From the Nominator

"Each issue of Stanford Business magazine is intended to help alumni connect with the school, regardless of when they attended. From the moment it arrives in an alumni’s mailbox, the magazine grabs their attention with an intriguing cover with surprising words wrapped across the spine.  

It is designed to present meaty content in an easily digestible format. There is careful consideration around the stories we choose, striving for balance and being mindful of showcasing stories that highlight the diversity of people and ideas at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. We invite readers in through a blend of photography and illustration, and we use spot illustrations and bite-size supporting content to break up the pages and provide entry points. The words on the cover hint at the stories within, and sections have page-numbered guides. We know that in today’s world, people expect to navigate content in nonlinear ways.  

This year, our editor and creative director collaborated closely to illustrate complex and nuanced cover stories on artificial intelligence and environment, society, and governance (ESG) investing. A story on partisanship was a potential minefield, leading us to aim for positivity and neutrality in the illustrations without being bland.   

We used warm portraits and engaging photo essays to showcase and connect readers with the community in a feature profiling a Nobel Prize winner, a series on our first-generation/low-income students, and our recurring "Voices" profiles. Humorous photo illustrations always enliven the faculty "Insights" section."

From the Judges

This nomination has done an excellent job of incorporating the brand into its design elements. The use of QR codes is a clever and modern way to engage readers and encourage interaction. The whitespace design is well executed and adds to the overall aesthetic of the publication. It is pleasant and enjoyable to read. Overall, this is a strong piece that showcases effective design and branding.