From Advisers to Zero Hour: A to Z spreads wow audiences with maximum content, fun design

ABCs aren’t just for kindergarteners. Spreads with an alphabet hook provide 26 ways to maximize coverage in a powerful and creative presentation. We love A to Z spreads for their versatility, design and coverage opportunities.

The options are endless

The beauty of A to Z spreads is their versatility. A variety of topics can be featured, focusing on the school, community or national scene. In 2016, Leander High School used their alphabet spread to highlight their International Baccalaureate academic program. Thrall, a K-12 yearbook, pinpointed people, places and things that defined their small community in 2018. Taking a pop culture approach, Gorzycki Middle School featured the fads, fashion, TV, movies and events that grabbed our attention in 2017.

Leander High School’s A-Z spread in 2016 focused on their IB program. Gorzycki Middle School picked 26 things trending in pop culture for their 2017 spread.

Maximizing coverage

A-Z spreads give you more bang for your buck. You can maximize coverage in a minimal amount of space. This is beneficial when you have smaller groups you can’t afford to give a whole spread or an unexpected award or event you suddenly have to find room for. Throw them a letter, and poof, you have 26 more ways to add coverage in the book. That’s 26 different classes, clubs, sports and/or individuals that can be covered on one spread. Now, that’s maximization.

In 2017, Cedar Park High School featured 26 different students, places they traveled and things they did in the summer. Vandegrift High School featured students, events and clubs in their 2016 A to Z spread.

Spreads just want to have fun

One of the best things about A to Z spreads is their fun factor. They’re a change of pace from the typical, traditional design. This creates an opportunity for a showstopper spread, a design that wows the audience and pulls them in. Hudson Bend Middle School turned their A to Z spread sideways and used multiple versions of Storyteller, a decorative typeface. Liberty High School added a beautiful gradient to the background, which was a smart connection to the visual aspect of their theme.

In their A to Z spreads, both Liberty High School and Hudson Bend Middle School focused on aspects of their school community and incorporated their themes’ visuals.

Make it meaningful

As you plan your A to Z spread, keep two things in mind. First, the items need to be meaningful. Just a list of letters and a word starting with that letter isn’t going to cut it. Have a powerful quote with each letter, give a cool fact and run a dynamic photo. Second, give yourself time to design the spread. Plotting 26 letters with content is like figuring out a complicated puzzle. You have to move the pieces around until you find just the right fit. That also means being short and sweet with the content. Write a book for each letter and your A-Z will cover multiple spreads.

These A to Z spreads, from Thrall and Vista Ridge, have strategically placed their letters in clearly defined, aligned rows. Most letters have a photo or cutout to add to the visual appeal and each letter features a quote from a student.

Don't have space this year?

If it’s too late to add an A to Z spread this year, test out different ideas for next year. After the final deadline, have journalism students or yearbook staffers create A-Z spreads for various topics. Share the different looks and ideas, picking the best one for next year. Of course, you’ll have to use new photos, but the design and concept can stay. The extra time to conceive the spread and rearrange elements will help the final version be even better.

So, what will your A to Z spread cover? Advisers to Zero Hour? Announcements to Zzzzz? Adidas to Zaxby’s? We can’t wait to see your 26 choices.

Check out our Pinterest board for more A to Z spreads.