Testimonials
Monica is the best art director with whom I've worked in more than 20 years in magazines. Her background in edit means she 'gets' editorial's needs, always has them in mind & is able to balance them against graphic needs like no other designer I know. She's hard-working, collaborative, patient, inventive, stays on an even keel no matter the pressure, & consistently gives us excellent, award-winning work. She's an absolute gem.
—Michael von Glahn
Editor, The College Store magazine
____________________
Of all NACS' [the National Association of College Stores'] publications, The College Store best reflects a positive image of the brand. It is a professional, sophisticated print magazine (also available online) with a first-rate design, pleasing, well-defined color palette, easy-to-read typeface and good photography. The magazine’s level of sophistication connotes that the organization that has originated the publication is modern, smart and successful.
—Brand Pivot branding assessment
This is the magazine that I put on the table for individuals to read while they are waiting to see me. It is very professionally produced. I particularly enjoy the layout of The College Store. Very nice photography and helpful articles.
—The College Store Readership Survey Evaluation Results
Awards
2018 | The Press Club of Cleveland’s Excellence in Journalism Awards Competition
Third Place for Covers: Trade & Professional Publications
January February 2017 issue of The College Store Magazine
2018 | Ohio’s Best Journalism Contest, sponsored by the Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) chapters statewide
Second Place for Best Department
Collegiate Market Watch | 2017 issue of The College Store Magazine
Body of work | 2017 issues of The College Store Magazine
Judges comments: “Good photo selection and placement — and varied sizes to draw the eye and avoid clutter, and knowing when to just let the photo do all the work — helped this entry stand apart.”
First Place for Best of Show: Trade Publications | Staff | 2017 issues of The College Store Magazine
Judges comments: “Great use of text, headlines, photos and graphs to create eye-catching pages throughout the magazine.”
____________________
2017 | The Press Club of Cleveland’s Excellence in Journalism Awards Competition
Third Place for Departments or Columns
Collegiate Market Watch | 2016 issue of The College Store Magazine
Judges comments: “really nice use of graphics and design.”
Second Place for Best Trade Publication in Ohio | Staff | 2016 issues of The College Store Magazine
Judges comments: “Excellent packaging of related content into easily digestible and actionable information.”
2017 | Ohio’s Best Journalism Contest, sponsored by the Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) chapters statewide
Second Place for Best Department
Collegiate Market Watch | 2016 issue of The College Store Magazine
____________________
2016 | The Press Club of Cleveland’s Excellence in Journalism Awards Competition
First Place for Departments or Columns
Collegiate Market Watch | 2015 issues of The College Store Magazine
Judges’ comments: “Eye-catching and extremely informative.”
2016 | Ohio’s Best Journalism Contest, sponsored by the Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) chapters statewide
First Place for Best Feature Design | Pay Daze | March/April 2015 issue of The College Store Magazine
Second Place for Best Feature Design | Manhattan Project | September/October 2015 issue of The College Store Magazine
First Place for Best Department | Collegiate Market Watch | 2015 issue of The College Store Magazine
____________________
2015 | The Press Club of Cleveland’s Excellence in Journalism Awards Competition
Second Place for Cover Design | March/April 2014 issue of The College Store Magazine
Third Place for Departments or Columns Design
For Your Information | 2014 issue of The College Store Magazine
2015 | Ohio’s Best Journalism Contest, sponsored by the Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) chapters statewide
Second Place for Cover Design | The College Store Magazine
2015 | APEX Award of Excellence for Magazine, Journal, & Tabloid Writing in the 27th Annual Awards for Publication Excellence
The College Store Magazine was one of 19 publications nationwide to receive the award.
2015 | All Media Contest presented by Association TRENDS
Second Place/Silver for Monthly Trade Association Magazine
Money Issue | March/April 2015 issue of The College Store Magazine
Judges comments: “The Money Issue gives the association member anything and everything they need to know about this important topic. The graphics and typography grab your attention the minute you open the issue and continue throughout this well-written and topical issue. The columns and departments are full of useful association information and keep the reader engaged with interesting infographics, typography, and use of color. Each feature is fun to look at and well organized with breakout quotes, sidebars, and interesting graphics. This very topical issue keeps your attention with on-point articles. This is service journalism at its best.”
____________________
2014 | The Press Club of Cleveland’s Excellence in Journalism Awards Competition
Second Place for Best Trade Publication in Ohio | 2013 issues of The College Store Magazine
2014 | Ohio’s Best Journalism Contest, sponsored by the Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) chapters statewide
First Place for Best Feature Design | The College Store Magazine
Second Place for Cover Design | The College Store Magazine
2014 | APEX Award of Excellence for Magazine, Journal, & Tabloid Writing in the 26th Annual Awards for Publication Excellence.
The College Store Magazine was one of 20 publications nationwide to receive the award.
____________________
2013 | The Press Club of Cleveland’s Excellence in Journalism Awards Competition
Best Trade Publication in Ohio | 2012 issues of The College Store Magazine
Judges comments: “The College Store knows its audience well and goes the extra mile to provide very informational content in a well-packaged manner from start to finish. The team puts a heavy emphasis on a fun design that is easy to consume—a must in today’s world of journalism.”
Second Place for Infographics Design
Meet the Class of 2016 | July/August 2012 issue of The College Store Magazine
Third Place for Cover Design
Fashion Focus 25th-Anniversary Cover | November/December 2012 issue of The College Store Magazine
2013 | Ohio’s Best Journalism Contest, sponsored by the Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) chapters statewide
First Place for Best Feature Design
Seventh Annual Store Design Showcase | July/August 2012 issue of The College Store Magazine
Second Place for Trade Publications: Best of Show | 2012 issues of The College Store Magazine
2013 | 10th Annual Cleveland Rocks Awards presented by Public Relations Society of America Cleveland Chapter
Silver Award for Magazines: Government/Associations/Nonprofit Organizations | 2012 issues of The College Store Magazine
____________________
2012 | The Press Club of Cleveland’s Excellence in Journalism Awards Competition
Second Place for Best Trade Publication in Ohio | 2011 issues of The College Store Magazine
2012 | Ohio’s Best Journalism Contest, sponsored by the Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) chapters statewide
First Place for Best Feature Design
Sixth Annual Store Design Showcase | July/August 2011 issue of The College Store Magazine
____________________
2011 | The Press Club of Cleveland’s Excellence in Journalism Awards Competition
Second Place for Spread or Multiple Page Design
Fifth Annual Store Design Showcase | July/August 2010 issue of The College Store Magazine
2011 | APEX Award presented by the Association for Publication Excellence
First Place for the Most Improved Magazine and Journal
2011 | Tabbie Award presented by the Trade Association Business Publication International
Among the top 25 publications to earn an award in the Best Single Issue category