Design Trends What’s Hot? What’s Not?

Circle Box Pictures Circle photos are a great way to attract people’s attention. Circle photos offer a unique style that grabs attention but doesn’t distract from any text on the page. They can add to your theme or the look of your layout, but you don’t want to over use them

Cut Outs Cut outs are a great design element. Text- wrapping cut-outs makes the image stand out as it is framed by the text. Notice the use of white space around the photo to make the image “pop” from the page.

Cut-outs are a great way to draw attention to one student, like you might do in the class section

Note the drop shadow on the text for a layered look. Also, the cut-outs are touched by a framed caption to point out the specific relationship between the text and subject. This is a great double- paged yearbook spread that employs many unique design elements. Drop Shadow & Cut-outs

Column Design with Quotes Body copy written in columns that wrap around text, captions, or photos draws the viewers attention to the importance of whatever is framed by the text.

Colored Boxes to Draw Readers Attention The dark boxes under the light area that surrounds the cut-outs makes a level balance that draws the readers attention downward. Adding a gradient to the boxes gives this layout a more unique and defined look.

This is a great example of text placed directly over the photo. It should not be overdone, but when used correctly, it make a nice statement to the reader about the significance between the written copy/caption and the subject of the photo. You need to be cautious because text on photos does not always print well

Dominate Pictures Dominate photos or cut outs enhance the layout by getting the viewers attention. Every layout should have a dominant photo. Note the slanted headline and text that wraps around the smaller photo. Also, the caption is right aligned.

More Column Writing with Photos This columnar layout is interesting and unique. Note the different fonts used in the title and subtitles. Also, there are three columns dividing the page in thirds. Each column of writing has its own photo that coincides with the writing. This style divides the page equally and makes it easy to read. This layout offers depth, and is dimensional. It does not appear to be flat or boring.

Tilting titles and headings on a vertical angle ads dimension to the layout. Likewise, dragging titles over the photos and/or cut-outs offers a layered effect that makes the layout more unique Layering and Tilting

Note the white text on the black background. The white borders around the photos make this layout seem polished and offers a tranquil, stream-lined effect. Backgrounds & Borders

This columnar design that alternates between photos and captions is eye-catching and easy to follow. Imagine the variations that a designer could employ with this simple design (photos with quote boxes attached or Q&A boxes for opinions pages. Columns & Photos

Designs that spread out between two full pages make for good divider pages. The title that spreads across the entire two pages is uncluttered and really makes a statement. The feathered cut-out is a wonderful example of “less is better” design. We don’t want “cluttered” layouts in our book. Divider Pages

Alternating photos, captions, and colored/gray scale boxes guides the viewers attention in many directions. Readers will likely focus on the title of the layout first, then realize the significance of the photos and captions that surround it. The colored boxes are a great space for highlighting important text/captions Adding Color & Depth

Some unique elements used in this layout are the writing directly on the photo and the small photos placed directly on the larger, more dominant photo. By adding borders to these smaller pictures, we are able to use more photo space that ties into the subject of our spread. Remember…more photos = more yearbook sales! We want everyone to be in our book at least once. Placing Photos on the Dominant Photo

Modular Design: designing layouts in separate modules rather than grouping the entire layout is the latest design trend (this will be covered separately in class). Note the large letter icon to begin the body copy. Design Trends – Modular Design

Sidebars are an effective way to draw the readers attention to a topic related to your spread without making it the primary focus. These are a good place to do Q&A’s, highlight quotes, give statistics or pole responses, or spotlight a particular student or perspective. Side Bars

Text Wrapping Wrapping the text around the photos is a complete way to frame your images or make unique borders This makes for an unmistakable path between the photo and its caption. Note the interesting headline and gray scaled photo along the edge of this layout.

Remember that simple is always effective. This beautiful cover leads the viewer to explore so many topics…Think of what we can do with a cover like this! Remember, we do NOT want to over do it…keep things simple and uncluttered in your layouts. Employ simple design elements that make clear statements and you will be successful.

Now it is your turn… -Look through magazines and find a page that you think has good design. Write down why you think it is good and how we could incorporate it into our yearbook. -Next, go to and find five layouts that you like. Be prepared to tell us what you like about it.