Walsworth offers creativity and connection at MIPA Camp
By: Antonio Cholagh
Representatives from Walsworth Yearbooks spent the week at MIPA Summer Workshop helping student journalists bring their yearbook visions to life while offering advice, tools and encouragement at the vendor fair.
“We attend both the MIPA Summer Workshop and the fall conference every single year,” said Deanne DeMare, a Walsworth representative. “Mainly because a lot of our schools are here, and we like to help students capitalize on their themes and ideas.”
DeMare said the table is more than just a showcase. It is a chance to spark creativity.
“We hope we’re exposing them to new trends, new ideas,” DeMare said. “There are no brand spanking new ideas, just different takes on them. The more they’re exposed to, the more they can pull out and make their own.”
Lisa Sparks, another Walsworth representative, focused on the importance of using the resources available throughout the year.
“Utilize your representative and know what your strengths are and what you need help with,” Sparks said. “Ask for help in the areas where you want to grow.”
Sparks also pointed out current trends she is seeing in yearbook design and storytelling.
“I’m seeing a lot of social media-inspired themes, such as Spotify and Netflix as well as bold, impactful words as themes instead of big photos or busy covers,” she said. “People are moving away from long storytelling and focusing more on caption writing to interpret stories.”
Representative Madison Smedo believes the experience of being at MIPA is about connection and encouragement.
“My biggest piece of advice would be to go into it and keep an open mind,” Smedo said. “Ideas can change and they can flow. Once you have your dream, remember to work together as a team. You’re all working toward making one awesome product.”
Smedo said her favorite part of working with students is hearing their ideas and watching them grow through conversation.
“I love when students ask thoughtful, insightful questions,” she said. “You can really get to know people and their backgrounds.”