Our first meeting with Geffen Academy’s yearbook team was dedicated to training them on our online design software. We introduced key features to help the students get started, including how to upload, organize, and tag photos, as well as how to place them into page layouts. We also assisted them in troubleshooting how to autoflow student portraits by grade level. The adviser had a unique request—to combine portrait sections across grade levels to reduce blank space. This was the first time we’d received such a request, and we were excited to help bring the idea to life. (An example of the combined-grade portrait layout is included.)

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When it comes to student publications, a consistent color palette is essential to avoid a disorganized look. Geffen Academy’s adviser, Kate Page-Lippsmeyer, and her student leaders had a sharp eye for design. After selecting their theme, they thoughtfully chose a set of four colors that perfectly captured a retro aesthetic. They also established a consistent set of fonts, assigning specific styles for headings, subheadings, and body text. This repetition of fonts throughout the book provided a clean, cohesive visual experience.

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At United Yearbook, we strive for excellence in every detail. When reviewing their final cover file, we noticed it was missing the necessary bleed area. For hardcover books, a ¾-inch bleed on all four sides is essential, as the cover design must wrap around the case board. We informed the adviser and took care of the issue by using Photoshop to extend the background color into the bleed area. Once the updated file was approved, we moved forward with printing.

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To elevate the cover even further, we looked for subtle ways to enhance its presentation. We wanted the title Retro to stand out without disrupting the overall design. Our solution was a simple yet effective one: embossing. This raised the title slightly off the surface, giving it a tactile, visual boost. We provided this treatment at no additional cost because we believed the cover deserved that extra touch to make a strong impression.