Phi Psi Cli hosts one-day workshop with yearbook consultant

The Elon University yearbook staff invited Jen Bladen, a professional consultant, to campus on Feb. 4 to discuss design principles, publication trends and marketing strategies.  

Taylor Turgeon ’20 (center) contributes to a group discussion during Phi Psi Cli’s one-day yearbook workshop on Feb. 4. Jen Bladen (second from right), a professional yearbook consultant, led the workshop.  
A dozen members of Phi Psi Cli, Elon University’s student yearbook, attended a one-day workshop on Feb. 4 with Jen Bladen, a professional yearbook consultant. A longtime yearbook adviser, Bladen regularly lectures on the topics of scholastic journalism, yearbooks and leadership at workshops and conventions across the country.

During the daylong visit, Bladen – who humorously refers to herself as a “professional yearbook nerd” – discussed a variety of yearbook-related issues, ranging from publication themes and marketing strategies to InDesign tips. She led several lively discussions, including a detailed look at this year’s cover and endsheet designs.

Additionally, Bladen and several yearbook editors attended dinner prior to the workshop to brainstorm potential discussion topics and areas for improvement.

Phi Psi Cli will host three Senior Photo Days during the spring semester. The cap-and-gown photo shoots are free and no appointment is necessary.
​”It was really exciting having someone solely dedicated to yearbook on campus to talk to our staff,” said Kim Honiball ’17, Phi Psi Cli’s editor in chief. “I think the workshop helped get people excited about what we are producing and Jen provided great insight on how to better relate our theme to the content in our book.”

For more information regarding the 2017 Phi Psi Cli yearbook, visit the publication’s website, org.elon.edu/yearbook. This year’s edition is on sale for $69. Phi Psi Cli’s next Senior Photo Days are scheduled for Monday, Feb. 27, and Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the university’s two-day Grad Fair. Senior portraits are free and no appointment is necessary.