Print Periodical Publishing Improvement

General Observations

After review of the 47 entries for this category, the judges commented that general quality of a number of the periodicals was good before the redesign, and the changes to newer issues were not dramatic. They concurred that the purpose of a redesign should be to refocus content and visual approach to appeal to the periodical's audience.

Some entries had refreshed layout and design but became more copy heavy after the redesign. Others had new covers only. While some publications changed their paper quality and packaging, the judges didn't note any particular design or communications trends in this group of submissions.

The judges noticed that certain publications had developed a color palette and stuck to it. The use of illustration, when done well, helped to drive home a point in some publications. The judges offered kudos to some institutions that clearly made an attempt to brand themselves and connect with their audiences at an emotional level.

Some of the entries were more conceptual; others were lacking in conceptual thinking. Judges observed a need, in some cases, to push the audience a bit.

Judges noted that many publications did not address new social media, such as Facebook or Twitter, which helps to engage younger alumni. They felt that print media can partner with electronic communications, and allow the magazine to go beyond the walls and boundaries of campus to increase relevance.

While no awards were granted to the following periodicals, the judges made special note of their improvement efforts: Emory Report, Rutgers Magazine, Medicine at Michigan, Macalester Today, Paul Smith College, and Drew Magazine

Comments on Winning Entries

Grand Gold Medal

Fashion Institute of Technology, Hue magazine (magazines)

• The old design was very dated and didn't match the creativity of its audience. The move from black and white to full color is dramatic. The new look is design forward, even considering the focus of the institute and its alumni audience. The art quality is matched by great photography. This looks like a strong recruiting tool; donors would love it, too.

Gold Medals

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, CEE In Focus (tabloids/newsletters)

• A dramatic redesign, taking the printed piece from black-and-white to color. The judges commented that recognizing improvement on this newsletter was a no-brainer. The design went from very utilitarian to something much more engaging and welcoming. The old design didn't say ‘MIT.' The new photography is much improved. The color palette is very pleasing, fresh, and up to date without being overdone.

Emma Willard School, Emma magazine (magazines)

• The new paper stock and photography changed the look of the magazine; it opened the layout and it breathes more. It has a nice clean nameplate; one that clearly says, ‘girls' school.' This is probably a great fundraising vehicle for the school.

Silver Medal

Suffolk University, Suffolk Alumni Magazine (magazines)

• This periodical has a newsstand quality. The staff really thought about what they were doing with the design. The old design was good for an alumni magazine, but the new design takes it to an entirely new level.

Bronze Medal

Lausanne Collegiate School, Lausanne magazine (magazines)

• This is a big improvement. Parts of it were almost overdesigned, but, from the nameplate to the overall look, it's a big improvement. This publication would have received a higher award, but judges felt the design is a bit overdone, cluttered, and needs to be massaged a bit more. Take the design one more step, and you'll have something really special.