1 of 20

YEARBOOK LAYOUT DESIGN

You must learn the rules before you break them

2 of 20

Yearbook Layout Design Rules

  • There are many ways to put together a yearbook
  • There are however, certain rules that must be followed to make it successful
  • In this lesson you will learn the Rules of Yearbook Layout Design

3 of 20

Parts of a spread

  • headline
    • subheading
  • body copy
  • Photos
    • dominant element
    • COBs or cutouts
  • captions
  • secondary coverage
  • folios
  • white space

4 of 20

Additional terms to know

  • bleed
  • external margins
  • internal margins/spacing
  • pica
  • rail
  • grid
  • spread gutter

5 of 20

Label the parts of a spread

6 of 20

Label additional terms

7 of 20

Rules to follow

  • determine eyeline
    • top or bottom third all the way across spread
  • there must be a dominant photo
    • about twice the size of other photos
  • Photos should “hang” off of the dominant photo, the eyeline, and be grouped toward the center.
  • ONLY 5-7 photos per spread , USUALLY an odd number of photos
    • small and medium pictures - VARIETY
  • Leave room for captions near to EVERY photo.
  • Spacing should be consitent
    • picas vs. rails

8 of 20

Dominant photo�GOOD Examples

9 of 20

BAD Examples

10 of 20

Rules to follow for text

  • Display type such as headlines and subheadings should be large and attention getting.
    • At least 24 points
    • Sans-Serif fonts (no feet) that match the spirit of the spread
  • Body text such as stories and captions should be smaller but easy to read.
    • Must be readable
    • Body Copy 10-12 points
    • Captions 8-10 points

11 of 20

12 of 20

Design Elements

White Space (AKA Negative Space)

​

  • An area of the layout that has

NO text, photos, or art.

​

    • Should be planned
    • Should be used as an effective way to separate elements
    • Should be used to lead the eye

​

13 of 20

White Space Rules

  • No trapped white space!! - make it purposeful

​

  • Consistent internal spacing - same throughout

​

  • USE white space to lead the eye

​

  • Use it to establish a 1 pica Eyeline - visual center

​

  • Use it to establish Simplicity

​

14 of 20

15 of 20

Design Principles

  • Contrast
    • think opposite to add interest to a spread
    • if two elements are similar make them VERY different
  • Repetition
    • repeat good design elements for consistency
    • shapes, fonts, colors
  • Alignment
    • use your margins and guides for spacing
  • Proximity
    • items related to one another should be place close to one another

16 of 20

17 of 20

Activity Time

Grid paper and squares

18 of 20

Your Assignments

  • Spread 1 (20 pts)
    • Replicate the spread on the “Perfect Package” poster
      • New Document
      • Create a grid for consistent spacing

19 of 20

Your Assignments

  • Spread 2 (70 pts)
    • Research a design idea
      • Internet, Pinterest, Yearbooks
    • Sketch out your idea and get it approved
      • Employ EACH of the elements from this PowerPoint.
      • Reference the Design Evaluation Checklist
    • Once approved, create your design in InDesign
      • Create grid for consistent spacing

20 of 20

Your Assignment, Continued

    • You MUST get your layouts approved by Mrs. Washam BEFORE getting on a computer!

​

    • Sketch
      • You MUST map out your mock spread on paper before you begin computer work.
        • Design the photo layout and text placement
        • Plan the titles, headlines, etc.