of rest for the eyes among the thirteen photographs.
Second Place: Nicki Prettol, TX
Since her son loves baseball, "it seemed fitting to give him baseball-themed custom pages," Prettol said.
Why we loved it: Again, the use of color made the designers on the judging panel smile: the orange is in both photos and text, unifying the design. From the stats on the left-facing page, to the highlights on the right, Prettol used a little text to make a big impact.
Third Place: Colleen Packman, TX
"As his elementary 'mission' comes to an end," said Packman, "I couldn't think of a better way to represent his time than to relate it to one of his favorite hobbies."
Why we loved it: E-sports and cyberpunk are trending in the design world. That alone made us take a second, third, fourth (you get it) look. She used subheadings to organize the content in a game UI.
High School Custom Page Winners
First Place: Ethan Scrogham, IL
"This year I am a senior and wanted to put something to show all of my accomplishments and activities," said Scrogham. He compiled this spread using photos from the past four years.
Why we loved it: The story. Scrogham's involvement increased each year (as did his smile). Seeing a freshman on the court wearing a mask grow into a campus leader is a portrait of resilience.
Second Place: Amie Kelp, MI
"This [creating a custom page] is the best way to personalize a book possible," Kelp said. She created over ten to celebrate her daughter and the memories they made.
Why we loved it: The title made us smile, as did the pet photos. Kelp used the border color to visually connect related adventures, which brought some order to the collages.
Third Place: Kirsten Megaro, NJ
Megaro said, "As homeschoolers, most of life is part of our learning. This first spread gives an overview of our year." Each child also has their own spotlight custom pages spread for their personal memories.
Why we loved it: This spread shows the impact three people can have on their family and community. Megaro matched the photo styles bringing unity to the various backgrounds and locales. She also made the busy background work by using white text blocks with transparency.
No longer the yearbook adviser? Here’s what to do next
What I Wish I Knew Before Taking Over Yearbook
Every new adviser is going to mentally prepare this list. You can take one thing off by setting up the new yearbook adviser with a list of must-know and must-do information.
Why Do People Stop Advising Yearbook?
Advisers move to new schools. Administrators cut costs. Teachers retire. Others no longer have an affinity for awesomesauce.
Remind the new adviser to take heart! There are many on this journey to become a project manager-slash-school-historian-slash-marketer-slash-designer.
One Sheet To Share
Use the list below to create an indispensable guide for your successor. If you’re like me, you may be tempted to create a fully illustrated manual with a month-by-month guide, financial forms, and plenty of Lucid charts. Don’t.
A one-page reference should include the following:
Publisher info This is #1: include all your contacts for your publisher plus how to contact support. If you have a multi-year contract, include it and its expiration date.
School photographer Add the photographer’s name, email, and phone number plus who who is in charge of picture day. (No one wants to find out last minute they are stuck with that gig.)
Financial information Include information on your book price, publisher promotions (heeey 10% off in the fall), ad prices, book sales from previous years, and subscriptions.
Page count We love a good yearbook ladder. Your predecessor will too.
Yearbook traditions There’s a fine line between sacred cows and ordering an archive copy of the library.
Procedures If there is an editing checklist, camera checkout policy, or go-to person for name proofing, include that info.
Passwords Ensure your successor can access social media accounts, generic photo emails, and the yearbook room computers.
“It’s Not About Me, It’s About Us”
Make the transition smooth. No one is going to run your program exactly like you did. That’s an unfair expectation. Instead, offer your ongoing support and mentoring to your successor. By remaining available to answer questions and provide (solicited) guidance during the transition period, you are putting others first. That’s classy.
20 ideas for last-minute yearbook sales
Each unsold yearbook represents a missed opportunity for students to have a record of their memories from the school year and possibly is a financial burden for the school. There’s also the potential for frustration among the yearbook staff: it can be disheartening to see our efforts go unrewarded and their expectations unmet. It’s the final stretch, so we have last-minute yearbook sales ideas. Let’s turn things around together.
We interrupt this blog to remind you if you’re a Treering adviser, sales quotas don’t matter. We only print and ship what you pre-sell. And if someone wants to order a yearbook later, they can do that too.
Back to our regularly scheduled program.
Flash Sales
FOMO is real. It’s one part urgency, it’s one part excitement. A brief, pervasive push for last-minute yearbook sales has a clear call to action: buy now. Here are four campaigns to jump-start the year-end push.
- Offer a limited-time incentive for students who purchase their yearbooks within the next week. This could be as simple as a popsicle party or an extra 10 minutes of recess for classes with the most participation.
- Create a countdown timer on your school's website or social media platforms to create a sense of urgency.
- Hold a "Flash Sale" where yearbooks are available at a discounted price for 48 hours. Only do this if you bump up the price year-round and never as good as your early bird pricing to mitigate complaints.
- If you use a publisher that requires an order minimum, create a sense of exclusivity by emphasizing that yearbooks are limited in quantity and may sell out quickly. If you have fewer than 25, advertise it.
“Extra” Marketing Ideas
Naming this section “labor-intensive” might be poor marketing. That said, these ideas aren’t drag-and-drop solutions like Treering. They do require work, and if your team is primed for action, start your project plan.
- Hold a raffle where every yearbook purchase enters the buyer into a drawing for a special prize.
- Partner with local restaurants or cafes to offer discounts or freebies with proof of yearbook purchase.
- Hold a competition among classes or grade levels to see which percentage buys the most yearbooks, with a prize for the winning group.
- Stir up excitement by revealing sneak peeks of the yearbook content on social media leading up to the deadline.
- Initiate a "Yearbook Ambassador" program where students can earn rewards for promoting yearbook sales to their peers.
- Cultivate a sense of nostalgia by sharing throwback photos from past yearbooks on social media.
- Host a scavenger hunt around the school where students can find clues that lead them to purchase their yearbooks.
- Create a "Yearbook Memories" playlist on a streaming platform and share it with the school community to promote yearbook sales.
- Develop a social media challenge where parents, teachers, and students can win prizes for sharing their favorite yearbook memories.
Events to Boost Last-Minute Yearbook Sales
We’ve learned the value of in-person events. Paraphrasing from the Elle Woods playbook: events evoke emotions, emotions create memorable experiences, and memorable experiences make up a yearbook. Seeing others choose to attend a yearbook event provides social proof, reassuring potential yearbook buyers that their decision is valid and worthwhile. (Yes, we know it’s a no-brainer.)
- Invite every student on campus to the distribution and signing party.
- Set up a booth at all-school events, PTA meetings, and during lunchtime where people can purchase yearbooks on the spot.
- Create personalized advertisements featuring students and distribute them digitally or in print. Students want to know they are in the book. If you’re doing this at the elementary level, send the ad to mom.
- Create a video featuring highlights from the school year to show off a bit of what’s in the book.
- Hold a live Q&A session on social media where students and parents can ask questions about the yearbook and the ordering process.
- Host a custom pages webinar.
- Partner with the school's sports teams to promote yearbook sales at games and events.
- Create a themed photo booth at school events where students can take pictures to be included in the yearbook. If you are at a uniform school, use this to show how many uniform combinations you have.
These limited-time promotions, strategic competitions, social media campaigns, and release events aim to maximize participation so your hard work gets into more hands.
Memory marvels 2024 custom pages design contest
We took to Instagram and you told us what you want to include; now show us your creations! Treering’s custom pages design contest is back! And since it’s Treering’s 15th birthday, we’re stuffing the winner’s goodie bags with even more custom pages and Amazon gift cards.
Official Participation Rules and Steps to Enter
- You must be at least 18 years old and a parent, faculty/staff member, or student at a Treering school to participate.
- To participate, complete the submission form. Entries are open from April 3rd to April 17, 2024.
- Share your custom page designs on social with #treeringmemorymaker for a bonus point.
- Submissions are due by Wednesday, April 17, 2024, by 8 PM PT. No late or incomplete entries will be accepted.
Incomplete entries will not be accepted.
Social Sharing
To share the post using your personal Facebook and/or Instagram account,
- Include the screenshot of your custom pages in your post.
- Tag @treering on Facebook and @treeringcorp on Instagram in your post.
- Use the hashtag #treeringmemorymaker in your post.
- Ensure this post is shared publicly so we can see it and include your submission.
Judging and Finalist Selection
A panel of yearbook parents, journalism educators, and graphic designers will select first, second, and third-place winners from two categories:
- K-8 Parents
- High School
Winning spread designs will appear on the blog, Facebook, and Instagram on April 23, 2024.
Prizes
Treering will send Memory Marvel: 2024 Custom Page Design Contest Winners prizes by Friday, April 26, 2024.
K-8 Parents
High School
Ownership
By submitting your custom page designs, you have verified the approval of others pictured, and you approve Treering to use your name, write-up, and school name for any marketing purposes, including but not limited to showcasing on www.treering.com, sharing on social media, and sharing with media.
If you have any questions, contact us at marketing@treering.com.
Layout legends 2024 design contest winners
The 2024 Design Contest Winners are the most diverse collection to date.
“Every year, our editors craft spreads that wow and inspire our judging staff.” said Marketing Manager Megan P.
With nearly 50 creatives combing through the submissions, each looked for their ideal. Purists advocated for hierarchy and balance, journalists dug through each piece of copy for the stories, graphic designers sought out-of-the-box applications, and empaths soaked in every moment. The three winners for each category are below, plus some favorites we had to showcase.
Lone Rangers (Teams of One or Two)
Solo yearbook coordinators hold a special place in our hearts; that’s why they have their own category. They tackle both administrative and creative tasks. They are the face and hands of their yearbook programs. And they shared some legendary spreads.
First Place Winner: Arianna Fang, Thomas Russell Middle School
Arianna Fang displays an understanding of how repetition and consistency enhance design. Fang uses several colors in the swirls and accents. They all share a palette, bringing harmony. One judge called out the “pop” the palette brings to each page.
“I love the use of color and design throughout this spread,” a second judge said. “It immediately sucked me in and made me want to read the page.”
Her spread uses elements of art to showcase students at work. From photo frames that look like brushstrokes to the dotted stroke details on the edging of a few photos, there is a DIY aspect. She also repeats the purple accents as a wash and leopard spots in different levels of transparency, bringing balance.
“Even with all the elements on the pages, it has good movement and interest,” a judge said.
“Art is expressing ourselves,” Fang said. “And if you believe in the beauty of art, you can achieve wonders.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Second Place Winner: Karen Goodchild, COACH
Karen Goodchild had us at her brilliant use of modular design. Her spread has a variety of stories, excellent hierarchy, and multiple reader entry points. Several judges called out the detail of students holding up the page numbers.
“This entry includes a lot [over 60] of students without overwhelming the spread,” a judge said.
A dark background could be problematic. Goodchild demonstrates mastery of contrast by ensuring all the copy is readable.
“I appreciate the balance of traditional yearbook content with fun graphics and content,” a judge said.
Third Place Winner: Sabrina Reimann, Westmont Junior High School
First day traditions at Westmont Junior High include red carpet and music on campus. “Our 6th graders are always nervous, and we make it welcoming for them,” Sabrina Reimann said.
This spread captures that energy.
The DIY look is a huge graphic design trend. It resonated with several judges who said, “The bulletin board vibes take me right back to the first day of school” and “This looks like my school yearbook.”
The layered effect helps the art and photos work together.
“It is a fantastic representation of what you can design with Treering's available background and graphic options,” a judge said.
Group Gurus (Teams of Three or More)
While yearbook clubs and classes use teamwork to create their books, they do it while balancing delegation, learning communication, and trusting one another. The top three team collaborations had little in common stylistically. Where the won the hearts of the judges is in their storytelling.
First Place: Jensen Ranch Elementary
Many judges-slash-parents had an emotive reaction to seeing these role models and campus influencers on display in this way.
“Students are going to revisit these pages because not only are they able to see their teachers’ photos as a blast from the past, but their words are influential,” a judge said.
These “relatable” and “heartwarming” “pearls” (the judges’ words) are the result of the yearbook team’s efforts. They collected the quotes and photos, a labor-intensive task in itself, and organized them in the winning design with uniform sizing to keep such a content-rich spread from becoming cluttered.
Adviser Johnetta Maduakolam said, “It captures the essence of our school community from the past to the present.”
Second Place: North Star Academy
Ownership.
“None of the 22 students [in the yearbook program] actually chose to be there,” Adviser Carol Landers said, “Once we got the Treering software, the excitement kicked in, and kids started asking for jobs.”
Now look at them. From theme explanation and the colophon to the stats (hello, 86% in the yearbook 2x or more) and job descriptions, the team at North Star Academy used the space to educate others on their campus about the facets of yearbooking.
From a visual perspective, there’s so much more to love about this spread:
- “Great mix of images and text to carry the reader’s eye through the spread.”
- “Colors are cohesive and match a beachy theme.”
- “Loved seeing the theme subtly applied to the background, colors, graphics, and text.”
- “Great use of space, equal and consistent spacing, and font choices.”
Third Place: Northern High School
Our love of this spread stems from the fact that everything points back to the theme:
- Wordplay
- Blueprint background “pulls it all together“
- Storytelling
“I love the story that this spread is telling,” a judge said. “You can tell that the school is building and making a positive change for the students.”
The team at Northern took care to design each module to fit the content. For example, the timeline is a graphic quick read, and the first-day saga is a feature story with multiple perspectives. The photography is also diverse: action, headshots, groups, and in-progress views.
“It gives readers a great sense of this school’s big move,” another judge said.
Design Contest Honorable Mentions
The above slidwshow contains designs from
- Karen Goodchild, COACH
- Matt Jones, Mission Oak High School
- Carren Joye, Academy Days Co-op
- Carol Landers, North Star Academy
- Yuri Nwosu, Lennox Middle School
- Brooklyn Vanderhey, Brookings-Harbor High School
- Bri Webb, Rooted Christian Co-op
7 yearbook mistakes to avoid
Avoid common yearbook mistakes with these tools and tiny changes to up your design and proofing game in the nth hour. Panicked, you shout, "Do I even have time to make changes?"
You'll make the time to avoid notoriety like this. 💚
1. “Unintended Cropping”
Eeek: you created a legendary layout, and then, poof. A classmate vanished. Unintended cropping is a nice way to describe the disappearance of a student caused during printing and binding. So often we focus on proofing and editing yearbook copy, that we neglect our showstopping images.
How to Proof Photography
Take precautions with photos on the edge of each page: the gutter between facing pages and the bleed areas can be problematic. Double-check both.
Gutter Space: This is where the yearbook pages meet at the binding. Be mindful of the gutter when placing photos across spreads. Avoid the mistake of placing important elements, such as faces or text, too close to the gutter to ensure they are not "cropped" in the binding process.
Trim and Bleed Areas: If photos extend to the edge of the page, ensure they extend beyond the trim line (where the printer cut your pages) into the bleed area. This prevents white borders from appearing along the edges of the printed page due to slight shifts during trimming. Keep faces on the inside of the trim lines.
2. Poor Photo Quality
Another photo mistake has to do with our favorite extension of ourselves: our phones. Cell phone photos print beautifully in the yearbook when you follow these caveats:
- Since original images work best, set up shared folders so parents, students, and teachers can share directly. This ensures that the highest quality version of the photo is available for printing.
- Avoid destructive edits and filters; if you’re not using Lightroom, chances are, you’re ruining the photograph’s quality.
- Beware of texting photos, as some apps automatically reduce the file size.
Saying it loud for the people in the back:
- A screenshot is not a hi-res image.
- Your DSLR on auto will never get that volleyball in focus.
I feel better.
Built-In Proofing Tools
Treering warns you when your image may not print well while designing.
Your printed proof* is also the best guide. This allows you to identify any potential issues with image quality before officially going to print.
*A printed proof is just that: your yearbook as-is printed IRL so you can mark up mistakes, double-check contrast, and see your in-progress work. The best part: your Treering account includes one free.
3. The Same Kids Over and Over
And over. And over. Sometimes, it seems there are only two students on campus:
- The tri-sport athlete, who is also ASB president, the lead in the spring musical, a student ambassador, in eighty-five (OK, it just seems like it) AP classes, and works part-time as the PM custodian.
- The student whose name is on the roster.
Both are valuable members of the campus. The second is a little harder to find.
Creative Yearbook Coverage Ideas for Camera-Shy Students
Include more students (like #2 above) with modules dedicated to
- Student spotlights and mini-feature stories
- Academics coverage through classroom candids
- Artwork and gallery spreads
- Quote bars
- Pet photos
4. MIA Spring Sports and Events
We see it all the time in yearbook adviser groups: the woe of covering the final quarter of school with a traditional publisher. If your multi-year contract leaves you with no options, try
- A spring supplement
- Creating photo slideshows and linking them via QR codes
How Do I Include Spring Events in the Yearbook?
With yearbook deadlines in February, a supplement used to be the only way end-of-the-year activities made it in the book. Technology changed that. With digital printing and a three-week turnaround, spring sports, ASB elections, and award ceremonies can be in the book.
Need even more time? Treering’s ship-to-home option eliminates the summer shuffle and back-to-school distribution.
5. Inconsistent Formatting
Someone once told me if a bunch of yearbook advisers were in a room and our proofs fell on the ground, we should be able to rebuild our books just by the the design consistency. It’s a mistake to not have a cohesive look.
New to yearbooking? A templated solution may be the best. A Treering theme built with consistent formatting elements maintains uniformity across pages and sections.
Use the styles panel to establish guidelines for text (size, alignment, formatting) and images (border, effects) to ensure consistency. While you can have all the styles in the world (please don’t), make sure they are intentional.
When in doubt, use Garamond for body copy (8-point for captions, 6-point for portrait names). If it’s good enough for Harry Potter, it’s good enough for your yearbook.
6. Ignoring the Principles of Design
Piggybacking on formatting, we’ve all heard the adage, “Learn the rules, then break them.” The rules exist for a reason. (Did you read that in my teacher voice?)
Design 101
Designing from scratch? Start from the center and move out.
- Place your dominant photo. Contrast in photo size helps guide the reader.
- Build out related content. Captions help identify the subject of the photo and supporting images give the full event story.
- Add secondary content. Use pull quotes, interview bars, modules, and graphs to diversify your storytelling.
- Add theme visual elements. Everything should go back to your theme. Everything.
7. Costly Yearbook Overruns
Sales quotas and surprise boxes of “extra books” add up. The same digital printing that allows for a three-week turnaround also gives you peace of mind when it comes to ordering. Say goodbye to guesstimating in November what you’ll distribute in May. Treering only prints pre-paid orders. This way, every year is a sell-out year. Additionally, there’s no waste and no leftover books.
Yearbook mistakes occur in design and coverage, affecting the quality and reception of the final product. The simple changes above, including proofing, understanding how design affects the (no pun intended) whole picture, and using back-end tools that help–not hinder our process–you can elevate the overall vibe of your yearbook program.
Teaching yearbook: game on
Camaraderie. Team work. Unity. Stress relief. Fun. These are just some benefits of adding games to your yearbook class. Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments can be demanding for students and advisers. Obvious statement: the yearbook production process adds a layer of responsibility. Playing games with your yearbook team early in the school year can be a way to break down walls. At the end of the year, playing games is a way to reconnect, rejuvenate, and review (because, if your district requires it, games can be a summative assessment.) Our curriculum team put together three games.
1. Off-Limits, Yearbook-Style
This is the game of forbidden words. In teams, students try to get their teammates to guess the word on the card without saying the word itself or any of the off-limits words listed on the card. We created a mini-deck of 12 cards as a quick (and potentially loud) warm-up.
Rules
- Divide the group into two teams.
- Each team will alternate as the guessing and enforcing teams.
- In each round, one person from the guessing team will serve as the clue-giver. The clue-giver draws a card from the deck and tries to get their teammates to guess the word written on the top of the card. The clue-giver is not allowed to say the word itself or any of the “off-limits” words listed on the card.
- One member of the enforcing team will keep an eye on the “off-limits” words. If the clue-giver accidentally says an off-limits word (this includes variants) or phrase, the word is forfeited with no points awarded.
- Set a timer for each turn, typically 30-60 seconds, depending on age.
- When the guessing team correctly guesses a word, they earn a point.
- The game continues until all cards have been used. The team with the most points at the end wins the game.
Variations for Play
- Project a card on the screen, and have the guesser stand in front while classmates deliver clues.
- Send a card via Team, Slack, Band, etc. and have team members comment with clues.
- Share a card on social and see if your followers know yearbook terminology.
2. Sketch Charades
Drawing and guessing go hand-in-hand in this guessing game. It challenges players' drawing skills and ability to interpret visual cues.
Rules
- Divide players into two teams. Each team selects a player to be the “artist” for their turn.
- At the start of each round, the artists draw one card.
- Without using any letters, numbers, gestures, or verbal clues, the artists sketch an image representing the word or phrase on the card. Both teams are guessing the same word.
- Set a timer for each round, typically 45-60 seconds, depending on age.
- If a team guesses the word correctly before time runs out, they earn a point.
- Rotate artists each round.
- The game continues until all cards have been used or until a predetermined point goal is reached. The team with the most points at the end wins the game.
3. Category Countdown
Based on a classic party game, Category Countdown facilitates players to try to come up with unique words or phrases that fit specific categories in a hurry. Creative thinkers come up with some answers that push the limits–that’s why this is a crowd favorite.
Rules
- Display a category related to yearbooks.
- Set a timer for one minute, and have students take turns writing down items that fit within the category.
- When time is up, have a student read off their list. If no other student has the word, it’s one point.
- The student with the most unique answers after five rounds wins.
Variations for Play
- In larger yearbook classes or clubs, break students into teams. One team can negate the others with duplicate words.
- Have students create a yearbook alphabet by brainstorming one answer per letter, A-Z.
- Use a random letter generator to limit responses to one letter.
Bonus: Yearbook Escape Room
We created this yearbook freebie, which includes four puzzles that “unlock” the final clue. Yearbook advisers, use this print-and-go lesson for vocabulary review.
When you use these games for moments of shared fun, be sure to tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok when you share the videos.
Layout legends 2024 design contest
Treering’s annual layout design contest is back! We want to celebrate the layouts you create for your school community. And since it’s Treering’s 15th birthday, we’re stuffing the winner’s goodie bags with free yearbooks and Amazon gift cards.
Official Participation Rules and Steps to Enter
- Entries open from March 6 to March 20, 2024 at 8 PM PDT.
- You must be 18 years or older and a parent, teacher, or student at a US Treering school to participate.
- To participate, complete the submission form and include a screenshot of your favorite 23-24 yearbook* (the current school year) spread and a short paragraph (250 words max) about your school’s story.
- Double-check everything for accuracy, especially your email and phone number (this is how winners will be notified and prizes will be distributed) and your school name and address (city and state).
- For a bonus, share your spread on social media via Facebook and/or Instagram
Incomplete entries will not be accepted.
Social Sharing
To share the post using your personal Facebook/Instagram account or your school’s Facebook/Instagram account,
- Include the screenshot of your yearbook spread in your post.
- Tag @treering on Facebook and @treeringcorp on Instagram in your post.
- Use the hashtag #treeringwin in your post.
- Ensure this post is shared publicly so we can see it and include your submission.
Judging and Finalist Selection
Entries close March 20, 2024 at 8 PM PDT. A panel of yearbook parents, journalism educators, and graphic designers will select first, second, and third place winners from two categories:
- Lone Rangers (fewer than 3 people)
- Group Gurus (Club/Committee)
Winning spread designs will appear on the blog, Facebook, and Instagram on April 2, 2024.
Prizes
Treering will send Layout Legends: 2024 Design Contest Winners prizes by Friday, April 5, 2024.
The gift cards will be sent electronically to the email provided in the form. Free book coupons will be loaded into the school's Treering Yearbook account and may be used in the 2023-2024 or 2024-2025 school year.
Ownership
By submitting your yearbook spread, you have verified the approval of others pictured, and you approve Treering to use your name, write-up, and school name for any marketing purposes, including but not limited to showcasing on www.treering.com, sharing on social media, and sharing with media.
Enjoy yourself! To us, you’re a legend! If you have any questions, contact us at marketing@treering.com.