In Masonic terms, a Trestleboard is where the Master of the lodge is supposed to lay out his plans for the construction of the metaphorical temple that others will follow. In practical terms, it is a newsletter whereby the Master (and anyone else he permits) writes a monthly missive informing the membership of recent happenings and upcoming events, birthdays, 3rd degree anniversaries, education, pictures, and so on.
I have been a Master Mason for a little over 4 years now, but I have been doing the design, graphics, and layout for Naval Lodge 87's Trestleboard longer than I have been a Mason. When I first became interested in joining and had already submitted my application to join, I became aware that the man who previously did the newsletter had quit due to family troubles. I volunteered. And for a couple of months before I became Initiated (1st Degree) I was creating the official Trestleboard.
That first year I essentially followed the previous model albeit with a little more graphical pizazz. During the year of one Master, I was given carte blanche to do as I liked and
really push the boundaries of the Trestleboard. Every Master since has given me the same leeway.
I am essentially self-taught when it comes to Photoshop and InDesign and I have learned a tremendous amount since I started. Still, as one Brother said, it is impossible to hit a home run every month and while I am not always proud of the results, my dedication to the digital craft, the speculative craft, and most importantly, my brothers of Naval Lodge 87, keeps me coming back with great enthusiasm every month.
So far, of these special graphical Trestleboards, I have produced 36 unique issues. I present to you the last twelve covers with a few notes.
 |
| January Edition |
|
Naval 87 had just gone through a rough year and in January we had a new master. To go with that, I tried to really push myself to create something that showed a renewed energy to the lodge.
 |
| February Edition |
Just trying out some transparent smoke effects mixed with a high energy vibe. A blend of old and new as it were.
 |
| March Edition |
After the previous two Trestleboards, which felt technical, I decided to go with something that felt artistic and had a paint-like feel to it.
 |
| April Edition |
The April edition was again playing with a more artistic look mixed with symbolism. Without realizing it at the time, the format for this edition eventually sparked my design goals for 2014 (but you will have to wait to see that).
 |
| May Edition |
For May, I went back to a high tech look (I believe I had just watched TRON again) and wanted that sci-fi glass panel read-out look.
 |
| June & July Edition |
Moving away again from the technical look, I ventured into some kind of artistic, chaotic art deco look with paper textures. A true experiment on my part.
 |
| August Edition |
After the chaotic art design of the last Trestleboard, and having a month off, I came back swinging with a simple western design, almost minimalist. I believe I had been watching quite a lot of western TV shows and movies at the time.
 |
| September Edition |
This one was actually inspired by my wife and her math notebook for her college class. Took me a while to get the hand-scribbled look I was after.
 |
| October Edition |
I was going for something kind of spooky looking in honor of Halloween. The end result looks sci-fi instead. Without a doubt, my least favorite of 2013.
 |
| November Edition |
After the disappointing October Edition, I wanted November to really shine and I went for a hand-tooled leather, real old-timey look. I am very proud of this one.
 |
| December Edition |
Finally, we come to the newest, the December edition (so this is essentially a sneak peak for next month). I used a real picture of snow covered trees from last winter and went with a shiny metallic look for the lettering. I am also very proud of this one, and Vera says it is her most favorite of all.
And that is it. Come January, I have plans for an all new look and format for the entire year, just in time for a new Master of Naval Lodge 87. Something I have been considering for a while now is tailoring each years Trestleboards to each Master. We will see how successful I am.
- Bro. Brent
"Everything is designed. Few things are designed well." - Brian Reed
