1. Developing a Yearbook’s Theme
The Foundation for the Book

2. What is a theme?
The theme is the idea that will express the story of the school year.
The theme is carried out through the text, photos, and layout designs on every page of the yearbook.
It’s like the thesis statement for the yearbook; every page created relates back to the thesis in some way.

3. Make The Theme Stand Out
A theme should be specific to THIS year at THIS school.
Even if the theme itself is somewhat generic, it should be used in a way that is unique.
You must incorporate the theme throughout the book, both verbally and visually.

4. Choosing a Theme
The theme must relate to the student population at this time.
It must be adaptable for all of the sections of the yearbook (not too athletic or to frilly).
Here are some starting points for developing a theme.

5. Yearly Theme
The theme can be tied to an anniversary of the school or a number theme tied to the year of the graduating class.
For example, if it's the 4th year the school has been open, a theme could be "Four Score!" or "Quarter Time."
In the year 2007, several yearbook staffs used a spy theme with the "007" connection to the year.

6. Mascot Tie-In The theme can revolve around the school's mascot.
Examples: If the mascot is some type of bird, a theme could involve flight, such as "Taking Flight" or "Soaring Above." If the mascot is a large cat, use a theme like "On the Prowl."

7. School Colors
A color theme, such as "Red, White, and True Blue" or "The Golden Standard" can be chosen.
The colors and references to them are then used throughout the book.

8. Catch Phrases Choose popular or catchy phrases for the theme.
They don't have to relate directly to your school, but will come later when you develop your theme.
Consider using catch phrases like, "One in a Million" or "Simply the Best."
However, the theme should actually apply to the school; if you can't think of anything within the school that applies, don’t use it.

9. Visual Symbols Sometimes themes are wordless.
They might include a shape, like a circle or a square.
They might be a series of colors or an "X" design.
These types of themes are gaining popularity, but can be difficult to incorporate.

10. Reminders for Selecting a Theme
The theme should relate to this particular school year.
It must be easily identified and understood by your readers.
It must be incorporated verbally and visually throughout the book.
It CANNOT utilize copyrighted materials.

11. Incorporating the Theme with Word Choices
The Book Cover
Page Headlines
Yearbook Copy

12. The Book Cover Usually the theme will BE the title of the yearbook.
Put the title on the front cover so readers will recognize the theme right away.

13. Page Headlines
Individual spread headlines can also incorporate the theme.
The theme should be found on section division pages and on some individual pages.
You can use a word from your theme in your verbal tie-ins, or a word that relates to your theme in some way.

14. Yearbook Copy
Some pages will have actual copy of theme-related information.
Start with the opening spread. Explain the theme and story of the year.
Incorporate the theme on the division pages for each section of the book.

15. Visual Tie-Ins
The theme must be represented visually throughout the book.
It should be recognizable, but not too repetitive.
Look for a variations of the key image to utilize throughout the book.

16. The Cover Art
The cover must be eye-catching and visually interesting for the students.
You establish the theme at this point. Make sure it’s understood by the reader.
Plan elements that can be incorporated throughout the book.

17. The Layout/Page Design
Look for ways to incorporate the theme in the visual design of the pages.
For example, a photo album or scrapbook theme could use frames like old-time photos or have the corner tabs found in scrapbooks.

18. The Folio Design
The folio is the place on the page where the page numbers are.
It MUST be the same design on every page.
It’s an easy place to incorporate the visual images of the theme.

19. There are lists of ideas online.
Give us a Break
Roll Out the Red Carpet
You Had to Be There
A Blockbuster Hit
Members Only
Games We Play
Behind the Scenes
Showing Our True Colors
That was Then, This is Now
Not Just Another Year
Picture Perfect
Crossroads
On a Mission
Beyond the Stars…

20. Example Theme: Putting It All Together
Can you think of ways to individualize this theme and incorporate it throughout a yearbook?
Putting It
All
Together
Everglades
High School

21. Check Out Some Other Sample Cover Ideas