top of page
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How long does it take to print and deliver my yearbook order?From receiving your print ready PDF file to final delivery it takes approximately 20 working days. This time also includes the proofing stage; I will supply you with two printed and bound books for your approval prior to printing the bulk order. (5 days for printed proof books to be processed delivered and approved) then 15 working days from approval of printed proof book for print and delivery turnaround time. If I'm contacted to do the layout and design of your yearbook then additional time will be required. I will supply you with a detailed production timeline that indicates key target dates. Bulk of materials supplied date, last of material supply date, final authors correction date, final proof sign off date, these dates are formulated working back from the required delivery date.
-
How many pages should my yearbook have?There is no specific requirement of the number of pages in your yearbook, this can range from 20 – 300 pages. The number of pages is defined by the amount of material to be included, and the layout and design style, and the font formatting size used for the text. Smaller Schools with fewer faculties average 50 – 80 pages, medium sized Schools 80 – 140 pages, and larger Schools/Colleges somewhere around 140 – 240 pages
-
What paper specifications should I choose for my yearbook?As standard, I recommend 310gsm art board for the cover and 128gsm art paper for the internal pages. I also embellish the outer cover with either a Gloss or Matt finish film lamination, giving the cover added durability and high-quality finish. Internal pages are printed on a high quality art paper which can be gloss or silk finish paper. Both finishes of paper are available weights of 128gsm and 150gsm. The paper stocks I use have post recycled content and are sourced for their carbon neutral status from paper mills that have RFP-Responsible Forestry Practices.
-
What type of binding will my yearbook have?Your yearbook will be professionally bound with a square back spine finish using special formulated strong bonding adhesives, one specifically for the hinge side glue and the other for the spine glue area.
-
How much content should I provide per section of my yearbook?This comes down to the material you have and the style of book you prefer, some yearbooks are text heavy with fewer images, and others completely the opposite, overall yearbooks tend to have higher proportion of space allocated to images. If the layout is to feature a report with a few images, I suggest 300 words for a single page and 500 words for a double-page spread. If the layout requires featuring lots of images then again dependent on the design style chosen, a page can display 8-10 good-sized images with minimal amount of text included. The project management of a yearbook can feel like an overwhelming task and a tough mountain to climb with all the collating of the materials. I have processes in place that ensure you are assisted every step of the way, making the process stress-free.
-
Should I check grammar, spelling and punctuation of articles before submitting them?Absolutely yes, this is important as it saves considerable amount of time that would have to be spent on typo author’s corrections at the final stages of proofing, which may cause delays in meeting the scheduled sign off date.
-
The images I have are of varying quality, some are low capture quality size. Can they still be featured in the yearbook?I appreciate that not every image supplied can be from a professional camera, so we have to be flexible with images supplied. It’s important to understand that if the image is relatively low resolution then it will have to be placed in a fairly small size on the page. If it’s enlarged it will print pixelated, looking soft and grainy, losing definition.
-
We don't have the time or resources to layout and design our yearbook. Can you do this?I can creatively layout your school’s content, combined with design elements producing an engaging and cohesive publication, incorporating your school’s branding, culture, achieving a distinctive personalised product that will be treasured for years to come. With every yearbook I design for you, you have a dedicated, qualified Graphic Designer assigned to your yearbook project. Every yearbook is unique and tailored to suit your needs. I will communicate directly with you on all aspects of the layout, design and artwork preparation phase of the project. This makes the process run smoothly and saves you time!
-
How do I send you my PDF file or my material content for the yearbook?The process is simple; a link will be shared to you, and this allows you access to upload your PDF or yearbook material folders to your own school folder on my Google Drive server. Drag items from your computers desktop, and drop into your schools Google Drive folder. Security: Your schools Google Drive folder can be made only accessible by user name and password upon request.
-
Why would I use Michael Waterhouse for my design and print?Because I'm the best of both worlds. Vast experience in the graphic/print sector coupled with an impressive list of contacts and suppliers built up from years of sourcing and producing top quality printed products.
-
How will you organise for my products to be printed?I have partnered up with the leading trade printer in Australia who are committed to producing a quality product and offer exceptional service.
-
Do you design and print school yearbooks?Yes, school yearbooks are my area of expertise. Managing the design studio at Academy Photography and then becoming the National Print Manager has given me 7 years of specific experience of producing school yearbooks to the highest standard.
-
What is included in your quotation?Pre-press checking your file supplied. Supplying two printed and bound proof books and a second set of digital proofs after author changes for approval prior to the printing of the bulk order. No additional charge for 1 hour of author’s corrections. Freight and delivery costs. My quotation is a fixed price based on the final specifications confirmed and accepted. Full layout and personalised design of your yearbook if this service is requested. Helpful, friendly, free support and advice throughout the project process.
What are Michael's clients saying?
I pride myself on the quality of service I provide for my clients....
St Joseph's School
“I absolutely love our Yearbook. I was a novice, but my book is a beautiful professional work of art. My principal loves it. The students will love it, and it is an excellent representation of our wonderful senior student experience. Michael is excellent, very knowledgeable and most especially very patient. He assisted me all the way. This was my third year book for our school, and in the past we worked with a large servicer of high print numbers, which, although they were friendly, did not provide the personal service nor fundraising opportunities that we received with Michael. When I first agreed to change from that company that has a huge presence in school products I was nervous however, I believe that I will only work moving forward with Michael. I look forward to a bigger and better yearbook next year.”
From Kathleen Stark
Eatons Hill State School
I can not thank you enough for all the help and guidance you gave me this year. We would not have had a yearbook if it wasn’t for you. I look forward to working with you all in the future.
From Jenny Chiara
bottom of page