We published this standout yearbook during our first year working with St. Anne School. Eric Hartman, the yearbook adviser at the time, proactively reached out to request a proposal. For years, Eric had envisioned a double-sequin yearbook cover—where sequins could be brushed in different directions to reveal alternating images—but his previous publisher told him it wasn’t possible. Discouraged but determined, he contacted several companies in search of a partner who would help bring his vision to life. United Yearbook was the only one to respond—and we didn’t just respond, we showed up on campus with samples, including a custom double-sequin prototype made just for him. He was immediately inspired by our creativity and willingness to innovate.

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Eric was truly the creative force behind this one-of-a-kind design. His idea was to feature the school’s logo on one side of the circular sequin piece and the school mascot on the other. When someone ran their hand across the sequins, the image would shift between the two. We offered to create a prototype using the specific images he had in mind. To ensure full brand accuracy, we worked with St. Anne’s marketing coordinator to access the school’s official style guide, pantone colors, and approved logos.

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Above the sequin circle, Eric wanted to place text that followed the curve of the arch. Although he didn’t have the software needed to achieve this, we stepped in to help. He provided the wording, and we used Photoshop to create the curved text effect he envisioned. Eric also imagined a background design that paid homage to Superman, with the double-sequin piece replacing the “S” emblem at the center of Superman’s iconic shirt. We developed multiple design options for him to choose from, and he selected the one that best matched his vision. Every step of the way, we were thrilled to help bring his creative ideas to life.

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As with all cover designs, we provided a cover template to serve as a precise guide for layout and placement. This template ensures that all elements—including text and graphics—are within safe zones and not lost in folds, spines, or hinge areas (the dips between the spine and cover panels). We carefully laid out the front, spine, and back cover as a single print-ready file, ensuring no important content was cut off or obscured during binding. Our team helped Eric and his staff prepare these files to perfection before the book went to press for full production. United Yearbook is always happy to assist in file preparation to ensure professional, print-ready results.

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Once the final double-sequin design was approved, we began the production process. Creating this feature required extra steps—such as applying a strong adhesive to the back of the sequin piece and coordinating a separate assembly stage. It was double the manufacturing effort, but worth every moment to bring this unique concept to life.

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On yearbook distribution day, Eric shared that the response was overwhelmingly positive. Students, parents, and faculty alike were captivated by the interactive double-sequin feature. Since that first collaboration, St. Anne School has continued to produce innovative yearbooks that push creative boundaries. With strong support from the school administration, the yearbook team has been empowered to take risks and explore new ideas that have never been done before in the industry.

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We still maintain a great relationship with Eric Hartman. Even after stepping away from his role as adviser, he reached out to express how impressed he was with a recent yearbook we helped produce for the school. These kinds of collaborative partnerships and lasting friendships are exactly what we strive to build at United Yearbook.