From the Nominator

In 2024, the Smith Quarterly underwent its first comprehensive redesign in 25 years—and we didn’t just refresh it, we reimagined it from the ground up. Every aspect of the magazine was reconsidered, from its mission statement to its content strategy to its visual identity. In collaboration with renowned graphic designer Matt Willey of Pentagram, we created a publication that is bolder, smarter, and more engaging—one that reflects the ambition, intellect, and creative energy of this powerful women’s-college community. The redesign was about more than just aesthetics. It was about impact. We introduced new editorial departments, rethought our storytelling approaches, and developed a design that prioritizes clarity, sophistication, and a strong sense of identity. We also gave precedence to sustainability, shifting to uncoated paper that’s 30% recycled and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The result is a magazine that doesn’t just inform; it captivates. Readers have embraced the new Quarterly, calling it “stunning,” “coffee table worthy,” and “the coolest college magazine ever.” Of the 284 comments we collected, a whopping 86% are positive, only 5% are negative, and the remainder are mixed. In a landscape where print publications are shrinking or even disappearing, the Smith Quarterly stands as a bold statement: Print still matters, and when done right, it’s unforgettable.

From the Judges

This bold and artistic redesign makes this magazine stand out. The typeface, layout, and photos create pages that are clean, consistent, and coffee table-worthy. The update received overwhelmingly positive responses from the college’s alumni readership and the panel appreciated that the team took risks with this redesign.