Creating a Lasting Impression: Printing Essentials for a School Open Day

School open days are invaluable opportunities to showcase the best aspects of a school and engage with prospective students and their families. Each aspect of the event—from the welcome banners to take-home materials - should reflect the school’s values and create a lasting impression. Printed materials play a significant role in this experience by providing visually engaging, informative resources that guests can explore during the event and take home afterward. Here’s how schools can make the most of their open day materials with a focus on photography, design, and printing across various formats, including postcards, folders, leaflets, and banners.

1. Photography: Capturing the Essence of School Life

High-quality photography is key to an effective open day. Strong, authentic images bring a school’s story to life, capturing both the day-to-day experiences of students and the beauty of the campus. Engaging photographs should feature:

• Diverse Student Life: Showcasing students in classrooms, sports fields, labs, and art studios gives prospective families a snapshot of the school’s vibrant community. Capturing candid moments creates a sense of authenticity and allows potential students to envision themselves in these settings.
• Campus Highlights: Aerial or landscape shots of the campus grounds, well-lit classrooms, and unique facilities like a theatre or gym give an overview of the school’s physical environment, which is particularly useful for larger campuses.

Working with a professional photographer ensures high-resolution images that are suitable for print and can adapt across formats. These photographs will become a critical part of the design, making materials like postcards, banners, and leaflets visually inviting and memorable.

2. Design: Building Cohesion Across Print Materials

Cohesive, thoughtful design makes school open day materials not only attractive but also consistent with the school’s brand identity. Using the same design elements—colours, logos, and fonts—across all printed items gives a polished and professional feel to each piece.

Key Design Tips for Different Materials

• Postcards: Use bold, full-colour images on the front and minimal text to grab attention. The reverse side can include essential information like the school’s address, social media, and website, making it easy for families to follow up after the event.
• Folders: An open day folder is both functional and an ideal branding tool. It should include the school logo prominently, use the school colours, and feature interior pockets for organising various handouts. A sleek design gives a professional appearance and encourages families to keep the folder as a reference.
• Leaflets: These should contain concise information about key aspects of the school, such as academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services. A fold-out leaflet with visually engaging sections allows parents to browse through without being overwhelmed by dense text.
• Banners: Banners should be eye-catching from a distance and quickly convey the school’s values and personality. Large, bold typefaces combined with a few high-impact photos create a welcoming first impression.

Each design piece should not only look good but also serve a purpose, leading guests through the event and reinforcing the school’s message.

3. Printing: Choosing the Right Formats and Finishes

The quality of print materials is crucial for presenting a professional image to families visiting on open day. Investing in high-quality printing ensures that colours are vibrant, details are sharp, and materials are durable enough to withstand handling. Here’s a look at printing considerations for each format:

Printing Tips for Open Day Materials

• Postcards: Use thick card with a glossy finish to make the colours of the images pop. A UV coating on one side can add durability and a professional look, especially if the postcard will serve as a keepsake for families.
• Folders: Choose a sturdy material, like laminated card, to protect the contents inside. Embossing the school’s logo or adding a metallic foil accent can add an extra touch of elegance, making the folder feel more valuable.
• Leaflets: Opt for a matte finish to reduce glare, which makes the text easier to read under bright lighting. A trifold or accordion fold design is compact yet provides ample space for information.
• Banners: Vinyl or fabric banners are ideal for indoor and outdoor use, offering durability and vibrant colour reproduction. Ensure the banner is lightweight enough for easy transport and setup but heavy enough to avoid wind disturbance if used outdoors.

Working with a printing company that offers a range of finishes, sizes, and paper types allows flexibility in creating custom open day materials that fit the school’s specific needs and aesthetic.

4. Maximising Impact: Combining Photography, Design, and Printing

When photography, design, and printing come together effectively, each printed piece becomes a memorable touchpoint that enhances the school’s image. Here are a few strategies to ensure that printed materials work harmoniously:

• Visual Consistency: Ensure that the same colour palette, typography, and photo style are used across all materials. For example, if the school’s brand colour is blue, incorporate this into each design element, from postcards to banners, to create a cohesive look.
• Highlighting Core Values: Each material should reflect the school’s core values—whether it’s academic excellence, diversity, or innovation. For example, if community involvement is a value, include photos and details of volunteer programs or partnerships in the leaflets.
• Interactive Features: Make materials interactive by including QR codes that link to the school’s social media, website, or virtual tour. This helps keep the conversation going even after open day ends.

Conclusion

A successful open day combines thoughtful photography, cohesive design, and quality printing to create a lasting impression for prospective students and families. Each printed item—from postcards to folders, leaflets, and banners—serves as a reflection of the school’s identity and values. By investing in high-quality materials and thoughtful design, schools can not only engage their visitors on the day but also provide valuable resources that families will keep and revisit as they make their enrolment decisions.