Research the Past:

The first thing you will want to do when you are looking for a theme for your yearbook is to do some research. Gather up all the yearbooks that you can get your hands on, including past editions of those from your school, other schools, and perhaps even the yearbooks of the parents of your staff members. Once you have a pretty decent pile of books, go over them with your editorial staff and make a list of themes that you like, and why they worked. You can also make note of what themes didn’t work and why, just so you know what to avoid as well. The purpose of this exercise is not, of course, to borrow or steal any ideas, but just to get a sense of what has been done before and what worked and why. If nothing else, looking at the work of others is always a great way to get the conversation started, and to get your group’s creative juices flowing.

Consider The Current Year.

If there was a defining event or achievement that left its mark on the school year, this is also a great place to look for a theme. If you, way, won a slew of state championships, had a big celebrity or political figure show up to speak, or whatever it is that you feel made the year stand out. Get your staff together and brainstorm some words that describe the year in general and use this list as a springboard to creating the theme for your yearbook.

Common Pitfalls:

One of the most common mistakes yearbook staffs make is choosing a theme that might be considered an “inside joke” that only they or a few select students will be in on. Just as you try to make sure that every student is included in the yearbook itself, you will want to do the best you can to make sure that the vast majority of the student body will understand the theme and that they can relate to in in some way. One way to ensure this is to have a vote of the entire student body once you have narrowed your theme ideas down to three or four. Some staffs, however prefer that their themes be somewhat of a secret until the books some out, so you will have to decide which is more important to you.

A Note About School Colors and Mascot:

You will always have to consider, of course, using the colors of your school as well as your school mascot. However, think of your theme first, last, and always. If you can find creative and novel ways to incorporate these items into your theme, then great. If not, don’t try to put a square peg into a round hole. The key is not to feel bound by your school colors and mascots when creating your theme, but to feel free to go in the direction that you choose.

Whatever your theme is, above all, have fun!