Individual In-House Publications

General Observations

In general, pieces were selected for awards that:

• utilize an appropriate format for the message
• respect and serve their audience
• promote a sense of discovery
• use sophisticated typography
• have a friendly, sincere tone
• demonstrate clarity of concept that runs through the publication

Pieces that were eliminated tended to:

• lack clarity of purpose
• carry their theme poorly
• be poorly/inadequately edited (too much information)
• include poor quality photography or type handling

Comments on Winning Entries

Gold Medals

Doane Collage, (Doane Collage Viewbook)

• This piece was popular all around with the judges for its freshness, energy, and sincerity. We loved that the copy doesn't seem to be trying to hard-it reads very sincerely, and is all fact-based; the call-outs are simple, straightforward facts that tell the school's story without perceived spin. The typography is sophisticated, the images are appropriate to the content and student audience. It feels creative and honest. Great balance of sophistication and sincerity.

North Carolina State University, ("Red Means Go" Chancellor's\Report 2008)

• This piece has a clarity of concept that the judges responded to, with design, art, and copy working well together to carry the ideas through the book. Different levels of information work well to guide the reader through on either a "first-glance," superficial level through headlines and images, or on a more in-depth level through narratives, depending on the reader's inclination. The main ideas may be grasped either way. There's a confidence, simplicity, and friendliness to the publication that is compelling. It is well designed, with clear messages.

Bronze Medals

Dartmouth College, (The Kenneth and Harle Montgomery Endowment 30th Anniversary Brochure)

• This piece evoked a lively discussion among the judges because it is so far from the aesthetic of the group; however, we agreed that it is likely extremely appealing to its intended audience, and it's clear that it is serving that audience well. The back half of the book is simple and outstanding, with portraits of past fellows and quotes that speak volumes about the fellowship program the endowment supports. A few elements (the vellum overlay in particular) were a bit over the top and the design occasionally too fussy.

Southwestern University, (Sarofim School of Fine Arts Dedication Program)

• This is a great little piece, and a lovely example of people taking limitations and turning them into assets. We liked the spare, simple design and the respect the piece shows for its subject (focusing on architectural details and behind-the-scenes views of a new building). The judges were enthusiastic about the choice to use student photographers, and make it clear in the captions-a great budget choice that also emphasizes the talent the University attracts.

Trinity University, (The Foul and the Fair: Aesthetic Disgust poster)

• This piece also has a clarity of purpose that the judges found compelling, although there was discussion around how intentional it was. The image is truly disgusting and intriguing, exactly the topic of the lecture it advertises. We didn't want to look at it, yet couldn't look away. Extremely effective. It also avoids the common trap of putting way too much information on a poster. Its simplicity is refreshing, and all necessary information is here.