By Jacqueline Davis

Themed Pages Capture What Matters

Right now, you are wearing certain styles or brands while drinking from the latest or your favorite coffee cup or water bottle. In 10 years, will it be the same? In 10 years, will you remember these details? How about your cell phone brand, size, or features? There are so many in-the-moment items, sayings, and apps we love and use daily that will evolve and change. There is nothing more fun than looking back on gas prices of decades past or the cars we drove to fill up, not to mention hairstyles and more. These are great to put in your yearbook to document for looking back. They can be a full page, a spread, or even a module here and there throughout the book.

How does this look?

First, your book has an overall theme to help the cohesiveness of the sections and content for the year for your memories. Now, think of having some pages/spreads with a chosen trend or micro-theme within your book theme to highlight a topic that is here and now. Ask around or observe and see what seems to be the latest trend that is best to document.

From Basic to Highlight

A yearbook is expected to have certain standard pages, such as individual photos, group photos, captions, and a few stories. These pages help to create a memorable book. However, every yearbook should also include unique and memorable parts that capture the essence of that year. Yearbook pages should be filled with distinct and relatable memories, showcasing the latest trends, styles, and preferences of that year. You can include odds and ends that your audience loves – like phones, shoes, streaming shows, and more – instead of generic spreads.

Just Pick Something

Remember to not force or overthink it, just look or ask around what is most important.

It’s easiest and fun to pick items that seem to be trending. Just simply make a title for the page, take photos, and use something to cut out the background of the picture so you only have the items and many of them on the page. You can arrange them at the bottom of the page by color or style. Here are a few ideas:

  • Shoes: Create a page dedicated to showcasing the coolest kicks in school. You can interview sneakerheads, showcase rare finds, and take pictures of students wearing their favorite pairs. Consider adding a “Sole Mates” section
    featuring matching shoe buddies for extra fun!

  • Backpacks: You can also feature backpacks and highlight the best and most unique ones around campus. Include the biggest or most pockets to make it more intriguing.

  • Water Bottles: Showcase reusable hydration and make it a trend among students. You can feature the coolest water bottles, funny slogans, and creative ways students personalize their water carriers.

  • Phone Cases: Celebrate the art of phone protection. You can feature unique designs, funny quotes, and personalized cases that tell a story about their owner. Consider running a “Best Phone Case” contest to involve the whole student body.

  • Laptops and Watches can also be included as potential topics for a trends page.

  • And more!

If you’re looking for more ideas that are popular:

  • Apps: Showcase the apps that were the most popular of the year. You can create a “Most Downloaded” list with student testimonials, or dedicate sections to productivity, gaming, and communication apps.

  • Streaming Shows: Explore the world of streaming shows. Create a “Most Binge-Worthy” list with student reviews, or dedicate pages to specific fandoms with inside jokes, cosplay photos, and fan art.

  • Food Fun: Celebrate the culinary delights of your school year. Feature cafeteria classics, trendy food trucks, and hidden gems voted on by students. Include recipes, cooking tips, and even a “Food Fails” section for a good laugh.

The key to creating the best yearbook pages is capturing the unique spirit of your school year. So, let your creativity run wild, stay up-to-date with the latest trends, and get ready to create a yearbook that’s as amazing as the memories it holds. 

It’s always a good idea to involve the student body in the process. You can organize theme-based contests, collect student-submitted photos and quotes, and make the yearbook a collaborative effort that everyone can be proud of. 

Keep in mind that trends change rapidly, so to create a yearbook that stands the test of time, it’s best to focus on capturing the essence of your year. Don’t limit yourself to basic coverage and content; make your yearbook pages extraordinary and unforgettable.

Did you enjoy this blog? Well there’s more with that came from, discover Yearbook Groupie! A collaborative forum and blog site for yearbook advisors.

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