For the cover of the Stony Brook Magazine, Issue 14, we wanted an image that would speak to our overall theme and multiple stories within the issue. Often, covers represent one story or idea, because to incorporate multiple ideas in one image is very difficult. This issue's theme was evolution, with two stories focusing on the 30-year growth of our mascot, Wolfie, and our legendary film festival. It also spoke to the university's growth as a whole, as we recently welcomed a new president. The university is evolving, these programs are evolving—yet how do we create a cover that ties into these stories? Executive Editor Shelley Catalano has an idea, inspired by the famous illustration of the evolution of man. Could we do that with the evolution of Wolfie, in a fun way, but make it into a bigger message? Show the image as if it is coming from an old-style film projector, to tie into the festival? But it couldn't show just the growth of our mascot into a community advocate. We needed to see how he represents our students, who enter Stony Brook as "cubs" and grow into graduates with the world in their hands. Could that be done? With the help of an incredible, collaborative illustrator, we were able to achieve that goal and more.
From the Judges
This is an authentic, creative cover that tells the story and supports the reader's understanding. A judge commented that this one "stuck with me. I appreciated what they did." Support of university branding was noted, as was the level of detail in the illustration and how it integrated into the magazine content.
