Now that we have talked about the ways negative space, proximity, repetition, contrast, alignment, focal points and column grids can unify the elements of your page design and solidify your message, it is time address the final yearbook design features. In the following sections, we will talk about the ways photos, headlines, copy and content modules all contribute to the meaning of the page design.
Photos
Photos make excellent focal points in yearbook page layouts because of their ability to instantaneously evoke emotions. The right image can immediately compel viewers to engage with the content. Photos can also tell a story without the need for assistance from other design features. This makes photos great for introducing the themes and concepts that the content will focus on. A photo can be made into a dominant feature of the design by creating contrast through its size in comparison to other design components. When the photo that you want to emphasize is the largest part of the layout, it commands attention. Viewers have no other choice, but to focus on the message being portrayed in the photo. Secondary photos also contribute to emphasizing the primary message of the design. These secondary photos are smaller than the dominant photo in size and significance, but they play an important role as supplementary features that enhance the entire message. Each photo should have a caption in close proximity, which will add meaning to the images being displayed and guide viewers through the story being portrayed. The captions will make certain that viewers do not misinterpret the images and ensure that viewers are guided through the sections they should be focusing on.
Headlines
Headlines also make excellent focal points in your yearbook spread because they can entice viewers to engage with the content by providing just enough information to arouse their curiosity. A single word can often be enough to capture attention. Headlines can either compliment the dominant photo or they can stand-alone. Because headlines add so much value to the meaning of the text, it is important to make sure that they stand out as much as possible. Contrast is one way to ensure that the headlines are distinct. It can be created in headlines by using large fonts, colour schemes, etc.
Copy
Copy refers to the body of text in the yearbook that describes the events, themes, and stories the content is portraying in detail. Copy can be editorials, comments, discussions, narratives, profiles, etc. In the yearbook it is usually about 8 to 15 sentences. The proof that the preceding design components have been effective lies in viewers engaging with this portion of the yearbook spread due to it being the least visually appealing. Alignment plays a significant role in ensuring that readers maintain engagement with the copy. When the text is not aligned, viewers may be too distracted to follow through with reading it. Strategic placement may also encourage readers to engage with the copy. Placing the copy in close proximity to the dominant photo adds value to it and entices viewers to read it.
Content modules
Content modules are supplementary information that add value to the meaning of the content. These modules are usually placed to the side or corners of the yearbook page. They are most often sidebars that contain quotes, profiles and interactive content that are meant to be quick reads for the viewers. Similar to the copy component of the yearbook page, negative space can help viewers processing the information to not be overwhelmed.
Now that you are familiar with a few design principles and components that will guide the development of your yearbook page layout, you are free to get creative and start designing. Remember that designing your page is an art form that will imprint a story of the school year in the minds of viewers, so be as creative as possible because the way you tell the story is what will win over your viewer.
