Prepping for Design Clinic: The Gathering of Yearbook Gurus

Hey guys, big event happening on Saturday. Every yearbook publication is to take part in an event called Design Clinic. What is that even?

Design Clinic is an event where schools from the area send their yearbook publications to present the progress of their respective yearbooks. This is a big deal, because many experts on graphic design, copy writing, and photographers gather to critique the progress. Basically, the yearbook gods are judging us. It's pretty scary, but exciting and really helpful. The event will be coordinated by my mentor, Mimi, and... IS IN THE MPR. HERE. It's awesome that Design Clinic is happening at our campus. It's never happened to us before!

Of course, as nerve-wracking as it is, it also requires a lot of work. So the past few classes, the staff and editors have been rushing to finish up spreads. Last Tuesday and Friday were particularly busy for me. I've been occupied with helping the designers fix up and improve their assignments, and assigning staff members to take photos and interview students. Most importantly though, our cover (who isn't excited for the cover, seriously.), is 98% done. Also, this post is photo heavy, but hey, you guys are behind-the-scenes with us.

From @ipolyyearbook on Instagram. We usually have quick 10 minute meetings before class to discuss what needs to get done. Here, we were looking at the layout of the first 8 pages of the yearbook, and discussing what would go after them.

Cesar and Nathan working together to create their second spread. I've assigned Nathan to teach Cesar basic graphic design skills. A lot of progress has been made by our newest designer. His spreads will definitely be seen in the yearbook.

Our coverage and business editors, Malorie and Alexis. They're making flyers for advertising our Instagram.

Nitjasin and Bryan are looking over a staff member's story. A lot of times, copy must be edited and re-edited, by both a designer and a copy editor. The designer needs to know what the copy is about in order to create his layout, while the copy editor checks mistakes and accuracy.

Elijah in the process of designing another spread. It's tough making new spreads when most of them start to look similar. I took some time after class to help him by comparing his earlier one, to this one. Visualizing the similarities in a designer's spreads helps them design their next one, making it a bit more different each time.

Emmely was going through photos from Hot Dog Day. We've got a lot of great shots of people (mostly stuffing their faces with hot dogs).

Selfies are mandatory.

I helped the designers with Photoshopping cut outs. Basically, we have to outline the person or object and separate it from the background. It's time consuming, but adds a lot of interest to the spreads. Also, that's Richard throwing a bowling ball in the background. A great cut out opportunity!

Blog 8: Research and Working EQ

1.  What is your working EQ?

• How can an editor best direct a publication to ensure a quality product?

2.  What is a possible answer to your working EQ?

• Organize the staff in an effective and communicative way. This allows for the editor to monitor the progress, problems, and other situations that may occur within a publication's staff members.

3.  What is the most important source you have used that has helped you come up with an answer to your working EQ? 

• My most informative source would be a book titled The Editor In Chief: A Management for Magazine Editors, by Benton Rain Patterson and Coleman E.P. Patterson. A lot of chapters in this book really emphasized the importance of team-oriented work and establishing effective methods of communication and relationships with a staff. Building up a strong foundation of trust and responsibility between staff members and the editor is essential to creating a successful product.

4.  Who is your mentor, or where are you volunteering, and how does what you are doing relate to your working EQ?

• My mentor is Mimi Orth of Herff Jones Publishing. I work alongside her in elective, after school, and often on weekends to create assignments,manage a staff, organize the progress of the yearbook, offer insight to spreads, teach lessons to the class, and manage other business regarding the creation, printing, and distribution of the yearbook. What I do relates to my EQ because it is taking my position as Co-Editor In Chief and allowing for me to justify it with experiences from directing an entire publication.