Navigating Copyright Concerns in Yearbook Design and Content

Yearbook advisers and staffs are constantly navigating the tricky waters of copyright when it comes to yearbook themes, designs and copywriting. This is a major focus of the latest Walsworth training video and episode of That Yearbook Podcast. Here are some key takeaways that all yearbook staffs should keep in mind:

Themes and Inspiration

When approaching popular culture in your yearbook, it’s important to consider copyright and the implications of copyright infringement. Popular media like Netflix, Spotify, movies and TV shows are being considered when approaching yearbook themes. While these can provide initial inspiration, hosts of the latest training video and podcast Jim Jordan, Sabrina Schmitz, CJE and Mike Taylor, CJE caution against directly copying those existing brands and designs. 

When considering these theme concepts, it’s important to use those aesthetics as a starting point for inspiration, but then make it your own by putting a unique spin on the concept that reflects your school and student body. Don’t just replicate the Netflix or Spotify look – challenge your staff to be creative and develop something truly original.

Use of Copyrighted Content

Oftentimes staffs will use copyrighted material such as song lyrics, Bible verses, movie posters and celebrity images for mod packages or student ads. The general guidance is using small snippets or single lines like song titles or lyrics falls under fair use, but reproducing large portions of copyrighted works crosses the line into infringement.

The same principle applies to visual content. It’s okay to take your own photos at a movie theater or concert, but directly copying movie posters or celebrity headshots from the internet is problematic. Yearbook staffs should get creative and capture their own original photos and artwork whenever possible.

Finding Legal Images

Recognizing that there will be times when you need to use outside images, there are ethical solutions to covering topics that you may not be able to get photos of yourself. Sites like Openverse.org and the JEA’s own image bank were highlighted as places to find images that can be used without copyright concerns. The key to utilizing legal images that you did not take is providing appropriate attribution to each photo you curate. This should be incorporated into your caption writing process. 

While copyright can be a complex and daunting topic, yearbook staffs have the power to create something truly unique and original. By challenging themselves to go beyond simple inspiration and develop their own creative concepts, they can avoid the headaches of copyright infringement and produce a yearbook that is a true reflection of their school community. Be sure to listen to That Yearbook Podcast to hear the in-depth conversation about copyright and fair use, alongside our classroom-friendly training video.