Student Outreach: Student Editors Archives

Congrats to our 2016 Student Competition 1st-Place Winner!

Student Design Competition 04.15.16 posted by Student Editors

We're excited to wrap up our announcement of our 2016 Student Design Competition winners today with our 1st-place winner Angela Kilburg! (Check out the runners-up here, 3rd place here, and 2nd place here).

As our top winner, Angela's prizes include $2,500, an internship at an NYC magazine, inclusion in our Pub 51 SPD Annual and an invitation to our SPD Awards Gala.

Congrats to Angela and all our winners! And thanks to everyone who entered and made our judges' decision a tough one ... we loved looking at your work and commend you all on your great pieces. If you entered and didn't win, you are elgible to enter your designs in our SPD-U Spotlight later this month, so keep an eye out for that information soon.

FIRST PLACE and Recipient of the Mitch Shostak Award*
Angela Kilburg
SCHOOL: Moravian College
LEVEL: Sophomore
INSTRUCTOR: Camille Murphy
CATEGORY: How-To Magazine

*Who's Mitch Shostak?
Our top prize is given to honor Mitch Shostak, a dear and dedicated friend of SPD who passed away on June 25, 2014. The former SPD board member had worked at numerous publications before opening Shostak Studios in 1993 where he continued to produce volumes of work for a number of clients. Mitch was widely respected as one of the country's leading publication designers. Committed and passionate in his teaching at the School of Visual Arts and mentoring in his own design studio, Mitch inspired his peers as well as many new generations of designers and art directors. We dedicate our top Student Design Competition prize to him in remembrance of his life and work.

Congrats to our 2016 Student Competition 2nd-Place Winner!

Student Design Competition 04.14.16 posted by Student Editors

We're sharing our 2016 Student Design Competition winners this week (check out the runners-up here and 3rd place here), and today we're happy to share our 2nd-place winner Tomas Almeida. As our #2 winner, Tomas' prizes include $1,000, inclusion in our Pub 51 SPD Annual and an invitation to our SPD Awards Gala. Congrats to Tomas!

Check back tomorrow for our top winner.

SECOND PLACE and Recipient of the B.W. Honeycutt Award*
Tomas Almeida
SCHOOL: Norwich University of the Arts
LEVEL: Senior
INSTRUCTOR: Glen Robinson
CATEGORY: News Magazine

*Who's this B.W. Honeycutt?
The second-place prize is our B.W. Honeycutt Award, given to honor the life and work of Bruce W. Honeycutt who died on January 12, 1994 at the age of 40. As the former Art Director of Details magazine, his redesign helped it earn accolades such as "Magazine of the Year" from Advertising Age and "Top Hottest  Magazine" from Adweek. Honeycutt's work has been recognized by SPD, AIGA, and the Art Directors Club of New York amongst others. He taught publication design at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, and attended North Carolina University at Chapel Hill.

Congrats to our 2016 Student Competition 3rd-Place Winner!

Student Design Competition 04.13.16 posted by Student Editors

We're sharing our 2016 Student Design Competition winners this week (check out the runners-up here), and today we're happy to share our 3rd-place winner Philip Smith. As our #3 winner, Philip's prizes include $500, inclusion in our Pub 51 SPD Annual and an invitation to our SPD Awards Gala. Congrats to Philip!

Check back later this week to see more winners.

THIRD PLACE
Philip Smith
SCHOOL: Kutztown University
LEVEL: Junior
INSTRUCTOR: Denise Bosler
CATEGORY: How-To Magazine

Congrats to our 2016 Student Design Competition Runners-Up!

Student Design Competition 04.12.16 posted by Student Editors

Today we're happy to share with you the runners-up in our 2016 Student Design Competition. Look for the rest of our winners later this week. And be sure to keep an eye out for our SPD-U Spotlight competition information later this month.

Congratulations to...

(Click on images for larger view)

FOURTH PLACE
Riza Cruz
SCHOOL: California State University, Fullerton
LEVEL: Junior
INSTRUCTOR: Yoon Han
CATEGORY: Adventure/Travel Magazine

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FIFTH PLACE
Amy Thompson
SCHOOL: Norwich University of the Arts
LEVEL: Junior
INSTRUCTOR: Glen Robinson
CATEGORY: Entertainment Magazine

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SIXTH PLACE
Bryan Vargas
SCHOOL: School of Visual Arts
LEVEL: Senior
INSTRUCTOR: Bryan Farevaag
CATEGORY: News Magazine

Announcing our 2016 Student Design Competition Winners!

Student Design Competition 04.11.16 posted by Student Editors

After a fun day of judging this past Friday, we've got our top winners in our 2016 Student Design Competition! We'll be announcing them all week long and updating the list here each day.

This year's competition was our 18th annual student competition and in addition to being featured here, the winning work will be published in Pub 51 -- our next annual -- and the top 3 winners will be honored along with all our professional winners at our Awards Gala in early May.

Our awesome panel of judges had a hard decision making their picks from all the great work submitted, but after multiple rounds of judging, they selected first, second and third-place winners as well as 3 runners-up. Click their names below to see their winning work.

Congrats to all our winners and to all the wonderful entries we received!

Click on the winner names to see their work.

FIRST PLACE and Recipient of the Mitch Shostak Award*
Angela Kilburg
SCHOOL: Moravian College
LEVEL: Sophomore
INSTRUCTOR: Camille Murphy
CATEGORY: How-To Magazine

SECOND PLACE and Recipient of the B.W. Honeycutt Award*
Tomas Almeida
SCHOOL: Norwich University of the Arts
LEVEL: Senior
INSTRUCTOR: Glen Robinson
CATEGORY: News Magazine

THIRD PLACE
Philip Smith
SCHOOL: Kutztown University
LEVEL: Junior
INSTRUCTOR: Denise Bosler
CATEGORY: How-To Magazine

FOURTH PLACE
Riza Cruz
SCHOOL: California State University, Fullerton
LEVEL: Junior
INSTRUCTOR: Yoon Han
CATEGORY: Adventure/Travel Magazine

FIFTH PLACE
Amy Thompson
SCHOOL: Norwich University of the Arts
LEVEL: Junior
INSTRUCTOR: Glen Robinson
CATEGORY: Entertainment Magazine

SIXTH PLACE
Bryan Vargas
SCHOOL: School of Visual Arts
LEVEL: Senior
INSTRUCTOR: Bryan Farevaag
CATEGORY: News Magazine

Did you enter the competition but weren't a winner? You can enter your work in our SPD-U Spotlight! Look for rules and entry guidelines on the blog in a few weeks!

Announcing our 2016 Student Design Competition Judges

Student Design Competition 04.05.16 posted by Student Editors

The deadline for this year's Student Design Competition has now passed and our team is busy preparing all the entries for this Friday's judging. A big thanks to our awesome group of pros who will be making the hard decisions:

Marti Golon Art Director, Reader's Digest

Cybele Grandjean Partner, Area of Practice

Michael McCormick Design Director, Martha Stewart Weddings

Byron Regej Freelance Art Director

Michael Schnaidt Senior Art Director, Men's Health

Whether you entered or not, be sure to watch out for our next Call for Entries for our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show ... we'll be announcing the details and opening for entries later this month.

Student Competition Q&A: Paying for Entries

Student Design Competition 03.15.16 posted by Student Editors

I'm about to enter your Student Design Competition and I see that there is an option for free entries for Student Members. I think I'm one, so should I choose that option? What happens if I'm not and I choose it anyway?

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Student Competition Q&A: Digital Entry vs. Printouts?

Student Design Competition 02.16.16 posted by Student Editors

I want to enter your SPD-U Student Design Competition, but I'm having a hard time finding access to a CD burner since all the laptops no longer seem to come with them. Is there another way I can submit my file digitally? Or is there a benefit to submitting it as a printout instead?

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Download the 2016 Student Competition Call for Entries!

Student Design Competition 02.10.16 posted by Student Editors

Our official 2016 SPD-U Student Design Competition Call for Entries and Entry Form PDF is now available for download!

Be sure to check it out for all the rules, as well as tips on the last page, and then fill out your entry form when you're ready to submit your work. The deadline is Monday, April 4, 2016, so be sure to leave enough time for mailing!

Get more details, pay for your entries, see past winning work and more online here.

Good luck!

Our 2016 Student Design Competition Official Rules

Student Design Competition 01.15.16 posted by Student Editors

Every year we hold a Student Design Competition, and if you're a follower of this blog, you'll see many of our past student winners have gone on to some awesome jobs and experiences.

Now's YOUR turn to get that same career jumpstart by entering our 2016 Student Design Competition! This annual competition is a special opportunity for you to win cash, exposure to a huge audience of amazing professional designers, and -- perhaps best of all -- a summer internship at a top magazine!

The deadline is Monday, April 4, 2016 and we're sharing the categories and rules after the jump to get you started (the official Call for Entries can be downloaded here).

Also be sure to check out the main information page here for lots of frequently asked questions, tips and to see previous winning work.

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Internship Insight: Bloomberg Businessweek and Syracuse Senior Simon Abranowicz

Internships 12.16.15 posted by Student Editors

As many students know, acquiring and experiencing a rewarding internship is no easy feat. You might send out 20 applications and get a response and interview at only a few. After this exhausting process, it quickly becomes clear in the first few days of work if you will be satisfied by the level of creative responsibility. (The reality is that production work and coffee runs may likely be in your future)

Syracuse University senior Simon Abranowicz' experience this past summer at Bloomberg Businessweek was not this typical internship. Enjoy his story and portfolio of (published!) work after the jump. … MORE

Internship Insight: Syracuse U's Communications Design Students

Internships 10.30.15 posted by Student Editors

While those of you attending school in NYC or other major cities have more opportunities to pursue internships year-round, there's all the rest of you who have to rely heavily on your summer months to gain real world experience. At Syracuse University, for example, the Communications Design students have come to realize that they need to make the most of their May-August, and many of them got awesome internships this past summer around the country and world.

From magazine internships at top NYC publishers to a design firm in Spain to self publishing with friends, here's a glimpse at what your fellow students were up to a few months back (and maybe it'll give you ideas for your own internship/project plans for next summer!)...
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2015 Pub Crawl Wrap-Up

Pub(lications) Crawl 10.19.15 posted by Student Editors

Over 60 students attended our Pub(lications) Crawl on Friday, October 2, 2015, visiting the offices of Entertainment Weekly, Woman's Day, W, Popular Mechanics, Esquire, 8x8, TIME and design firm Segal Savad. You can check out photos from the event on our SPD-U Facebook page here.

It was an incredible day of insights and inspiration. But don't just take our word for it ... hear what the attendees actually had to say...

"It was exactly what I was hoping it would be and a little more. Very well run, and both places were excited to have us, and showed us some really awesome things."

"The tour was amazing! It really reinforced that this is the career path I want to stay on."

"I loved the enthusiasm and positivity shown by the staffs ... you could certainly feel the camaraderie among everyone at both magazines. Everyone whom we met was extremely amiable and open to questions from students."

"Really awesome presenters who seemed to genuinely care about our time with them."

"It was great meeting so many different people who help create the publication, not just the creative directors. It was also really great to have a weekly publication and then a monthly. It was a great experience to see how the two differentiate."

"I really loved it. It got me excited to go home and design things."

Thanks to all of you who attended, and a HUGE thanks to our tour hosts and amazing tour guides: Sergio Capursi, Christine Fink, Ida Garland, Lauren Heffron, Ryan Padgett, Brandon Penny, Adri Ramdeane and Alexa Speyer!!

Friday's Pub Crawl: You Gotta Register by Wednesday at Noon!

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.29.15 posted by Student Editors

We're gearing up for our annual Pub(lications) Crawl office tour event this Friday, October 2 and our awesome hosts (see image above) are looking forward to having you. But in order to come, don't forget you have to register NOW!

We've extended the registration deadline to Wednesday at noon, so be sure you get your tickets by then. And don't forget, if you're an SPD Student Member, it's FREE (but you still have to register)!!!

Get your tickets or reserve your spot here.

Pub Crawl 2015 Spotlight: TOUR D - 8x8 Magazine and Time

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.24.15 posted by Student Editors

Our 2015 Pub(lications) Crawl event is NEXT Friday, October 2nd here in NYC, and we've only got a few spots left! Our limited quantity tickets usually sell out completely, so be sure you reserve/purchase your ticket now. And remember registration ends early: midnight next Tuesday, 9/30.

This week, we've been highlighting each set of tours. When you register, you'll be asked for your preferences of tours, so hopefully these little spotlights help make that decision. Read on for more info on TOUR D...

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Pub Crawl 2015 Spotlight: TOUR C - Esquire and Segal Savad

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.23.15 posted by Student Editors

Our 2015 Pub(lications) Crawl event is happening NEXT Friday, October 2nd here in NYC, and we're filling up fast! Our limited quantity tickets usually sell out completely, so be sure you reserve/purchase your ticket now. And remember registration ends early: midnight next Tuesday, 9/30.

To entice you to join us, we're highlighting each set of tours this week. When you register, you'll be asked for your preferences of tours, so hopefully these little spotlights will help you decide. Read on for more info on TOUR C...

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Pub Crawl 2015 Spotlight: TOUR B - W and Popular Mechanics

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.22.15 posted by Student Editors

Our 2015 Pub(lications) Crawl event is happening NEXT Friday, October 2nd here in NYC, and we're over half full for registration! Our limited quantity tickets usually sell out completely, so be sure you reserve/purchase your ticket now. And remember registration ends early: midnight next Tuesday, 9/30.

To entice you to join us, we're be highlighting each set of tours this week. When you register, you'll be asked for your preferences of tours, so hopefully these little spotlights will help you decide. Read on for more info on TOUR B...

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Pub Crawl 2015 Spotlight: TOUR A - Entertainment Weekly & Woman's Day

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.21.15 posted by Student Editors

Our 2015 Pub(lications) Crawl event is happening NEXT Friday, October 2nd here in NYC, and spots are filling up fast! Last year, the limited quantity tickets ended up selling out completely, so be sure you reserve/purchase your ticket now. And remember registration ends early: midnight next Tuesday, 9/30.

To entice you to join our sneak peek into amazing magazine-making, we'll be highlighting each set of tours this week. When you register, you'll be asked for your preferences of tours, so hopefully these little spotlights will help you decide. Read on for more info on TOUR A...

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Join SPD-U for Our 2015 Pub(lications) Crawl on Friday, 10/2/15

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.14.15 posted by Student Editors

If you're interested in working for magazines one day whether as a designer, photographer or illustrator, take a break from your class routine with our annual SPD-U PUB(lications) CRAWL! This is a day-long event where you'll get to tour the offices of two fantastic magazines and/or design firms for an in-depth look at the way things really work.

Our gracious and most excellent tour hosts this year are 8x8 magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Esquire, Popular Mechanics, design firm Segal Savad, Time, W mag and Woman's Day!!! They're all getting ready to give you exclusive behind-the-scenes access, so come armed with your curiosity and questions, and prepare yourself for a very unique tour of great magazine-making.

Wanna come? We're over 75% full, but there's still room for you! You just have to register by noon on Wednesday. Read on to find out how... … MORE

Save-the-Date: Pub(lications) Crawl 10/2/15

Pub(lications) Crawl 08.12.15 posted by Student Editors

As you guys finish up internships and summer trips and vacations, we're hard at work planning our next year of SPD-U events and opportunities ... most notably, our annual Pub(lications) Crawl event! This day of magazine office tours is not to be missed, so mark your calendars now for Friday, October 2.

Space IS limited on these tours, so be sure to follow us here and on social media to be notified when registration is open. And don't forget SPD-U Student Members get to come for FREE!! All other students: it's just $15 to get this exclusive look at how magazines get made. We'll announce the magazines we'll be visiting in a few weeks and registration will open in early September. See ya then!

STAY IN TOUCH WITH SPD-U: Facebook // Twitter // Tumblr

SPD-U Summer Portfolio Review 2015 Wrap-Up

Portfolio Reviews 08.06.15 posted by Student Editors

It may be summer, but you wouldn't know it looking at the photos from our Summer Portfolio Review on July 22. The lucky attendees of this limited-audience event brought in their portfolios and printouts and iPads and laptops, and got one-on-one time with our reviewers. Unlike the typical review you'd get during a job interview, our panel of reviewers were there to give honest feedback on both the work and the format to help students strengthen what they had. But don't just take it from us! See what some of the students had to say:

"It was really nice talking to the professional designers and having them recommend a bunch of other designers who have similar styles and interests." --Hieu Tran, student at the Maryland Institute College of Art

"Meeting with professionals and getting feedback at the portfolio review has really helped me improve my work." --Francis Vazquez, student at the School of Visual Arts

"Really nice, I had good feedback." -- Lee Jacob Hilado, student at City College

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Check out photos from the event on our Facebook page here.
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And lastly, a huge thanks to our wonderful reviewers and event staff!

+ REVIEWERS: Heather Haggerty (Creative Director, Everyday with Rachel Ray), Kristin Lenz (Art Director, Inc.), Ed Levine (Creative Director, Psychology Today) and Mike Schnaidt (Art Director, Men's Health)

+ EVENT COORDINATOR: Sarah Garcea (Art Director, Inc.)

+ EVENT STAFF: Stanley Collado (Art Assistant, Women's Health) and Lauren Stine (Assoc. Art Director, O, the Oprah Magazine)
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The 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Our Merit Winners, Part 2

SPD-U Spotlight 08.03.15 posted by Student Editors

We're wrapping up the last of our wonderful 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show winners today with the second half of our Merit Winners (like the SPD professional competition, we award Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and Merit Awards ... all winners within each category are equal and are being feature in random order). Click through for more great designs... … MORE

The 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Our Merit Winners, Part 1

SPD-U Spotlight 07.30.15 posted by Student Editors

You've now seen our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show Gold Medal winners as well as Silver Medal winners. Now we're excited to share our Merit Winners (like the SPD professional competition, we award Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and Merit Awards ... all winners within each category are equal and are being feature in random order).

There were 13 Merit Award-winning designs. Today we'll showcase the first half, followed by the second half tomorrow. Click through to see even more of these terrific student designs...

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The 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Silver Medalist Leslie Xia One More Time!!

SPD-U Spotlight 07.29.15 posted by Student Editors

After showcasing our Gold Medal winners, this week we've been revealing our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show Silver Medal winners (like the SPD professional competition, we award Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and Merit Awards ... all winners within each category are equal and are being feature in random order).

This afternoon we're featuring our final Silver Medal piece from previous winner Leslie Xia (check out her first Silver Medal piece here and her second Silver Medal piece here). Click through for her full entry on this 3rd piece and to read about it...

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The 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Silver Medalist Claudia Rubin

SPD-U Spotlight 07.29.15 posted by Student Editors

After showcasing our Gold Medal winners, this week we're revealing our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show Silver Medal winners (like the SPD professional competition, we award Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and Merit Awards ... all winners within each category are equal and are being feature in random order).

This morning we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on our previous winners: Claudia Rubin (see her Gold Medal piece here). Click through to read more about this Silver Medal-winning design...

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The 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Silver Medalist Leslie Xia...Again!

SPD-U Spotlight 07.28.15 posted by Student Editors

After showcasing our Gold Medal winners, this week we're revealing our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show Silver Medal winners (like the SPD professional competition, we award Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and Merit Awards ... all winners within each category are equal and are being feature in random order).

This afternoon we're once again shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Leslie Xia for another Silver Medal-winning piece. Click through for her full entry and to read a Q&A with her...

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Silver Medalist Christy Luu

SPD-U Spotlight 07.28.15 posted by Student Editors

After showcasing our Gold Medal winners, this week we're revealing our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show Silver Medal winners (like the SPD professional competition, we award Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and Merit Awards ... all winners within each category are equal and are being feature in random order).

This morning we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on our next Silver Medal-winning piece by Christy Luu. Click through for her full entry and to read a Q&A with her...

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The 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Silver Medalist Mary Kate Henry

SPD-U Spotlight 07.27.15 posted by Student Editors

Last week, we showcased our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show Gold Medal winners, and this week we're revealing our Silver Medalists (like the SPD professional competition, we award Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and Merit Awards ... all winners within each category are equal and are being feature in random order).

This afternoon, we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on our next Silver Medal-winning piece by Mary Kate Henry (who also happens to be this past year's Student Design Competition winner!). Click through for her full entry and to read a Q&A with her...

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The 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Silver Medalist Leslie Xia

SPD-U Spotlight 07.27.15 posted by Student Editors

Last week, we showcased our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show Gold Medal winners, and we're excited to now show off our Silver Medalists (like the SPD professional competition, we award Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and Merit Awards ... all winners within each category are equal and are being feature in random order).

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on our first Silver Medal-winning piece by Leslie Xia. Click through for her full entry and to read a Q&A with her...

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The 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Shines on May Kim

SPD-U Spotlight 07.24.15 posted by Student Editors

We've been showcasing our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show Gold Medal winners this week, and we're excited to show the fifth and final one today (like the SPD professional competition, we award Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and Merit Awards ... all winners within each category are equal and are being feature in random order).

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on May Kim. Click through for her full entry and to read a Q&A with her...

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The 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Shines on George Prah

SPD-U Spotlight 07.23.15 posted by Student Editors

We're showcasing our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show winners this week, and we're excited to show the next Gold Medal winning entry (like the SPD professional competition, we award Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and Merit Awards).

We're featuring one Gold Medal winner each day this week -- in RANDOM order, they are all equal winners -- and today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on George Prah. Click through for his full entry and to read a short Q&A with him...

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The 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Allen Chiu

SPD-U Spotlight 07.22.15 posted by Student Editors

We're showcasing our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show winners this week, and we're excited to show the next Gold Medal winning entry (like the SPD professional competition, we award Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and Merit Awards).

We'll be featuring one Gold Medal winner each day this week -- in RANDOM order, they are all equal winners -- and today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Allen Chiu. Click through to read a short Q&A with him...

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The 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Claudia Rubin

SPD-U Spotlight 07.21.15 posted by Student Editors

We're showcasing our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show winners this week, and we're excited to show the next Gold Medal winning entry (like the SPD professional competition, we award Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and Merit Awards).

We'll be featuring one Gold Medal winner each day this week -- in RANDOM order, they are all equal winners -- and today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Claudia Rubin. Click through for her full entry and to read a short Q&A with her...

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The 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Hieu Tran

SPD-U Spotlight 07.20.15 posted by Student Editors

Today we're starting to showcase our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show winners, and we're so excited to start off with the first of 5 Gold Medal winning entries (like the SPD professional competition, we award Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and Merit Awards).

We'll be featuring one Gold Medal winner each day this week -- in RANDOM order, they are all equal winners -- and today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Hieu Tran. Click through for his full entry and to read a short Q&A with him...

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on our 2015 Winners!

SPD-U Spotlight 07.20.15 posted by Student Editors

It's the middle-of-summer and the last academic year surely seems like forever ago. But there was some incredible student work that was done, and here at SPD-U headquarters, we are so excited to get to showcase some of it as part of our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show!

Our team of super-talented and super-cool judges -- Food & Wine Art Director James Maikowski, Creative Director José Reyes of Metaleap Creative, Nylon Design Director Renee Rupcich, Mother Jones Creative Director Ivylise Simones and Popular Mechanics Design Director Michael Wilson -- routinely commented on the high quality of work they saw with each judging round, and in the end, they selected 24 entries to be part of the show.

We're starting off this 2015 Online Gallery Show by showcasing one of our 5 Gold Medal winners each day this week. Next week, we'll show off our 6 Silver Medalists, and finish up with our 13 Merit Winners next Thursday. So be sure to check in here and follow us on social media as we show off all the terrific designs.

Thanks to ALL of you who entered and made the judges' job a difficult one! And now without further delay, our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight winners ...

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2015 SPD-U Spotlight Coordinators: LEAH BAILEY + ERICA COTTEN

Logo Design: NICOLE ZIGMONT + TRAVIS BONILA

FOLLOW SPD-U FOR THE LATEST INFO: Facebook // Twitter // Tumblr // Instagram

SPD-U Upcoming Events & Opportunities

07.16.15 posted by Student Editors

• In the NYC area? Then sign up for our Student Portfolio Reviews! Happening Wednesday, July 22. Only a few spots are left! And SPD Student Members can come for free, but you must RSVP. Get the details and sign up here.

• Our 2015 Student Design Competition winners have been announced, check them out here.

• Our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show deadline has passed and winners have all been emailed. We'll start showcasing their work next week!

FOLLOW SPD-U FOR THE LATEST INFO: Facebook // Twitter // Tumblr

Congrats to Our 2015 Student Design Competition Finalists!

Student Design Competition 07.01.15 posted by Student Editors

As our judges finish up their final selections in our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show, let's look at some other terrific student work ... our 2015 Student Design Competition finalists!

This group of work made it to the very final round of our competition judging back in March, and while they weren't one of the top 6, they definitely stood out from the pack! Congrats to these talented students for their great work (and stay tuned for more great work when we announce our 2015 Spotlight Winners later this month)...

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SPD-U Summer Student Portfolio Reviews: Wed, July 22

Portfolio Reviews 06.24.15 posted by Student Editors

While our judges go through all the wonderful SPD-U Spotlight entries, we've got a great event in the works for all you students and recent grads in the NYC area.

Whether you're in the city for a summer internship, home from school and living in the tri-state area, or taking summer classes, we want to help with your job hunt and career prep by offering our SPD-U Summer Portfolio Reviews! Join us Wednesday, July 22 for this annual event where you'll get critiques from our publishing pros (names to be announced soon!).

There's no pressure on this one ... it's all about us giving you advice on what publication and media art directors are looking for and how you can improve your book to get those jobs! Doesn't matter if your portfolio is finished or still in the works, digital or print ... bring what you've got (details below) and our art director superstars will help you figure out what's working and what's not.

Details after the jump...

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SPD-U Spotlight Q&A: What if I Can't Get My Professor to Sign My Entry Form?

SPD-U Spotlight 06.02.15 posted by Student Editors

I really want to enter your SPD-U Spotlight, but I'm no longer at school and can't get my professor to physically sign my entry form. Is there a way for me to still enter despite this?

Yes! Whether you're no longer on campus or whether your professor is away on vacation, we have some allowable workarounds for getting their sign-off on your Spotlight entries. Click through for the details...

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SPD-U Spotlight Deadline Extended to June 8

SPD-U Spotlight 05.30.15 posted by Student Editors

We know ... you just graduated, or were dealing with moving home from school for the summer, or maybe you were lucky enough to travel some right after the spring semester ended ... the end of the school year is busy!! That's why we've extended the deadline for our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show to Monday, June 8, 2015.

You now have one more week to find those files and submit them to us ... for FREE!!! ... to get your chance in front of our incredible judges' eyes and perhaps in front of our entire SPD audience (we're talking art directors and designers around the world)!

Get all the details here ... we can't wait to see your work!!!

Meet Our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Judges!

05.27.15 posted by Student Editors

The June 1 deadline (that's THIS COMING MONDAY!) for our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show is fast approaching, and we're excited to introduce you to the super-cool panel of judges who are waiting to see all your amazing work!

Remember, this one is TOTALLY FREE to enter! Just send us up to 3 of your best editorial design pieces from the past year (or 5 if you're an SPD Student Member). (Get all the details here.) Then our judges pick the best of the bunch and we showcase 'em here and everywhere we can, getting you and your work tons of exposure!

And now, let's meet the amazing group of pros who will be looking at all your great work...
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SPD-U Spotlight Q&A: An Entry is HOW many pages? And How Many Entries Do I Get?

SPD-U Spotlight 05.21.15 posted by Student Editors

So you want to enter some of your work in our SPD-U Spotlight but aren't quite sure what exactly equals an entry? We're here to clear that up!

First off, entries can come from any type of editorial design. That could be a magazine design you created or a book design. Could be a newspaper, a newsletter, a brochure or even an annual report. A yearbook counts, a zine counts ... anything that is considered a "publication" with editorial content counts. And it doesn't matter if it was part of a class or for an on-campus publication or just something you created on your own!

Read on for all the specifics on what equals an entry...

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Spring Benefits for SPD Student Members

Student Events 05.18.15 posted by Student Editors

We've got 2 awesome opportunities coming up in the next few weeks for all students to take advantage of, but if you're an SPD Student Member -- or if you become one now -- you get extra special treatment!

First up is our Big Shots event on Thursday, May 28. SPD Student Members get FREE entry! That's a $20 savings off the general admission price, and even a $10 savings off the student rate. Want to come? You do have to reserve your ticket. Get the details to sign up here.

Next is our SPD-U Spotlight Juried Online Gallery Show. While any student from the 2014-15 academic year is eligible to their work for free, they are limited to submitting 3 pieces. If you're an SPD Student Member, you can submit FIVE pieces! All for free! Get the details on that here and don't forget the June 1 deadline.

And don't forget, membership also gets you all this great stuff:
+ FREE or discounted entry to all our other events -- like our upcoming portfolio reviews this summer, and our fall Pub(lications) Crawl event
+ 3 FREE entries in the 2016 Student Design Competition (worth $10 each)
+ a FREE copy of our next annual (retails for $60)

WANT TO JOIN? Sign up here. Then you can reserve your free spot at the Big Shots event and submit your 5 Spotlight entries. Plus look out for Portfolio Review info to come soon!

Students: Get Discounted Access to Our BIG SHOTS Photo Event!

05.15.15 posted by Student Editors

As you may have seen on our homepage, we're hosting a fun event called Big Shots on May 28th that features some incrediblly talented photo editors talking about their jobs and how all those amazing photos you see in the mags actually get created.

Whether you're an aspiring designer, photo editor or photographer, this event will give you some incredible insight into a side of magazine-making that's rarely discussed in your classes and will give you an edge when you're interviewing for those editorial design or photo jobs!

The best part? SPD Student Members get to attend for FREE!!!! And all other students get the member rate of $10. Click through for details and to register...

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Enter Your Work in Our SPD-U Spotlight!

SPD-U Spotlight 05.11.15 posted by Student Editors

As you finish up your classes and put the finishing touches on final projects and portfolios, don't pack away all that awesome work ... we want to see what you did this year! If you created any editorial design for classes or campus publications or your own projects, then enter them in our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show.

It's totally FREE to enter and we showcase all the winners on the SPD site and social media, sharing them with our worldwide audience of professional designers and creatives.

Download the Call for Entries here and check out the main info page for lots of frequently asked questions and more.

Hope to see YOUR work in the mix!

Congrats to our 2015 1st-place Student Competition Winner!!!

Student Design Competition 04.30.15 posted by Student Editors

We're super excited to wrap up our announcement of winners from our 2015 Student Design Competition today with our 1st place winner -- and recipient of the first-ever Mitch Shostak Award -- Mary Kate Henry. Her prizes include $2,500, inclusion in our Pub 50 SPD Annual, invitation to our SPD Awards Gala and a summer design internship here in NYC! Click through to see her complete design and a short Q&A with her... … MORE

Congrats to our 2015 2nd-place Student Competition Winner!

Student Design Competition 04.28.15 posted by Student Editors

We continue to announce and showcase our top 6 winners in our 2015 Student Design Competition (our 17th!!). Today we're featuring our 2nd-place winner -- and recipient of the B.W. Honeycutt Award -- Jordane Roberts. Her prizes include $1,000, inclusion in our Pub 50 SPD Annual, invitation to our SPD Awards Gala and a summer design internship here in NYC! Click through to see her complete design and a short Q&A with her... … MORE

Congrats to our 2015 3rd-place Student Competition Winner!

Student Design Competition 04.27.15 posted by Student Editors

We're continuing to announce and showcase our top 6 winners in our 2015 Student Design Competition today with our 3rd-place winner Adam Leisenring. As our #3 winner, Adam's prizes include $500, inclusion in our Pub 50 SPD Annual and an invitation to our SPD Awards Gala! Click through to see his complete design and a short Q&A with him... … MORE

Congrats to our 2015 4th-place Student Competition Winner!

Student Design Competition 04.23.15 posted by Student Editors

We continue to announce and showcase our top 6 winners in our 2015 Student Design Competition (our 17th!!). Today we're featuring our 4th-place winner Thomas Lynes. Click through to see his complete design and a short Q&A with him... … MORE

Congrats to our 2015 5th-place Student Competition Winner!

Student Design Competition 04.22.15 posted by Student Editors

We're continuing the announcement and showcase of our top 6 winners in our 2015 Student Design Competition (our 17th!!). Today we're featuring our 5th-place winner Kiersten Garner. Click through to see her complete design and a short Q&A with her... … MORE

Congrats to our 2015 6th-place Student Competition Winner!

Student Design Competition 04.21.15 posted by Student Editors

We're excited to announce and showcase the top 6 winners in our 17th Student Design Competition, starting today with our 6th-place winner Joyce Pfeifer. Click through to see her complete design and a short Q&A with her...
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Congrats to our 2015 Student Design Competition Winners!

Student Design Competition 04.20.15 posted by Student Editors

We're excited to announce our top winners in our 2015 Student Design Competition! This year's competition was our 17th annual student competition and also included a special category to honor SPD's 50th Anniversary.

Our awesome panel of judges selected first, second and third-place winners as well as 3 runners-up from a final judging round of 17 finalists. This final round was selected from a pool of hundreds of entries from 35 schools across the country and globe.

Click through to see the winning work and download a press release about this year's competition here...
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Students: Get in the 2015 SPD-U Spotlight! Enter Your Designs by June 8

SPD-U Spotlight 04.19.15 posted by Student Editors

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

Look for details about our 2016 Student Design Competition early this fall and the 2016 SPD-U Spotlight in the spring of 2016.

WE'VE EXTENDED THE DEADLINE!

New Deadline: ~~Monday, June 8, 2015, 5PM EST~~.

The 2014-2015 academic year is soon coming to a close and you'll be finishing up a bunch of awesome projects on top of the great work you've already done ... don't let them all just gather dust once the grades are in: share them with us! We want to see what you've been up to!

If you've created any type of editorial design work in the past year, enter it in our 2015 SPD-U Spotlight Juried Online Gallery Show. Whether it's a magazine project from your design class, a newsletter design you did for your fraternity, work you did on your school's newspaper or yearbook, or even the entry you created for our 2015 Student Design Competition ... if it's any type of editorial design, we'd love to see it! Forget rules, forget formulas -- just show us the best stuff you have.

If your work is chosen by our jury of top-notch editorial design professionals, we'll showcase it in an exclusive online gallery here on the SPD website with links to your portfolio website. It's a great way to get your name and work in front of magazine art directors with the power to hire fresh, young talent like yourself. All the rules and details after the jump...

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Student Design Competition Judging Day is Here!

Student Design Competition 03.27.15 posted by Student Editors

All your hard work is complete, all the packages have been opened and processed, PDF entries have been printed, and all the entries have been numbered and organized by category ... and now the judges are here!!! Today is the official Judging Day for our 2015 Student Design Competition. Want a little peek behind the scenes? Check us out on Twitter where we're live-tweeting the whole thing: @SPDstudents

We'll have the winners selected by the end of the day, and we'll start contacting them next week. They'll be announced on the blog by mid-April.

Join the Ranks of Our Amazingly Successful Student Design Competition Winners!

Student Competition 03.17.15 posted by Student Editors

For those of you still working on your Student Design Competition entries (remember, whether you send them by US Mail, FedEx, UPS, your own 2 feet, carrier pigeon, whatever ... entries must be in our office by 5pm on Monday, March 23), why not get a little extra motivation from seeing where some of our past winners have ended up ... you'll notice, even the runners-up have gone on to great things. And if your entries are done, do a little daydreaming about where YOUR winning entry could take you!

Check out our Q&As with the following past winners:

Geraldson Chua // 2012 Competition, Honorable Mention
NOW: Senior Designer, O, the Oprah Magazine

T. Leclaire // 2012 Competition, 2nd Place & Honorable Mention
NOW: Consulting Art Director

Christopher Allen // 2012 Competition, 1st Place & 2 Honorable Mentions; 2013 Competition, Honorable Mention
NOW: Brand Strategist & Designer at Brave UX

Derek Eng // 2010 Competition, 3rd Place & Honorable Mention; 2011 Competition, 2nd place
NOW: Designer, Travel + Leisure magazine

Raul Aguila // 2009 Competition, 2nd and 3rd Place
NOW: Art Director, Wired magazine

Jason Sfetko // 2008 Competition, 1st Honorable Mention
NOW: Deputy Art Director, The New York Times Magazine

Lou Vega // 1999 Competition, 1st Place
NOW: Senior Art Director, Bloomberg Markets Magazine

Yarrow Earth Hock // 1997 Competition, 2nd Place
NOW: Consulting designer and Graphic Artist

Gabriel Kuo // 1996 Competition, 1st Place
NOW: Creative Director for House of Marley; Owner/Creative Director of his own design firm, The BRM

So Takahashi // 1995 Competition, 2nd Place
NOW: Owner/Creative Director of his own design firm, Heads Inc

FOLLOW SPD-U FOR THE LATEST INFO: Facebook // Twitter // Tumblr

Announcing our 2015 Student Design Competition Judges!

Student Design Competition 03.10.15 posted by Student Editors

As our 2015 Student Design Competition deadline quickly approaches (Monday, March 23!!), we'd like to take a moment to introduce our amazing panel of judges! These are the folks who will be looking at each and every entry submitted and making the super-hard decision as to which ones rise to the top.

Even if your entry isn't a top winner, you should still feel good knowing your designs are being looked at by these talented people. Once the final selections are made, many of the judges go back to look at some of their other favorite designs to see who created them ... and trust us, art directors don't forget the names creating work they like! So get your entries in now to get YOUR work in front of their eyes.

2015 Student Design Competition Judges

- THOMAS ALBERTY Design Director, New York magazine

- MARC DAVILA Art Director, Departures

- CHRIS DIXON Creative Director, Vanity Fair

- JENN McMANUS Art Director, Martha Stewart Living

- DAVID SCHLOW Creative Director, Men's Journal

Also, a huge thanks to GQ Creative Director Fred Woodward and GQ Designer Martin Salazar for our 2015 Student Design Competition Call for Entries poster and graphics.

Get all the competition details here!

Attending CMA's NYC15 Convention March 12/13? SPD-U Will Be There Too!

Student Events 03.03.15 posted by Student Editors

Once again, SPD-U is teaming up with the College Media Association at their annual spring national convention -- NYC15. We've got 9 talented speakers presenting 6 different sessions on Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13 AND we're judging and presenting a special design category in the Apple Awards.

If you're attending with your school's publication staff, be sure to come to our sessions (time and room details after the jump) and come visit our booth in the registration ballroom to say hi and get a chance at winning a set of SPD annuals! And don't forget to enter your design work in our special Design Category (#18) of the Apple Awards.

If your school's staff isn't attending but you still want to come, register on your own at http://nyc15.net/registration/.

Meet our SPD@CMA speakers and read about the sessions we're presenting after the jump...

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Good News Procastinators! Our Student Design Competition Deadline is Extended!

Student Design Competition 02.27.15 posted by Student Editors

Happy Friday to all you procrastinators and those of you just hearing about our SPD-U Student Design Competition ... we're extending our deadline to Monday, March 23!!! So now there's no need for mind-numbing all-nighters or insane FedEx overnight delivery fees ... you've now got TWO EXTRA WEEKS to work on your designs and get them into our office on time!

So to make it official, the new deadline is:
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015, 5PM EST

Judging will happen later that week and we'll contact the winners throughout the week of March 30th. Then we'll announce the winners here on the blog and our social media as soon we can in early April.

Have any questions that we haven't answered here or on the main information page here? Emails us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll answer them asap.

Student Design Competition Q&A: A Villain in the News Category?

Student Design Competition 02.25.15 posted by Student Editors

I'm interested in entering work in the News Category as described in the Call for Entries, but I'm curious about the subhead. It reads: "He/She has been called every name under the sun. We decided to find out who this so-called villain really is." So does that mean the person I choose to feature has to be seen as a villain character?
--Michelle Lock, University of Miami

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SPD-U's First Mini-Pub Crawl Completed!

Pub(lications) Crawl 02.24.15 posted by Student Editors

For our first-ever Mini-Pub(lications) Crawl event on February 13, a lucky 10 students got an exclusive presentation and tour of the 9Threads Custom Publishing studio from our wonderful hosts Nancy Campbell and Trevett McCandliss of McCandlissandCampbell (shown in the group photo above, center back).

"We started with a slide presentation and then did a Q&A. The students actually stuck around and chatted with us for a while beyond the original end time ... we are always happy to speak to students!" said Nancy.

Trevett agreed: "It was great! We had fun speaking with the students and showing them our work. It's always a pleasure to do anything with SPD!"

A huge thanks to Nancy and Trevett for hosting us! And also to our awesome SPD-U Tour Guides Adri Ramdeane and Lauren Heffron!!

If you missed this special mini-Pub Crawl, don't worry, we've got more to come! Look for details on the next one to be announced later in March. Again, it'll only be open to a very small group of students, so watch our blog and social media for the information so you can be one of the lucky few to attend!

FOLLOW SPD-U FOR THE LATEST INFO: Facebook // Twitter // Tumblr

Student Design Competition Q&A: Can I Change the Headline?

Student Design Competition 02.18.15 posted by Student Editors

Are we required to use the specific headlines you've provided in the Call for Entries? What if I wanted to change it a little? For example, in the Entertainment category, it seems weird not to have the person's name in the headline. Can I use their name instead of "him" or "her"?

--Kylie LaCour, Portland State University

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#TBT: SPD-U Throws it Back to 2012 Student Competition Winner Geraldson Chua

Student Competition 02.05.15 posted by Student Editors

As part of SPD's 50th Anniversary celebration, we're looking back at our past Student Competition winners (see galleries of past winning work here on the blog). A few of them were kind enough to speak with us about what they've been up to since their wins and how the competition affected them. As you can see, they're all quite successful and most are working in magazines. Want to follow their path? Enter THIS year's competition.

In 2012 as part of our 12th Student Competition, Geraldson Chua won an Honorable Mention for his work as a student at Rutgers University.

From there, he interned at Harpers Bazaar and Seventeen, then eventually left school to work at Esquire before landing at O, The Oprah Magazine where he now serves as Senior Designer. We caught up with him for a few quick words...

Image above: Feature design for O, The Oprah Magazine

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Meet Our Feb. 2015 Mini-Pub Crawl Hosts: McCandliss & Campbell/9Threads Custom Publishing

Pub(lications) Crawl 02.04.15 posted by Student Editors

This spring we're following up the success of our fall Pub(lications) Crawl with smaller versions of the office/studio tour event, and the first up is Friday, February 13. Our hosts will be Nancy Campbell and Trevett McCandliss who make up design studio McCandliss & Campbell and are the creative force behind 9Threads Custom Publishing.

Together they create gorgeous layouts and designs using super-creative typography and fashion art direction ... whether you're an aspiring graphic designer, photographer or fashion designer, this tour will give you amazing insight into how the real world works and even some inspiration for your own projects.

If you're an SPD Student Member, you can join us for this special tour event for FREE and through midnight on February 6, you get priority registration over non-members. But you gotta sign up now. All other students, it's only $5 to come and as of Feb. 7, registration is first-come, first-served. Because this is a special event, we only have room for 10 students, so reserve your spot now!*

Want to know more about this Mini-Pub Crawl's hosts? Read on for more details and samples of their incredible work...

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Student Design Competition Q&A: What's this "Made-Up" Character in Your Rules?

Student Design Competition 02.02.15 posted by Student Editors

I'm interested in entering work in the News Magazine and Entertainment Magazine categories of your Student Design Competition. I noticed in the News category, it says our story can feature a real person or "somebody you've made up." If I want to feature a fictional character that already exists, would that be acceptable?

And in the Entertainment category, it says the person being featured doesn't have to be a "real celebrity" ... can you explain this a little more?

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#TBT: SPD-U Throws it Back to 2008 Student Competition Winner Jason Sfetko

Student Competition 01.29.15 posted by Student Editors

As part of SPD's 50th Anniversary celebration, we're looking back at our past Student Competition winners (see galleries of past winning work here on the blog). A few of them were kind enough to speak with us about what they've been up to since their wins and how the competition affected them.

In 2008 as part of our 10th Student Competition, Jason Sfetko won First Honorable Mention for his work as a student at the Rochester Institute of Technology under instructor Chris Lyons (see Jason's award-winning work here).

Jason's competition win earned him an internship at Martha Stewart Living magazine. From there, he worked at Complex, Tennis Magazine and then as a designer at GQ. He's now at the New York Times Magazine where we caught up with him for a few quick words...

Image above: Feature for The New York Times Magazine. Design Director: Gail Bichler

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From the Student Competition Archives: Competition #15 - 2013 Winners

Student Competition 01.28.15 posted by Student Editors

As we celebrate SPD's 50th Anniversary and to get prepared for THIS year's competition, we're going back in time to showcase all the past Student Competition winners. (Get details on this year's competition here.)

Back in the beginning, the competition was more like the professional competition in that it honored the best work being done by students from the past year. Starting with the 6th competition in 2000, we started giving an assignment and students created entries specifically for our competition.

Last week, we showcased the top winners from the 2012 competition. And today we're highlighting all the winners from 2013. This is the 15th Student Competition...

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Special SPD-U Mini Pub(lications) Crawl: Friday, Feb. 13

Pub(lications) Crawl 01.27.15 posted by Student Editors

As you may know, we do a big office-tour event every fall called the Pub(lications) Crawl where students get the inside scoop at various magazines here in NYC. While the main event is only held in the fall, this spring we are doing a few smaller mini-tours, and we're excited to announce the first one ...

On Friday, February 13, we'll visit the offices of 9Threads Custom Publishing. Award-winning creative directors Nancy Campbell and Trevett McCandliss will give you a special tour and presentation of their offices and work, giving you a sneak peek into how publications get made and how creative photo shoots and designs happen in the real world. Learn more about them here.

~~This is an exclusive small tour that has room for only 10 students.~~ Registration has closed early as all 10 spots are now full. Look for more special events like this to come in the next few months. Registration is open now to all students, but SPD Student Members get priority registration through midnight Friday, Feb. 6. (If you're not already a member, consider joining now to get FREE access to this event as well as 3 FREE entries in our upcoming Student Design Competition.)

Want to sign up? Click through for the details...

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Congrats to Our SPD-U Social Media Survey Raffle Winners!

Student Outreach 01.26.15 posted by Student Editors

In our efforts to spread the word about our Student Design Competition and other terrific opportunities and info, we invited you to fill out our SPD-U Social Media Survey to tell us the best ways to get in touch with you. To help encourage you to do so, we also held a raffle where all who filled out the survey before Tuesday, January 20, were entered to win one of 5 sets of SPD Annuals. We held the drawing last week and notified the winners. Congratulations to the following 5 students who each won a set of 4 of our most recent SPD Annuals:

 Stefania Cianciulli, senior, State University of New York - Purchase
Makayla Kinney, senior,  University of Texas at Arlington
Michelle Lock, senior, University of Miami
Graham McFie, first year, Langara Community College
Francis Vazquez, junior, School of Visual Arts

The raffle may be over, but you can still tell us your thoughts on the best ways to reach you and other students. Fill out our SPD-U Social Media Survey here.

From the Student Competition Archives: Competition #14 - 2012 Winners

Student Competition 01.20.15 posted by Student Editors

As we celebrate SPD's 50th Anniversary and to get prepared for THIS year's competition, we're going back in time to showcase all the past Student Competition winners. (Get details on this year's competition here.)

Back in the beginning, the competition was more like the professional competition in that it honored the best work being done by students from the past year. Starting with the 6th competition in 2000, we started giving an assignment and students created entries specifically for our competition.

A few weeks back, we showcased the top winners from the 2011 competition. And today we're highlighting all the winners from 2012. This is the 14th Student Competition...

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#TBT: SPD Throws It Back to 2012 Student Competition Winner T. Leclaire

Student Competition 01.15.15 posted by Student Editors

As part of SPD's 50th Anniversary celebration, we're looking back at our past Student Competition winners (see galleries of past winning work here on the blog). A few of them were kind enough to speak with us about what they've been up to since their wins and how the competition affected them.

In 2012 as part of our 14th Student Competition, Taietsaronsere Leclaire won the 2nd place prize AND an Honorable Mention for his work as a student at Parsons The New School for Design under instructor Urshula Barbour (see T.'s award-winning work below as well as in the link here).

We recently caught up with T. amidst his busy days as a freelance art director and designer, working currently with J. Crew among others. Read on to hear about his career so far...

Image above: Invites to the fall/winter 2013 menswear collection show for rag & bone

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Students: Fill Out Our Survey and You Could Win a Set of SPD Annuals!

Student Outreach 01.14.15 posted by Student Editors

If you've ever seen one of our SPD Annuals, you know what an awesome source of inspiration it is for design, photography and illustration for ANY type of design project. You also know that they can retail for as much $65 a piece. Well, now here's your chance to win FOUR of these wonderful books!

Want to win? All you gotta do is fill out our SPD-U Social Media/Correspondence Survey telling us how you prefer to be contacted by us ... we promise, it's fast and easy. Then at the end of the survey, enter your info and you'll be entered into the raffle to win one of FIVE sets of these books. Each set consists of 4 of our most recent annuals (though if you already have 1 or 2, we can replace the duplicates with older versions).

The survey closes at midnight, Monday, January 19th, so get your shot at the prizes now!

You CAN fill out this survey anonymously, but to be eligible for the prize, you must complete the required parts of the survey and submit your name, school info and email address. To be eligible you must be either a current student or have graduated in the past year. The survey will remain open until midnight, Monday, January 19, 2015. The winners will be announced here on the blog by Monday, January 26, 2015. Questions? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com.

From the Student Competition Archives: Competition #13 - 2011 Winners

Student Competition 01.07.15 posted by Student Editors

As we celebrate SPD's 50th Anniversary, we're going back in time to showcase all the past Student Competition winners. (And don't forget to enter THIS year's competition. Details here.)

Back in the beginning, the competition was more like the professional competition in that it honored the best work being done by students from the past year (as opposed to now where you create entries specifically for our competition). But with the 6th competition in 2000, we started giving an assignment.

Last week we showcased the top winners from the 2010 competition. And today we're highlighting all the winners from 2011. This is the 13th Student Competition...

STAY IN TOUCH WITH SPD-U: Facebook // Twitter // Tumblr

"From the Student Competition Archives" series produced by Stanley Collado.

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Student Design Competition Q&A: Who Exactly Is Eligible?

Student Design Competition 01.06.15 posted by Student Editors

Somewhere in your rules and FAQs, I saw something about having to be a student at an undergraduate institution in order to enter your Student Design Competition. What does that mean exactly?

Are community college/2-year college students eligible? What about grad school? Continuing ed? High School students? Or what if I just graduated this past December? Can I still enter this year's competition?

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From the Student Competition Archives: Competition #12 - 2010 Winners

Student Competition 12.17.14 posted by Student Editors

As we celebrate SPD's 50th Anniversary, we're going back in time to showcase all the past Student Competition winners. (And don't forget to enter THIS year's competition. Details here.)

Back in the beginning, the competition was more like the professional competition in that it honored the best work being done by students from the past year (as opposed to now where you create entries specifically for our competition). But with the 6th competition in 2000, we started giving an assignment.

Last week we showcased the top winners from the 2009 competition. And today we're highlighting all the winners from 2010. This is the 12th Student Competition...

STAY IN TOUCH WITH SPD-U: Facebook // Twitter // Tumblr

"From the Student Competition Archives" series produced by Stanley Collado.

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From the Student Competition Archives: Competition #11 - 2009 Winners

Student Competition 12.10.14 posted by Student Editors

As we celebrate SPD's 50th Anniversary, we're going back in time to showcase all the past Student Competition winners. (And don't forget to enter THIS year's competition. Details here.)

Back in the beginning, the competition was more like the professional competition in that it honored the best work being done by students from the past year (as opposed to now where you create entries specifically for our competition). But with the 6th competition in 2000, we started giving an assignment.

Last week we showcased the top winners from that 2008 competition. And today we're highlighting all the winners from 2009. This 11th Student Competition was published in Pub 44...

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From the Student Competition Archives: Competition #10 - 2008 Winners

Student Competition 12.03.14 posted by Student Editors

As we celebrate SPD's 50th Anniversary, we're going back in time to showcase all the past Student Competition winners. (And don't forget to enter THIS year's competition. Details here.)

Back in the beginning, the competition was more like the professional competition in that it honored the best work being done by students from the past year (as opposed to now where you create entries specifically for our competition). But with the 6th competition in 2000, we started giving an assignment.

Last week we showcased the top winners from that 2007 competition. And today we're highlighting all the winners from 2008. This 10th Student Competition was published in Pub 43...

… MORE

From the Student Competition Archives: Competition #9 - 2007 Winners

Student Competition 11.26.14 posted by Student Editors

As we celebrate SPD's 50th Anniversary, we're going back in time to showcase all the past Student Competition winners. (And don't forget to enter THIS year's competition. Details here.)

Back in the beginning, the competition was more like the professional competition in that it honored the best work being done by students from the past year (as opposed to now where you create entries specifically for our competition). But with the 6th competition in 2000, we started giving an assignment. After the 7th competition, it went on hiatus for a while and then was revived again for the 2006 competition year.

Last week we showcased the top winners from that 2006 competition. And today we're highlighting all the winners from 2007. This 9th Student Competition was published in Pub 42...

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#TBT: SPD Throws It Back to 2012 Student Competition Winner Christopher Allen

Student Competition 11.20.14 posted by Student Editors

As part of SPD's 50th Anniversary celebration, we're looking back at our past Student Competition winners (see galleries of past winning work here on the blog each Wednesday). A few of them were kind enough to speak with us about what they've been up to since their wins and how the competition affected them.

In 2012 as part of our 14th Student Competition, Christopher Allen won the 1st place B.W. Honeycutt Award and TWO Honorable Mentions (as well as another Honorable Mention in 2013) for his work as a student at the University of Maryland at College Park under instructor Damien Franze (see his award-winning work below as well as in the link here).

We had the opportunity to catch up with Chris who's currently a Brand Strategist and Designer at Brave UX. Chris has combined his mix of print and digital skills to give personality to his work. Read on to see where life has already taken him since his recent SPD Student Competition wins...

Image above: Postcard design for D.C.'s Drink the District's Hoppy Holidays event.

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From the Student Competition Archives: Competition #8 - 2006 Winners

Student Competition 11.19.14 posted by Student Editors

As we celebrate SPD's 50th Anniversary, we're going back in time to showcase all the past Student Competition winners.

Back in the beginning, the competition was more like the professional competition in that it honored the best work being done by students from the past year (as opposed to now where you create entries specifically for our competition ... look for this year's rules to be announced soon!). But with the 6th competition in 2000, we started giving an assignment. After the 7th competition, it went on hiatus for a while and then was revived again for the 2006 competition year.

Last week we showcased the top winners from the 2002 competition. And today we're highlighting all the winners from the revived competition of 2006. This 8th Student Competition was published in Pub 41...

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Five Questions for Heather Jones, Information Graphics Designer

Five Questions for... 11.18.14 posted by Student Editors

Ever looked at a magazine's masthead and wondered just what do all those job titles actually mean? What does a photo producer actually do? Does a deputy art director get a shiny badge? And why are some people creative directors and others design directors?

Back after a brief hiatus, our blog series "Five Questions for..." is here to help answer those questions and give you insight into working in the world of publication design. Is there a particular job that you want to know more about? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll find an expert who does it. They'll give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. Read on to find out what being an Information Graphics Designer is like for Heather Jones.

Five Questions For... is edited by Joseph Caserto

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Our 2015 Student Design Competition Official Rules

Student Design Competition 11.17.14 posted by Student Editors

As you've seen here on the blog this fall, our past Student Competition winners have gone on to some awesome jobs and experiences. Now's YOUR turn to get that same career jumpstart by entering our 2015 Student Design Competition! This annual competition is a special opportunity for you to win cash, exposure to a huge audience of amazing professional designers, and -- perhaps best of all -- a summer internship at a top magazine!

We're sharing the categories and rules below to get you started and you can download the official Call for Entries PDF here, and we'll continue looking back at all of our past winners, answering frequently asked questions and sharing tips over the coming weeks, so stay tuned and read on...

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Soooo...Do Any of You Use Facebook Anymore?

Student Outreach 11.14.14 posted by Student Editors

Okay, so we'll admit it ... even though we have some wonderful, lively, fresh-out-of-college members here at official SPD-U Headquarters, our collective age is quite a bit older. And like most people past a certain age, even though we feel young and still like to think we just graduated, we have to come to terms with the fact that we honestly have no idea what you cool kids are up to.

So we decided to ask you! We've heard the reports that college kids aren't using Facebook so much anymore, but is it true? What about Twitter? Tumblr? Instagram? And all the other newfangled social media things we old folk know nothing about?

We're about to announce the rules for our 2015 Student Design Competition and we've got some other great stuff in the works that we want to share with you, not to mention job and internship alerts ... how do we tell you about this stuff?

Take our Social Media/Correspondence Survey to tell us (it only takes a few minutes) and you'll be entered to win a set of SPD Annuals!!! We'll be giving away FIVE sets of 4 annuals -- that's FOUR of our hard-cover, full-color, glossy books showcasing that year's best magazine design, photography and illustration. Fill out the survey now to get your shot at winning this instant SPD library!

You CAN fill out this survey anonymously, but to be eligible for the prize, you must complete the required parts of the survey and submit your name, school info and email address. To be eligible you must be either a current student or have graduated in the past two years. The survey will remain open until the raffle occurs on ~~Monday, January 5, 2015~~ -- deadline extended until midnight, Monday, January 19, 2015. The winner will be announced here on the blog by ~~Monday, January 12, 2015~~ Monday, January 26, 2015. Questions? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com.

#TBT: SPD Throws It Back to 2010 & '11 Student Competition Winner Derek Eng

Student Competition 11.13.14 posted by Student Editors

As part of SPD's 50th Anniversary celebration, we're looking back at our past Student Competition winners (see galleries of past winning work here on the blog each Wednesday). A few of them were kind enough to speak with us about what they've been up to since their wins and how the competition affected them.

In 2010 as part of our 12th Student Competition, Derek Eng won both 3rd-place AND an Honorable Mention for his work as a student at the Ontario College of Art and Design under instructor Dominic Ayre (see his award-winning work below as well as in the link here).

In 2011, Derek won again, this time a 2nd-place award under instructor Karen Simpson. (See that work below as well as in the link here.)

We had the opportunity to catch up with Derek who's currently a designer at Travel+Leisure magazine (after internships at W, More and Martha Stewart Living and a designer job at Cooking Light), and get his perspective on his transition into working professionally in the magazine industry. Read on to see where life has taken him since his SPD Student Competition wins only a few years back ...

Image above: A feature spread for Travel+Leisure

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Students: Get Your FREE Ticket to Next Wednesday's David Moretti Event!

Student Events 11.12.14 posted by Student Editors

As you may have noticed on our homepage, next week SPD is hosting "Game Changers: An Evening With David Moretti" on Wednesday, November 19, at 7pm. If you don't already know who David Moretti is, you should find out ... he's doing incredible work as the Creative Director of Wired Italia. If you're a fan of infographics, fun typography and awesome layouts, you won't want to miss his presentation! Check out some of his work below and here to get a glimpse of the stuff you'll see and hear about.

THE BEST PART:

We're giving away FREE TICKETS to the first 20 SPD Student Members who register online before the event! To do so, register using the link here:

http://members.spd.org/event/MorettiSPDU

Not currently a SPD Student Member but want to come to the event anyway?

- You can either buy a general admission ticket here OR...

- Why not become a member now?! You'll get FREE entry to this event (assuming you're one of the first 20 to sign up), as well as all future SPD Student Events throughout your year of membership, plus you get a free copy of our SPD Annual, 3 free entries in our Student Design Competition and all kinds of other benefits. Plus we've got some special members-only events being planned for the spring that you won't be able to attend without membership. Have we convinced you? JOIN NOW.

Questions? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com.

From the Student Competition Archives: Competition #7 - 2002 Winners

Student Competition 11.12.14 posted by Student Editors

As we celebrate SPD's 50th Anniversary, we're going back in time to showcase all the past Student Competition winners.

Back in the beginning, the competition was more like the professional competition in that it honored the best work being done by students from the past year (as opposed to now where you create entries specifically for our competition ... look for this year's rules to be announced soon!). But with the 6th competition in 2000, we started giving an assignment.

Last week we showcased the top winners from the 2000 competition. In 2001, there actually wasn't a Student Competition (more details on that in a future post), but in 2002, the competition resumed. So today we're highlighting all the winners from the 2002 competition. This 7th Student Competition was published in Pub 37...

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#TBT: SPD-U Throws it Back to 2009 Student Competition Winner Raul Aguila

Student Competition 11.06.14 posted by Student Editors

As part of SPD's 50th Anniversary celebration, we're looking back at our past Student Competition winners (see galleries of past winning work here on the blog each Wednesday). A few of them were kind enough to speak with us about what they've been up to since their wins and how the competition affected them.

In 2009 as part of our 11th Student Competition, Raul Aguila won both 2nd AND 3rd-place for his work as a student at the School of Visual Arts under instructor Jeff Glendenning (see his award-winning work below as well as in the link here).

We had the opportunity to catch up with Raul -- who's just made the move to Wired from The New York Times Magazine -- and learn about his tips for navigating the industry. Having also worked at New York Magazine, he thrives from data-driven content which is clearly apparent in his design work. Read on to see where life has taken him since his SPD Student Competition 2nd- and 3rd-place wins only several years ago ...

Image above: The New York Times Magazine cover. Designed under Design Director Gail Bichler. Photographer: Victoria Diehl.

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From the Student Competition Archives: Competition #6 - 2000 Winners

Student Competition 11.05.14 posted by Student Editors

As we celebrate SPD's 50th Anniversary, we're going back in time to showcase all the past Student Competition winners.

For the first 5 years of the competition, it was more like SPD's professional competition in that it honored the best work being done by students from the past year. But with this 6th competition in 2000, we started giving an assignment, so entries were created specifically for our competition, just like we do now (we'll be announcing this year's assignment by Nov. 14!).

Last week we showcased the top winners from the 1999 competition. Today we're highlighting all the winners from the 2000 competition. This 6th Student Competition was published in Pub 35...

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#TBT: SPD-U Throws it Back to 1999 Student Competition Winner Lou Vega

Student Competition 10.30.14 posted by Student Editors

As part of SPD's 50th Anniversary celebration, we're looking back at our past Student Competition winners (see galleries of past winning work here on the blog each Wednesday). A few of them were kind enough to speak with us about what they've been up to since their wins and how the competition affected them.

In 1999 as part of our 5th Student Competition, Lou Vega won the top B.W. Honeycutt Award for his work as a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology under instructor Susan Cotler-Block (see his award-winning work below as well as in the full gallery of winners here).

We were lucky enough to talk with Lou -- who's now the Senior Art Director at Bloomberg Markets Magazine -- about his work and perspective on the publishing industry. His design work truly speaks for itself. Having previously worked at Premiere, Inc. and ESPN the Magazine, his active layout design and inventive typographic treatments make for some visually stimulating page turners. Read on to see where life has taken him since his SPD Student Competition 1st-place win back in 1999 ...

Image above: a spread design for Bloomberg Markets

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Attention CMA Attendees: Join us Thursday and Friday for 3 Great Design Sessions!

Student Events 10.29.14 posted by Student Editors

Don't forget ... if you're attending the CMA/ACP National Fall College Media Convention this week, we've got 3 fantastic sessions that we're presenting! Michael Wilson from Philadelphia Magazine and Darhil Crooks from The Atlantic (both "Esquire" alums) are presenting "Life After Esquire" on Thursday, October 30th, while Nancy Campbell and Trevett McCandliss of 9 Threads are presenting twice on Friday, October 31 ... "Conceptual Typography" and "Fashion Art Direction." Get all the details here.

From the Student Competition Archives: Competition #5 - 1999 Winners

Student Competition 10.29.14 posted by Student Editors

As we celebrate SPD's 50th Anniversary, we're going back in time to showcase all the past Student Competition winners.

Back in the beginning, the competition was more like the professional competition in that it honored the best work being done by students from the past year (as opposed to now where you create entries specifically for our competition ... look for this year's rules to be announced soon!).

Last week we showcased the top winners from the 1998 competition. Today we're highlighting all the winners from the 1999 competition. This 5th Student Competition was published in Pub 34...

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#TBT: SPD-U Throws it Back to 1997 Student Competition Silver Medal Winner Yarrow Earth Hock

Student Competition 10.23.14 posted by Student Editors

As part of SPD's 50th Anniversary celebration, we're looking back at our past Student Competition winners (see galleries of past winning work here on the blog each Wednesday). A few of them were kind enough to speak with us about what they've been up to since their wins and how the competition affected them.

In 1997 as part of our 3rd Student Competition, Yarrow Earth Hock won a Silver Medal of Excellence for his work as a student at the School of Visual Arts under instructor David Carson (see his award-winning work below as well as in the full gallery of winners here).

Hock's exceptional work over the years is quite the inspiration. Spanning across printed mediums, branding, packaging design and digital work, he always has the quality of his work in mind. Hock currently resides in Los Angeles along with his Emmy award-winning wife, Laura Keseric, and a daughter who loves to write and illustrate her own stories (perhaps a future SPD-U competition applicant)! We caught up with him to see where life has taken him since his SPD Student Competition Silver Medal win back in 1997 ...

Image above: logo, branding and product development for Leilani Bishop fragrance oil

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From the Student Competition Archives: Competition #4 - 1998 Winners

Student Competition 10.22.14 posted by Student Editors

As we celebrate SPD's 50th Anniversary, we're going back in time to showcase all the past Student Competition winners.

Back in the beginning, the competition was more like the professional competition in that it honored the best work being done by students from the past year (as opposed to now where you create entries specifically for our competition ... look for this year's rules to be announced soon!).

Last week we showcased the top winners from the 1997 competition. Today we're highlighting all the winners from the 1998 competition. This 4th Student Competition was published in Pub33...

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#TBT: SPD-U Throws It Back to 1996 Student Competition Winner Gabriel Kuo

Student Competition 10.16.14 posted by Student Editors

As part of SPD's 50th Anniversary celebration, we're looking back at our past Student Competition winners (see galleries of past winning work here on the blog each Wednesday). A few of them were kind enough to speak with us about what they've been up to since their wins and how the competition affected them.

In 1996 as part of our 2nd Student Competition, Gabriel Kuo won the B.W. Honeycutt Award (Gold Medal) for his new magazine design as a student at the School of Visual Arts (see his award-winning work below as well as in the full gallery of winners here).

His New York design studio has worked with powerhouse brands like Adidas, MTV, Neutrogena and Absolut (to name a few). His work is impressively versatile, spanning expertly across different markets and mediums alike. Now splitting his time between New York and Berlin, Kuo's work continues to inspire. We caught up with him to see where life has taken him since his SPD Student Competition top prize win back in 1996 ...

Image above: House of Marley branding

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From the Student Competition Archives: Competition #3 - 1997 Winners

Student Competition 10.15.14 posted by Student Editors

As we celebrate SPD's 50th Anniversary, we're going back in time to showcase all the past Student Competition winners.

Back in the beginning, the competition was more like the professional competition in that it honored the best work being done by students from the past year (as opposed to now where you create entries specifically for our competition ... look for this year's rules to be announced very soon!).

Last week we showcased the merit winners from the 1996 competition. Today we're highlighting all the winners from the 1997 competition. This 3rd Student Competition was published in Pub 32...

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SPD-U Presenting at Fall College Media Convention in Philly Oct 30-31

Student Events 10.10.14 posted by Student Editors

Are you attending the CMA/ACP National Fall College Media Convention at the end of the month with your school's media staff? Or maybe you live in the Philadelphia area and want to go on your own (get the early-bird rate thru Monday the 13th)? Either way, if you're going, make sure you don't miss our 3 sessions that we're presenting ... we've got 2 sets of incredible speakers talking about design, type, fashion art directing and magazines in general!

Michael Wilson from Philadelphia Magazine and Darhil Crooks from The Atlantic (both "Esquire" alums) are presenting "Life After Esquire" Thursday, October 30th, while Nancy Campbell and Trevett McCandliss of 9 Threads are presenting twice on Friday, October 31 ... "Conceptual Typography" and "Fashion Art Direction." Get all the details after the jump!

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#TBT: SPD-U Throws It Back to 1995 Student Competition Winner So Takahashi

Student Competition 10.09.14 posted by Student Editors

As part of SPD's 50th Anniversary celebration, we're looking back at our past Student Competition winners (see galleries of past winning work here on the blog each Wednesday). A few of them were kind enough to speak with us about what they've been up to since their wins and how the competition affected them.

Back in 1995 in our very first Student Competition (featured in Pub31), So Takahashi won a Silver Medal for his publication design while a student at the School of Visual Arts (see his award-winning work below as well as in the full gallery of winners here). Since then, his dynamic work has spanned mediums and international countries alike.

He started the Heads Inc design studio in 1998 and currently lives and manages his company in 4 different countries (his native Yokohama in Japan, New York, Oslo, Norway and Yangon/Myanmar). Global influences are quite apparent in his design work as he engages the viewer while still pushing boundaries. We caught up with him to see where life has taken him since his SPD Student Competition Silver Medal win in 1995...

Image above: Packaging System for WITH & WESSEL

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From the Student Competition Archives: #2 - 1996 Winners - Part 2

Student Competition 10.08.14 posted by Student Editors

As we celebrate SPD's 50th Anniversary, we're going back in time to showcase all the past Student Competition winners.

Back in the beginning, the competition was more like the professional competition in that it honored the best work being done by students from the past year (as opposed to now where you create entries specifically for our competition ... look for this year's rules to be announced soon!).

Last week we showcased the top winners from the 1996 competition. Today we're highlighting the merit winners from that same group. This 2nd Student Competition was published in Pub 31...

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Smart Quote

Smart Quotes 10.06.14 posted by Student Editors

Being a famous designer is like a being a famous dentist. -Noreen Morioka

Welcome to our "Smart Quote" series featuring some of our favorite design-related sayings and quotes. Have one you like and want to share? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll make it part of our series.

"Smart Quote" is edited by Lixia Guo

Follow @SPDstudents on Twitter, Like SPD U on Facebook.

From the Student Competition Archives: #2 - 1995 Winners - Part 1

Student Competition 10.01.14 posted by Student Editors

As we celebrate SPD's 50th Anniversary, we're going back in time to showcase all the past Student Competition winners.

Back in the beginning, the competition was more like the professional competition in that it honored the best work being done by students from the past year (as opposed to now where you create entries specifically for our competition ... look for this year's rules to be announced soon!).

Last week we finished showing the first-ever Student Competition winners. Today we're highlighting the top winners from the 2nd Student Competition that were published in Pub 31...

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Pub(lications) Crawled 2014!

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.25.14 posted by Student Editors

This was one of the best New York trips our group has ever experienced. Organized, informational and just AWESOME!

That is just one of many comments we received about our 2014 Pub(lications) Crawl event last Friday, September 19. A huge thanks to all of you who joined us for this day-long event touring magazine/publishing art departments. If you missed it, never fear! We've got a few more smaller events planned for later this fall and spring, and then of course, there's always next year.

I loved that every one was so nice ... also the handouts and free goodies. I thought it was a special treat since I could read some of the material on the way back home. They're also good tools at comparing and looking at my own work and seeing what I need to improve or embellish on.

We also want to extend a SUPER-HUGE thanks to our wonderful tour hosts: Bloomberg Businessweek, Esquire, Martha Stewart Living, More, Sports Illustrated, Travel + Leisure and 29th Street Publishing

Being able to tour such well-known magazine firms was very inspirational and felt like a privilege.

Check out some more images from the day on our Facebook page.

From the Student Competition Archives: The Inaugural Year of 1994-Part 2

Student Competition 09.24.14 posted by Student Editors

As you can see on the homepage, SPD is celebrating our 50th Anniversary! And while SPD has been honoring professional editorial design work since its inception, the first Student Competition wasn't held until 1994 with the winning pieces published in the Pub 30 annual. In the beginning, the Student Competition was more like our current SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show, where it highlighted the best work being done by students over the past year.

Last week, we showed you the top Gold and Silver Winners from that first competition. This week we're showing the Merit Winners from that year (including illustration and photography pieces). Look for the next year's winners next week, as well as the start of our interview series with some of the past winning designers. But for now, click through to see the rest of 1994's winning student work...

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Five Questions for Randi Brookman Harris, Prop Stylist / Creative Director

Five Questions for... 09.19.14 posted by Student Editors

Edited by Joseph Caserto

Ever looked at a magazine's masthead and wondered just what do all those job titles actually mean? What does a photo producer actually do? Does a deputy art director get a shiny badge? And why are some people creative directors and others design directors?

Our blog series "Five Questions for..." is here to help answer those questions and give you insight into working in the world of publication design. Is there a particular job that you want to know more about? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll find an expert who does it. They'll give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. Read on to find out what being a Prop Stylist / Creative Director is like for Randi Brookman Harris.

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From the Student Competition Archives: The Inaugural Year of 1994

Student Competition 09.17.14 posted by Student Editors

As you may have noticed over on the SPD homepage, we're celebrating our 50th Anniversary this year as an organization! And while SPD has been honoring professional editorial design work since its inception, the first Student Competition wasn't held until 1994 with the winning pieces published in the Pub 30 annual. In the beginning, the Student Competition was more like our current SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show, where it highlighted the best work being done by students over the past year.

Today, we're taking a look back at those original winners and each week we'll showcase the following year's Student Competition winners until we're caught up with this past year's winning designs. And along the way, we'll also be adding interviews and profiles with some of these award-winning student designers to see where they ended up.

And of course, we'll be announcing the official rules and Call for Entries for THIS year's competition in the weeks to come. But for now, click through to see the winning student work of 1994...

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Pub(lications) Crawl Registration Has Ended

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.17.14 posted by Student Editors

Registration for our 2014 Pub(lications) Crawl event on Friday has ended. If you missed out on signing up, never fear! We have some smaller, similar events in the works for later this fall, so be sure to keep up with us here, on Facebook and on Twitter to get the details as soon as they're announced.

In the meantime, be sure to check out the first in SPD's 50th Anniversary Event Series ... a presentation from all the design directors of Entertainment Weekly ... it's an event you won't want to miss!!

Pub Crawl Registration Ends at Midnight!

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.16.14 posted by Student Editors

Want to join us for Friday's Pub(lications) Crawl event? Then you have to sign up by midnight tonight, Tuesday, September 16. (That's because of all the security clearances we have to get to get you guys into these cool places!)

Thinking of coming but not sure it's worth skipping a class or losing a free Friday? Of course WE think it's worth it, but check out the quotes above from past Pub Crawl attendees for more proof that you should come!

Register here by midnight tonight.

Pub Crawl 2014 Spotlight: TOUR D - Bloomberg Businessweek & MORE Mag

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.11.14 posted by Student Editors

Our 2014 Pub(lications) Crawl event is happening NEXT Friday, September 19th here in NYC, and spots are filling up fast! Last year, the limited quantity tickets ended up selling out completely, so be sure you reserve/purchase your 2014 ticket now, cause unlike last year, we will not be adding any additional tours. And remember registration ends early: midnight this Tuesday, 9/16.

To entice you to join our sneak peek into amazing magazine-making, we've been highlighting each set of tours this week. When you register, you'll be asked for your preferences of tours, so hopefully these little spotlights will help you decide. Read on for more info on TOUR D...

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Pub Crawl 2014 Spotlight: TOUR C - Sports Illustrated & Fast Company

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.10.14 posted by Student Editors

Our 2014 Pub(lications) Crawl event is happening next Friday, September 19th here in NYC, and spots are filling up fast! Last year, the limited quantity tickets ended up selling out completely, so be sure you reserve/purchase your 2014 ticket now, cause unlike last year, we will not be adding any additional tours. And remember registration ends early: midnight this Tuesday, 9/16.

To help entice you to join our sneak peek into amazing magazine-making, we're highlighting each set of tours this week. When you register, you'll be asked for your preferences of tours, so hopefully these little spotlights will help you decide. Read on for more info on TOUR C...

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Pub Crawl 2014 Spotlight: TOUR B - 29th St. Publishing & Martha Stewart Living

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.09.14 posted by Student Editors

Our 2014 Pub(lications) Crawl event is happening Friday, September 19th here in NYC, and spots are filling up fast! Last year, the limited quantity tickets ended up selling out completely, so be sure you reserve/purchase your 2014 ticket now, cause unlike last year, we will not be adding any additional tours. And remember registration ends early: midnight next Tuesday, 9/16.

To help entice you to join our sneak peek into amazing magazine-making, we're highlighting each set of tours this week. When you register, you'll be asked for your preferences of tours, so hopefully these little spotlights will help you decide. Read on for more info on TOUR B...

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Pub Crawl 2014 Spotlight: TOUR A - Esquire & Travel + Leisure

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.08.14 posted by Student Editors

Our 2014 Pub(lications) Crawl event is happening Friday, September 19th here in NYC, and spots are filling up fast! Last year, the limited quantity tickets ended up selling out completely, so be sure you reserve/purchase your 2014 ticket now, cause unlike last year, we will not be adding any additional tours. And remember registration ends early: midnight next Tuesday, 9/16.

To help entice you to join our sneak peek into amazing magazine-making, we're highlighting each set of tours this week. When you register, you'll be asked for your preferences of tours, so hopefully these little spotlights will help you decide. Read on for more info on TOUR A...

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Five Questions for Andrea Dunham, Creative Director

Five Questions for... 09.04.14 posted by Student Editors

Edited by Joseph Caserto

Ever looked at a magazine's masthead and wondered just what do all those job titles actually mean? What does a photo producer actually do? Does a deputy art director get a shiny badge? And why are some people creative directors and others design directors?

Our blog series "Five Questions for..." is here to help answer those questions and give you insight into working in the world of publication design. Is there a particular job that you want to know more about? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll find an expert who does it. They'll give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. Read on to find out what being a Creative Director is like for Andrea Dunham.

Editor's Note: People Magazine is a past host of our Pub(lications) Crawl.

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SPD-U PUB(lications) CRAWL Event Happening 9/19/14

Pub(lications) Crawl 08.25.14 posted by Student Editors

As the 2014-15 school year gets started, we're joining in the excitement with our annual SPD-U PUB(lications) CRAWL! This is a day-long event where you'll get to tour the offices of two fantastic magazines and/or design firms for an in-depth look at the way things really work.

We have a truly amazing and awesome group of tour hosts ... Bloomberg Businessweek, Esquire, Martha Stewart Living, More, Sports Illustrated, Travel + Leisure and 29th Street Publishing!!! They're all getting ready to give you exclusive behind-the-scenes access, so come armed with your curiosity and questions, and prepare yourself for a very unique tour of great magazine-making.

Space is very limited (last year we sold out!), so RSVP now to reserve your spot. Read on to find out how... … MORE

Five Questions for Glen J. Karpowich, Senior Designer

Five Questions for... 08.21.14 posted by Student Editors

Edited by Joseph Caserto

Ever looked at a magazine's masthead and wondered just what do all those job titles actually mean? What does a photo producer actually do? Does a deputy art director get a shiny badge? And why are some people creative directors and others design directors?

Our blog series "Five Questions for..." is here to help answer those questions and give you insight into working in the world of publication design. Is there a particular job that you want to know more about? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll find an expert who does it. They'll give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. Read on to find out what being a Senior Designer is like for Glen Karpowich.

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Pub(lications) Crawl Save-the-Date: Friday, 9/19

Pub(lications) Crawl 08.20.14 posted by Student Editors

We're putting the final touches on our plans for this year's Pub(lications) Crawl event and trust us -- it's going to be a good one! As you head back to school and fill up those calendars and planners, be sure to save Friday, September 19th to join us for a terrific day of office tours and behind-the-scenes glimpses into how magazines - print AND digital - get made.

Find out who we're visiting, get more details and register on Monday!

Five Questions for Tracey Woods, Associate Photo Editor

Five Questions for... 07.31.14 posted by Student Editors

Edited by Joseph Caserto

Ever looked at a magazine's masthead and wondered just what do all those job titles actually mean? What does a photo producer actually do? Does a deputy art director get a shiny badge? And why are some people creative directors and others design directors?

Our blog series "Five Questions for..." is here to help answer those questions and give you insight into working in the world of publication design. Is there a particular job that you want to know more about? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll find an expert who does it. They'll give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. Read on to find out what being an Associate Photo Editor is like for Tracey Woods.

Editor's Note: Essence Magazine is a past host of our Pub(lications) Crawl.

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Announcing our SPD-U Spotlight Merit Winners!

SPD-U Spotlight 07.29.14 posted by Student Editors

We finish up with our 2014 SPD-U Spotlight winners today by announcing our Merit Winners over on the SPD-U Tumblr (winners are being posted throughout the morning and will be complete around noon). Be sure to check out their awesome winning designs and portfolio links!

Thanks again to everyone who entered their work! It was a terrific group of entries, making our judges decision a hard one. For those of you still in school, we hope to see your work in the batch of entries next year! We'll release next year's details in April 2015. In the meantime, stay tuned for our annual Student Design Competition which will open early this fall. And follow us online all summer for more great stuff!

Congrats again to all our Spotlight winners!

The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Our Silver Medal Winners!

SPD-U Spotlight 07.28.14 posted by Student Editors

As you've seen these past two weeks, we've had some terrific Gold Medal-winning designs in our SPD-U Spotlight Competition. Our impressive team of judges had a super-difficult job choosing the winning work and because the overall work was so strong, we're excited to honor another 13 designs as Silver Medal winners. And tomorrow there's even more as we announce our Merit Winners over on the SPD-U Tumblr.

So without further delay, check out these 13 terrific designs, then follow the links to their impressive individual portfolios...

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Repeat Winner Nicolas KK!

SPD-U Spotlight 07.24.14 posted by Student Editors

Today we're excited to show the last of our 9 Gold Medal winners from our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. Our super-amazing team of judges had an extremely difficult job choosing the winning work, so thanks to all of you who entered and congrats on all the great work you're doing!

Be sure to come back and visit us Monday when we'll showcase our incredible Silver Medal winners.

And that's not it! Because the work was so strong, we also have a 3rd category of Merit Winners, which we'll also reveal next week on our SPD-U Tumblr page. So be sure to keep checking back in with us to see all the awesome work.

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight again on Nicolas KK ... because all entries are seen as individual pieces, you have the chance to have 2 or more of your pieces selected as winners, and that's what happened here! See Nicolas's second winning piece larger after the jump.

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Kaeli Wood ... Another Repeat Winner!

SPD-U Spotlight 07.23.14 posted by Student Editors

We're almost at the end of our 9 Gold Medal winners from our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. Our super-amazing team of judges had an extremely difficult job choosing the winning work, so thanks to all of you who entered and congrats on all the great work you're doing!

We'll feature our final Gold Medal winner tomorrow, then we'll showcase our Silver Medal winners next Monday. And that's not it! Because the work was so strong, we also have a 3rd category of Merit Winners, which we'll reveal next week on our SPD-U Tumblr page. So be sure to keep checking back in with us to see all the awesome work.

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on previous winner Kaeli Wood ... because all entries are seen as individual pieces, you have the chance to have 2 or more of your pieces selected as winners, and that's what happened here! See Kaeli's second winning piece larger after the jump.

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Adam Lowe ... Again!

SPD-U Spotlight 07.22.14 posted by Student Editors

We're continuing to showcase our 9 Gold Medal winners today from our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. Our super-amazing team of judges had an extremely difficult job choosing the winning work, so thanks to all of you who entered and congrats on all the great work you're doing!

We'll be featuring one Gold Medal winner a day -- in RANDOM order, they are all equal winners -- until we show all 9, then we'll showcase our Silver Medal winners. And that's not it! Because the work was so strong, we also have a 3rd category of Merit Winners, which we'll reveal later, on our SPD-U Tumblr page. So be sure to keep checking back in with us to see all the awesome work.

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Adam Lowe again ... because all entries are seen as individual pieces, you have the chance to have 2 or more of your pieces selected as winners and that's the case here. See Adam's second winning piece larger after the jump.

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Allen Chiu

SPD-U Spotlight 07.21.14 posted by Student Editors

This week we're continuing to showcase the second half of our 9 Gold Medal winners from our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. Our super-amazing team of judges had an extremely difficult job choosing the winning work, so thanks to all of you who entered and congrats on all the great work you're doing!

We'll be featuring one Gold Medal winner a day -- in RANDOM order, they are all equal winners -- until we show all 9, then we'll showcase our Silver Medal winners next Monday. And that's not it! Because the work was so strong, we also have a 3rd category of Merit Winners, which we'll reveal next Tuesday, on our SPD-U Tumblr page. So be sure to keep checking back in with us to see all the awesome work.

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Allen "Schoolboy" Chiu ... see his winning piece larger and get some details from Allen after the jump.

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Sonia Persad

SPD-U Spotlight 07.18.14 posted by Student Editors

We're happy to showcase the fifth of our 9 Gold Medal pieces today from our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. Our super-amazing team of judges had an extremely difficult job choosing the winning work, so thanks to all of you who entered and congrats on all the great work you're doing!

We'll be featuring one Gold Medal winner a day -- in RANDOM order, they are all equal winners -- until we show all 9, then we'll showcase our Silver Medal winners. And that's not it! Because the work was so strong, we also have a 3rd category of Merit Winners, which we'll reveal later, on our SPD-U Tumblr page. So be sure to keep checking back in with us to see all the awesome work.

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Sonia Persad ... see her winning piece larger and get some details from Sonia after the jump.

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Nicolas KK

SPD-U Spotlight 07.17.14 posted by Student Editors

We're happy to showcase the fourth of our 9 Gold Medal winners today from our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. Our super-amazing team of judges had an extremely difficult job choosing the winning work, so thanks to all of you who entered and congrats on all the great work you're doing!

We'll be featuring one Gold Medal winner a day -- in RANDOM order, they are all equal winners -- until we show all 9, then we'll showcase our Silver Medal winners. And that's not it! Because the work was so strong, we also have a 3rd category of Merit Winners, which we'll reveal later, on our SPD-U Tumblr page. So be sure to keep checking back in with us to see all the awesome work.

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Nicolas KK ... see his winning piece larger and get some details from Nicolas after the jump.

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Kaeli Wood

SPD-U Spotlight 07.16.14 posted by Student Editors

We're happy to showcase the third of our 9 Gold Medal winners today from our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. Our super-amazing team of judges had an extremely difficult job choosing the winning work, so thanks to all of you who entered and congrats on all the great work you're doing!

We'll be featuring one Gold Medal winner a day -- in RANDOM order, they are all equal winners -- until we show all 9, then we'll showcase our Silver Medal winners. And that's not it! Because the work was so strong, we also have a 3rd category of Merit Winners, which we'll reveal later, on our SPD-U Tumblr page. So be sure to keep checking back in with us to see all the awesome work.

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Kaeli Wood ... see her winning piece larger and get some details from Kaeli after the jump.

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Sam Wood

SPD-U Spotlight 07.15.14 posted by Student Editors

We're happy to showcase the second of the 9 Gold Medal winners today from our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. Our super-amazing team of judges had an extremely difficult job choosing the winning work, so thanks to all of you who entered and congrats on all the great work you're doing!

We'll be featuring one Gold Medal winner a day -- in RANDOM order, they are all equal winners -- until we show all 9, then we'll showcase our Silver Medal winners. And that's not it! Because the work was so strong, we also have a 3rd category of Merit Winners, which we'll reveal later, on our SPD-U Tumblr page. So be sure to keep checking back in with us to see all the awesome work.

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Sam Wood ... see his winning piece larger and get some details from Sam after the jump.

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Adam Lowe

SPD-U Spotlight 07.14.14 posted by Student Editors

Today we're so excited to showcase the first of 9 awesome Gold Medal winning pieces today from our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. Our incredible team of judges had an extremely difficult job choosing the winning work ... and in fact, the quality was so strong, we have 3 categories of winners! Much like the SPD professional competition does each year, we're awarding Gold Medals, Silver Medals and Merit Winners. So thanks to all of you who entered and congrats on all the great work you're doing!!

We'll be featuring one Gold Medal winner a day -- in RANDOM order, they are all equal winners -- until we show all 9, then we'll showcase our Silver Medal winners. After that we'll reveal our Merit Winners on our SPD-U Tumblr page. So be sure to keep checking back in with us to see all the terrific work.

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Adam Lowe ... see his winning piece larger and get some details from Adam after the jump.

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Five Questions for Pete Sucheski, Deputy Art Director and Freelance Illustrator

Five Questions for... 07.10.14 posted by Student Editors

Ever looked at a magazine's masthead and wondered just what do all those job titles actually mean? What does a photo producer actually do? Does a deputy art director get a shiny badge? And why are some people creative directors and others design directors?

Our blog series "Five Questions for..." is here to help answer those questions and give you insight into working in the world of publication design. Is there a particular job that you want to know more about? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll find an expert who does it. They'll give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. Read on to find out what being a Deputy Art Director and Freelance Illustrator is like for Pete Sucheski.

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SPD-U Spotlight 2014: UPDATE

SPD-U Spotlight 07.01.14 posted by Student Editors

As stated in the official SPD-U Spotlight Call for Entries, "all winners will be notified by July 1." And as you may have noticed, TODAY is July 1! Well... sadly, we're running a tad behind schedule. So if you haven't heard from us yet, don't despair ... we haven't contacted anyone yet as the judging is not quite complete.

Thanks to all your terrific work, we had more entries than ever before, making our judges' decisions even tougher! But we're ALMOST done, and all winners will be contacted by next Monday, July 7, if not beforehand. We'll then start announcing them and showcasing the work here on the blog soon after. So keep an eye on your mailboxes to see if YOUR work has been chosen. Thanks so much for your patience!

Five Questions for Linda Tran Tutovan, Deputy Art Director - Digital

Five Questions for... 06.26.14 posted by Student Editors

Ever looked at a magazine's masthead and wondered just what do all those job titles actually mean? What does a photo producer actually do? Does a deputy art director get a shiny badge? And why are some people creative directors and others design directors?

Our blog series "Five Questions for..." is here to help answer those questions and give you insight into working in the world of publication design. Is there a particular job that you want to know more about? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll find an expert who does it. They'll give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. Read on to find out what being a Deputy Art Director is like for Linda Tran Tutovan.

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Five Questions for Edel Rodriguez, Illustrator

Five Questions for... 06.12.14 posted by Student Editors

Ever looked at a magazine's masthead and wondered just what do all those job titles actually mean? What does a photo producer actually do? Does a deputy art director get a shiny badge? And why are some people creative directors and others design directors?

Our blog series "Five Questions for..." is here to help answer those questions and give you insight into working in the world of publication design. Is there a particular job that you want to know more about? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll find an expert who does it. They'll give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. Read on to find out what being an Illustrator is like for Edel Rodriguez.

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New Series: How'd They Do That? #1

Behind-the-Scenes 06.10.14 posted by Student Editors

Now that our SPD-U Spotlight judges are looking through all your awesome work from the past year, let's bide our time till the winners are selected and announced by looking at some awesome work from some of our pros...

Today we introduce a new series on the blog called "How'd They Do That?". The idea is to give you some behind-the-scenes insight into how all those amazing magazine pages come to life. "Did they draw that themselves or hire an illustrator?" "Was that part of the actual photo shoot or retouched later?" "What's that font?" "How'd they come up with that idea?" Those are the questions we're looking to answer. If you see something cool out there in magazine-world, send us a note about it to SPDStudentOutreach@gmail.com and we'll try to dig into it and get you the scoop on how they made it happen.

To get us started, art directors Nancy Campbell and Trevett McCandliss share with us the process behind one of their recent fashion stories for 9Threads ...

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Spotlight Entries Due TODAY! Some Final FAQs Answered

SPD-U Spotlight 06.06.14 posted by Student Editors

The clock is counting down to our 5pm deadline today for our SPD-U Spotlight. As the deadline nears, we've gotten some questions that might be helpful to those of you trying to finish prepping your entries:

Q: My project has more than 3 spreads. Can I submit the whole project as 1 of my entries?

SPD-U: No. Each entry can only be a single page, or a double-page spread. No more than that. So if you designed a story or whole publication that has more than 3 pages or double-page spreads, then pick your best 3 pages/spreads of those and enter each of them as 1 entry. If you submit more than 3 single page or double-page spreads, we will select the first 3 pages/spreads you submit as your entry and ignore the rest. It doesn't matter if the pages/spreads you enter don't seem to make sense content-wise by omitting the other pages. Our judges are evaluating each page/spread as a single entity based on its design and will overlook any confusion on content.

NOTE: If you have a whole publication that you designed for a school organization or class (a yearbook, campus mag, literary mag, zine, newsletter, arts journal, etc), we'd still love to see that! But you would need to submit that to our New Work: Student Publications series instead. All Spotlight entries are limited to a single page or double-page spread. To submit your complete publication to our New Work series, get the details here.

Q: When you say 3 entries, does that mean 3 entries per student? Or per teacher?

SPD-U: Per student. Each student is allowed 3 entries. All 3 entries must be approved by their teacher or school official. Teacher/school officials can approve as many of their students' entries as they're willing to sign off on, no limits.

Q: Can I enter one spread from one project and another spread from a different project? Do the entries need to be related?

SPD-U: No, your entries do NOT need to be related. In fact, every single entry will be seen randomized with all the others for each judge, so each entry is seen as a single individual piece and no one will see all 3 of your entries in a row (in addition, all entries are seen anonymously without any identifying info). So yes, it's perfectly fine for your 3 entries to all come from different projects.

Q: Can I submit the "jump" spread (2nd spread) of a story or do I have to submit the opening spread?

SPD-U: Yes! You can definitely submit the "jump" spread or ANY page/spread from ANY part of your story/publication. If you did a great infographic or sidebar or just love what you did on your story's 2nd or 3rd spread, then definitely enter that regardless of whether you also enter the opening spread. Every entry will be seen individually by our judges, so it's really all about what designs do their jobs best, regardless of where they fall in the story. Our judges know publication design well, so they'll be able to overlook any confusion about the content/story as they judge your design.

GOT MORE QUESTIONS? Be sure to check out more of our FAQ here on the main info page or email us at SPDUspotlight@gmail.com. We'll do our best to respond quickly, but remember the deadline is 5pm TODAY, so better to use your best judgement based on the info we've provided and get your entries in on time rather than wait for us to answer.

Judging starts next week and all winners will be notified by July 1. We'll then announce the winners here on the blog in the days following.

Good luck!!

SPD-U Spotlight Deadline Extended to June 6!

SPD-U Spotlight 06.02.14 posted by Student Editors

School's over, and especially if you've graduated, the last thing on your mind is more student work. But before you forget the 2013-2014 academic year altogether, make sure you enter our SPD-U Spotlight competition.

It's so easy (you don't have to actually do work, you just submit the work you already did through email!), it's FREE ... AND we just gave you more time to enter! Our new deadline is this Friday, June 6 at 5pm EST.

Get all the details, check out our super-cool judges and download the entry form here.

Five Questions for Sue Swenson, Production Director

Five Questions for... 05.29.14 posted by Student Editors

Ever looked at a magazine's masthead and wondered just what do all those job titles actually mean? What does a photo producer actually do? Does a deputy art director get a shiny badge? And why are some people creative directors and others design directors?

Our blog series "Five Questions for..." is here to help answer those questions and give you insight into working in the world of publication design. Is there a particular job that you want to know more about? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll find an expert who does it. They'll give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. Read on to find out what being a Production Director is like for Sue Swenson.

Editor's Note: Self is a past host of our Pub(lications) Crawl.

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Wired, Field & Stream, Gather Journal: Meet Our 2014 Spotlight Judges, Part 2

SPD-U Spotlight 05.28.14 posted by Student Editors

Yesterday we met the first half of our awesome team of judges for this year's SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show and today we're introducing the other half.

Remember, the deadline is THIS MONDAY, June 2 but this one's easy ... All you do is send us 3 of your best pieces of editorial design (any type of editorial design: magazines, newspapers, newsletters, books, journals, zines, brochures, tablet/digital mags, etc) ... you can enter anything you've designed since June 2013. Then our judges pick the best of the bunch and we showcase 'em here and everywhere we can, getting you and your work tons of exposure.

And now let's meet the rest of our wonderful judges...

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Esquire, Lucky, and more: Meet Our 2014 Spotlight Judges, Part 1

SPD-U Spotlight 05.27.14 posted by Student Editors

The June 2 deadline (next MONDAY!!!) for our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show is coming fast, and our super-awesome panel of judges are ready and waiting to see all your amazing work.

Remember, there are NO RULES for this one ... no fees either, it's TOTALLY FREE to enter! All you do is send us 3 of your best pieces of editorial design (any type of editorial design: magazines, newspapers, newsletters, books, journals, zines, brochures, tablet/digital mags, etc) ... you can enter anything you've designed since June 2013. Then our judges pick the best of the bunch and we showcase 'em here and everywhere we can, getting you and your work tons of exposure.

And now let's meet the first half of our amazing judges who will be looking at all your great work...

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SPD-U Spotlight Q&A: What About Digital Magazines?

SPD-U Spotlight 05.23.14 posted by Student Editors

I created some tablet magazine designs for a class. Can I enter those in the SPD-U Spotlight?

Yes! We definitely welcome and invite any type of digital designs whether for a tablet, mobile or web, as long as they are editorial products.

In regards to submission specifications, obviously if just one screen works, that's great! But if you have a long page that scrolls down/across and doesn't have a natural division point to crop it at, you can submit that in its entire length as 1 entry. If you have a design that spans across 2 or 3 tablet screen views but is designed as a visual unit, much like a print spread, you can submit that altogether as 1 entry as well.

Use your best judgement as to what would be the equivalent to a spread in print and submit that. If we have any issues with it, we'll edit it as we see fit or contact you to narrow it down.

You can also comp together several images if you need to show hotspots/pop-ups/roll-overs. Just be sure to keep the images to the size specs in the Call for Entries.

Check out more frequently asked questions and other details here, or email us with your question atSPDUspotlight@gmail.com.

SPD-U Spotlight Q&A: Can I Enter My Other Competition Entries?

SPD-U Spotlight 05.22.14 posted by Student Editors

I created some entries for your Student Design Competition earlier this year. Can I enter those in this SPD-U Spotlight show? What about other design competitions that I've created work for, can I enter those too?

As long as your other competition entries did not place in any of the competitions as a winner or runner-up, then yes! You can definitely enter them in our Spotlight. Just because they didn't win then, doesn't mean they're not great designs! And our judges for this competition are totally different than our Student Design Competition judges, so they won't have seen your work before. As long as it follows our rules and your professor signs off, we look forward to seeing them!

Check out more frequently asked questions and other details here, or email us with your question at SPDUspotlight@gmail.com.

SPD-U Spotlight Q&A: What if I'm a Continuing Ed Student?

SPD-U Spotlight 05.21.14 posted by Student Editors

I'm taking design classes as a continuing education student ... am I eligible to enter my work in your SPD-U Spotlight?

Yes, you can! But there are a few requirements:

Like all our entrants, you have to have been attending an accredited school when your work was created. You also have to get a professor or school official to sign off on your entry. AND your submissions must have been created as part of your class or for a student publication or school organization.

If you have any further questions about it, email us at SPDUspotlight@gmail.com.

Download the entry form and get all the nitty gritty details here.

SPD-U Spotlight Q&A: What If I've Graduated?

SPD-U Spotlight 05.20.14 posted by Student Editors

I'd love to enter the SPD-U Spotlight gallery show, but I graduated in December ... can I still enter even if I'm no longer a student?

YES!!! As long as you produced the work while you were a student at some point between June 1, 2013 and May 31, 2014, you can enter regardless of your current status. You DO still have to get an instructor or school official to sign off on your submissions though, so be sure to gather your stuff together and reach out to your instructor with enough time to get that approval.

Can't wait to see your work! Get all the submission details here.

SPD-U Spotlight Q&A: Is It Free?

SPD-U Spotlight 05.19.14 posted by Student Editors

I am interested in entering the SPD-U Spotlight gallery show and am curious: is it really totally free?

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Five Questions for Cara Reynoso, Associate Art Director

Five Questions for... 05.15.14 posted by Student Editors

Ever looked at a magazine's masthead and wondered just what do all those job titles actually mean? What does a photo producer actually do? Does a deputy art director get a shiny badge? And why are some people creative directors and others design directors?

Our blog series "Five Questions for..." is here to help answer those questions and give you insight into working in the world of publication design. Is there a particular job that you want to know more about? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll find an expert who does it. They'll give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. Read on to find out what being an Associate Art Director is like for Cara Reynoso.

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Five Questions for James Reyman, Principal/Creative Director

Five Questions for... 05.01.14 posted by Student Editors

Ever looked at a magazine's masthead and wondered just what do all those job titles actually mean? What does a photo producer actually do? Does a deputy art director get a shiny badge? And why are some people creative directors and others design directors?

Our blog series "Five Questions for..." is here to help answer those questions and give you insight into working in the world of publication design. Is there a particular job that you want to know more about? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll find an expert who does it. They'll give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. Read on to find out what being a Principal/Creative Director is like for James Reyman.

Editor's Note: James is on the SPD Board of Directors, and is a past host of our Pub(lications) Crawl.

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SPD-U Spotlight: Looking Back at Our 2013 Spotlight Winners

SPD-U Spotlight 04.18.14 posted by Student Editors

Our 2014 SPD-U Spotlight Call for Entries is out and to help you figure out which of your own design pieces you're going to enter, let's take a look at last year's winners and runners-up. Links and images to follow, after the jump...… MORE

Five Questions for Gabrielle Revere, Photographer

Five Questions for... 04.17.14 posted by Student Editors

Ever looked at a magazine's masthead and wondered just what do all those job titles actually mean? What does a photo producer actually do? Does a deputy art director get a shiny badge? And why are some people creative directors and others design directors?

Our blog series "Five Questions for..." is here to help answer those questions and give you insight into working in the world of publication design. Is there a particular job that you want to know more about? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll find an expert who does it. They'll give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. Read on to find out what being a Photographer is like for Gabrielle Revere.

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New Work: Epic Magazine

New Work: Student Publications 04.16.14 posted by Student Editors

In the spirit of our New Work series over on the main Grids blog, and in anticipation of all the great work you're going to be submitting to our SPD-U Spotlight Juried Online Gallery Show, we're showcasing some great recent student publication design in our New Work: Student Publications series. If you want to submit YOUR school pub, look for details at the end of this post.

Today we'd like to introduce you to Epic Magazine, a general interest publication produced by students at Robert Morris University in Chicago in collaboration with RMU faculty and staff. Project Manager and Creative Director Carolyn Pavelkis shares some of her favorite pages with us...

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Get in the SPD-U Spotlight! Enter Your Designs by June 2

SPD-U Spotlight 04.15.14 posted by Student Editors

~~UPDATE: We just extended the deadline to Friday, June 6, 2014!~~ Sorry, this year's Spotlight is now closed to entries. All winners will be notified by July 1 and will be displayed here on the blog in the weeks to follow.

The 2013-2014 academic year is coming to a close soon and you'll be finishing up a bunch of awesome projects ... don't let them just gather dust once the grades are in, share them with us! We want to see what you've been up to! If you've created any type of editorial design work in the past year, enter it in our 2014 SPD-U Spotlight Juried Online Gallery.

Whether it's a magazine project from your design class, a newsletter design you did for your fraternity, work you did on your school's newspaper, yearbook or literary mag, etc ... if it's any type of editorial design, we'd love to see it! Forget rules, forget formulas -- just show us the best stuff you have.

If your work is chosen by our jury of top-notch editorial design professionals, we'll showcase it in an exclusive online gallery here on the SPD website with links to your portfolio website. It's a great way to get your name and work in front of magazine art directors with the power to hire fresh, young talent like yourself. All the rules and details after the jump...

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Portfolio Reviews: Event Wrap-Up

Portfolio Reviews 04.11.14 posted by Student Editors

We had a terrific night Wednesday at our annual Portfolio Review event, hosted by the super-awesome website builder Wix.com! Students came in from across the local area and beyond (Pennsylvania! Indiana!) to get their one-on-one advice on how to make their portfolios job- and internship-worthy. Check out photos and commentary after the jump...… MORE

Five Questions for Nicole Zigmont, Designer

Five Questions for... 04.10.14 posted by Student Editors

Ever looked at a magazine's masthead and wondered just what do all those job titles actually mean? What does a photo producer actually do? Does a deputy art director get a shiny badge? And why are some people creative directors and others design directors?

Our blog series "Five Questions for..." is here to help answer those questions and give you insight into working in the world of publication design. Is there a particular job that you want to know more about? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll find an expert who does it. They'll give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. Read on to find out what being a Designer is like for Nicole Zigmont.

Editor's Note: Nicole designed the Five Questions for... series logo.

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Congrats to Our 2014 Student Design Competition 6th-Place Winner!

Student Design Competition 04.07.14 posted by Student Editors

Now that we've announced our 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-place winners from our 2014 Student Design Competition, we're happy to also start sharing our honorable mentions! Last week we shared our 4th-place winner and 5th-place winner, and today we're highlighting 6th-place winner Mary Durant ... click through to see her full entry and details. And keep checking back here on our blog for our runners-up to be announced soon!… MORE

Congrats to Our 2014 Student Design Competition 5th-Place Winner!

Student Design Competition 04.03.14 posted by Student Editors

Now that we've announced our 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-place winners from our 2014 Student Design Competition, we're happy to also start sharing our honorable mentions! Monday we shared our 4th-place winner, and today we're highlighting 5th-place winner Drew Park ... click through to see his full entry and details. And keep checking back here on our blog for more winners to come. … MORE

Job-Hunting Must-Have: A Portfolio Website

Portfolio Reviews 04.01.14 posted by Student Editors

As the summer quickly approaches and you start looking for internships and/or jobs, you'll need to make sure you have all your stuff together to make an effective hunt. Of course there's your resume and cover letter, and having all your info ready to copy-and-paste into those HR application sites online.

But perhaps the most important of all is your portfolio website. This could be the thing that gets you the interview, cause without it, your application is just a piece of paper. By showing some of your work online, those doing the hiring can quickly see that you're worth talking to, even if your resume isn't all that impressive (and let's face it, for most students, how CAN your resume be impressive when you haven't yet had a chance to really work?). Follow us after the jump for some tips on putting this important piece of the the job-hunting puzzle together...

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Congrats to Our 2014 Student Design Competition 4th-Place Winner!

Student Design Competition 03.31.14 posted by Student Editors

Now that we've announced our 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-place winners from our 2014 Student Design Competition, we're happy to also start sharing our honorable mentions! Today we're starting with 4th-place winner Allen Chiu... click through to see his full entry and details. And keep checking back here on our blog for more winners to come.… MORE

Five Questions for Stanley Collado, Art Production Aide

Five Questions for... 03.27.14 posted by Student Editors

Ever looked at a magazine's masthead and wondered just what do all those job titles actually mean? What does a photo producer actually do? Does a deputy art director get a shiny badge? And why are some people creative directors and others design directors?

Our blog series "Five Questions for..." is here to help answer those questions and give you insight into working in the world of publication design. Is there a particular job that you want to know more about? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll find an expert who does it. They'll give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. Read on to find out what being an Art Production Aide is like for Stanley Collado.

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You Ask, We Answer: About Those Portfolio Reviews!

Answers 03.27.14 posted by Student Editors

I really want to come to your Portfolio Review event, and I DO want to try for magazine jobs once I graduate, but I don't have hardly any editorial pieces in my portfolio. Does that matter?

Nope! It doesn't matter! If you have ANY interest in pursuing jobs in magazines or other editorial design work, then whether you have tons of editorial pieces in your portfolio or none, this is the perfect event for you. Read on to find out why...

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Calling All Student Portfolios! Get Your Review Here! Happening April 9

Portfolio Reviews 03.20.14 posted by Student Editors

March Madness is fully here at SPD-U thanks to our recent speaker event, our great sessions at the CMA College Media Convention and of course our terrific Student Design Competition winners (runners-up to be announced soon!). And now the madness is going to take over April too ...

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 9 for our annual Portfolio Review event. You'll get critiques from at least two of our publishing pros, and you'll find out what publication and media art directors are looking for in your work when they're looking to hire. Doesn't matter if your portfolio is finished or still in the works, digital or print ... bring what you've got (details below) and our design superstars will help you figure out what's working and what's not. We'll also show you how you can easily build your own online portfolio using the super easy Wix.com web-builder. Details after the jump.

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Five Questions for: John Walker, UX Professional

Five Questions for... 03.20.14 posted by Student Editors

Ever looked at a magazine's masthead and wondered just what do all those job titles actually mean? What does a photo producer actually do? Does a deputy art director get a shiny badge? And why are some people creative directors and others design directors?

Our blog series "Five Questions for..." is here to help answer those questions and give you insight into working in the world of publication design. Is there a particular job that you want to know more about? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll find an expert who does it. They'll give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. Read on to find out what being a UX Professional is like for John Walker.

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Missed Our Event Last Night? You Also Missed Out on Getting a Job!

Student Events 03.19.14 posted by Student Editors

We had a great discussion last night at our "I'm Graduating: Now What?" spring speaker event about finding work, whether it's full-time, freelance or personal side projects. Panelists Erin Jang, Derek Eng, Kristie Bailey, Brett Affrunti and T Leclaire were super generous in sharing their experiences and giving our audience their tips and advice, and attendees walked away with multiple ways to get that job or freelance gig.

Not only that, they also got a chance at getting that job literally last night thanks to a design pro in our audience who was looking for a junior designer at his big-name magazine and asked all interested there to chat with him. Audience members also got to chat directly with our panelists at the end, we raffled off numerous books, and all attendees got fun handouts, flyers and a discount code to use on Joseph Caserto's online freelancing course. Definitely not an event to miss, but if you did, you can get a few juicy tidbits by checking our live-tweeting over on our Twitter feed @SPDstudents.

Thanks to all of you who joined us and a HUGE thanks to our host sponsor Wix.com ... if you're in the city, don't forget you can use their Wix Lounge (the same space we held our event) during the day as a home base between interviews or freelance jobs. And if you don't have an online portfolio yet, definitely check out the Wix templates ... they're super easy to use and tweak to what you want.

Congrats to Our 2014 Student Design Competition First-Place Winner!

Student Design Competition 03.17.14 posted by Student Editors

Our 2014 Student Design Competition 2nd- and 3rd-place winners have been announced, and today we're excited to share our first-place winner with you. Click through to check out Daniel Murphy's full entry and stay tuned for our Honorable Mentions and even more winners beyond that. Congrats to Daniel ...… MORE

Reminder: Career Advice Event Tuesday at 7pm

Student Events 03.16.14 posted by Student Editors

Okay, maybe you're on spring break. Or maybe you're just swamped with school work. Doesn't really matter in a few months when you're living back home with mom and dad in your childhood bedroom cause you can't find a job, right?

Want to avoid the hassles of adjusting to life post-college with the 'rents? Then join us Tuesday night to hear a gazillion ways other young designers have made work work for them ... from turning internships into full-time jobs, to taking their little side illustrations into a business, to making the most of meeting people, our pros will share their advice ... what worked for them, what didn't and how you can use their tricks to find your own dream jobs.

We'll also be giving away free stuff! You gotta come to have a chance at winning a variety of SPD and design books and Joseph Caserto's online course about freelancing ... in fact, all attendees will get a discount to his course, while one lucky member will walk away with it for free!

Get your tickets and more details here. Don't forget, SPD Student Members pay NOTHING, but you do have to reserve your ticket!

Congrats to Our 2014 Student Design Competition Second-Place Winner!

Student Design Competition 03.13.14 posted by Student Editors

After an intense day of judging (check out our live tweets from Friday, March 7 for behind-the-scenes photos), our top 2014 Student Design Competition entries were chosen and we're excited to share them with you! Earlier we shared our 3rd-place winner with you, and today we're celebrating Reilly Sauer for his 2nd-place win ... click through to see his full entry. … MORE

"I'm Graduating: Now What?" Meet Our Speakers, Part 2

Student Events 03.12.14 posted by Student Editors

This Tuesday, March 18th, we'll be hosting our next speaker event titled "I'm Graduating... Now What?". Our panel of designers and illustrators has had the full-range of experiences, from full-time work to freelancing to working from home on the side of other jobs to turning those side jobs into full-time businesses. And they'll be sharing their tales of how they found those jobs, what they found most difficult and how their experiences can help YOU in your own hunt for work.

Earlier this week, we met the first 3 of our 6 panelists. Today we meet the other 3, so read on to learn more and click here for more details and to get your ticket. (Don't forget SPD Student Members are free but you still have to sign up for a ticket!)

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Save the Date: Portfolio Reviews April 9th

Portfolio Reviews 03.12.14 posted by Student Editors

As graduation time quickly approaches (though not quickly enough in terms of the weather!), we're here to help you finalize those portfolios before you hit the pavement big time for job-hunting. We'll open registration soon, but for now save the date for Portfolio Reviews: April 9th at 7pm in NYC. Details to come, so stay tuned here and/or on Facebook and Twitter.

Congrats to Our 2014 Student Design Competition Third-Place Winner!

Student Design Competition 03.11.14 posted by Student Editors

After an intense day of judging (check out our live tweets from Friday, March 7 for behind-the-scenes photos), our top 2014 Student Design Competition entries were chosen and we're excited to share them with you! Today we're congratulating Regina Puno for her 3rd-place win ... click through to see her full entry.… MORE

"I'm Graduating: Now What?" Meet Our Speakers, Pt. 1

Student Events 03.10.14 posted by Student Editors

Next Tuesday, March 18th, we'll be hosting our next speaker event titled "I'm Graduating... Now What?". Our panel of designers and illustrators has had the full-range of experiences, from full-time work to freelancing to working from home on the side of other jobs to turning those side jobs into full-time businesses. And they'll be sharing their tales of how they found those jobs, what they found most difficult and how their experiences can help YOU in your own hunt for work.

Read on to meet the first 3 of our 6 panelists and click here for more details and to get your ticket. (Don't forget SPD Student Members are free but you still have to sign up for a ticket!)

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The 2014 Student Design Competition Judging is Complete!

Student Design Competition 03.10.14 posted by Student Editors

UPDATED as of 3/10 4pm EST:

Last Friday our esteemed panel of judges make their selections in our 2014 Student Design Competition, and we'll be announcing them here tomorrow!!!

In the meantime, if you're interested in a peek at the actual judging, check out our Twitter feed @SPDstudents where we live-tweeted the judging last Friday. There's lots of great photos and commentary showing the judging process.

We'd also like to take this chance to say a humongous thanks to our awesome judges, shown above from left: Rob Hewitt of Conde Nast Traveler, Fred Woodward of GQ, Deanna Filippo of Allure, Kristin Fitzpatrick of Town & Country, Jeff Griffith of Men's Health and Todd Detwiler of Popular Science.

We had super-fun day and we saw a ton of great work, making the final decisions difficult, but we're happy with our winners and can't wait to share them with you! Look for the announcement to come after the 21st.

SPD-U Upcoming Events & News

Student Outreach 03.06.14 posted by Student Editors

• Our Student Design Competition deadline has passed and judging takes place Friday, March 7. We'll be live-tweeting the judging process starting this evening on thru tomorrow, so be sure to follow us @SPDstudents. No winners will be announced until we've notified them all by Friday, March 21 ... we'll announce them here on the blog soon after. In the meantime, get ready for...

• Our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. We will announce the rules and start accepting entries in April, so if you missed entering the competition or have other editorial design work you'd like to show, you'll have a chance to submit your work in that. Check out last year's Gallery winners here and look for details about THIS year's show to come in early April.

• If you work on your school paper, yearbook or magazine and are attending the CMA College Media Convention, be sure to attend our career advice session at 12:30pm on Thursday, March 13.

• Our next event is "I'm Graduating ... Now What?" happening Tuesday, March 18. Check out our awesome panelists and sign up now (SPD-U members are free!).

• Save the date for Portfolio Reviews: Wednesday, April 9, 7pm. Details to come.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and updates!

Five Questions for: Todd Weinberger, Creative Director

Five Questions for... 03.06.14 posted by Student Editors

Ever looked at a magazine's masthead and wondered just what do all those job titles actually mean? What does a photo producer actually do? Does a deputy art director get a shiny badge? And why are some people creative directors and others design directors?

Our new blog series "Five Questions for..." is here to help answer those questions and give you insight into working in the world of publication design. Every two weeks or so, a different pro will tell us about what they do, and how they got to where they are. Is there a particular job that you want to know more about? Email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll find an expert who does it. They'll give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. Read on to find out what being a Creative Director is like for Todd Weinberger.

Editor's Note: Todd is on the SPD Board of Directors, and is a past host of our Pub(lications) Crawl.

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Student Competition DEADLINE EXTENDED to Wed., 3/5! And Meet Our Judges!

Student Design Competition 02.28.14 posted by Student Editors

Okay, so in our rules and details, it says "no extensions!" regarding our Student Design Competition deadline ... uh, yeah, well, it also didn't say we'd have this gross, crazy, snowy winter we've been having, keeping so many of you from your classes. So we're breaking our own rules and giving you 2 more days to get your entries in.

EXTENDED DEADLINE:

Wednesday, March 5, 2014, 5pm Eastern Standard Time.

Like before, you still have to get your entries in to our office at 27 Union Square West, Suite 207, NYC 10003 by 5pm on that day. But now you've got a whole 48 hours more to do so!

Meanwhile, we'd like to introduce a most super-cool panel of judges ... just think, YOUR work is going to be in front of THESE eyes!!!! So take advantage of these 2 extra days and get those entries in ASAP!!!

Todd Detwiler // Design Director, Popular Science
Deanna Fillippo // Design Director, Allure
Kristin Fitzpatrick // Design Director, Town & Country
Jeff Griffith // Creative Director Marketing, Men's Health
Rob Hewitt // Design Director, Conde Nast Traveler
Fred Woodward // Design Director, GQ

Get all the rules and details and answers to your last-minute questions here.

Get All the Latest SPD-U News!

Student Outreach 02.26.14 posted by Student Editors

Of course our blog here is the best spot to get all the latest info on SPD-U events and opportunities, plus lots of other good stuff. But don't forget we also have an active Facebook page and Twitter feed to help keep you up-to-date on all SPD-U happenings (not to mention some other great content beyond our blog).

So to be the first to find out about our events (like our next speaker event - registration is now open!!) and get reminders about our competition deadlines (like Monday's Student Design Competition deadline!)...

You can follow us on Twitter at: @spdstudents

And on Facebook here. Even if you already have "liked" us on Facebook, come back and visit us and make sure you're "following" us. Facebook has changed the way it shows you group pages like ours, so even if you previously followed/liked us, our posts may not be showing on your feed. Some people seem them in their notifications instead. Just to be safe, visit our page directly and follow our Twitter!

SPD-U Spring Speaker Event: 3/18/14 @ 7pm

Student Events 02.24.14 posted by Student Editors

Whether you're a senior about to graduate, or any type of student looking to enter the creative side of magazines, this is the event for you! We all know getting that dream full-time job right out of school is hard to come by, so what do you do?

Come hear our panel of designers and illustrators share their experiences, successes and failures as they've gone through the hunt for full-time jobs, freelance gigs and side projects. You'll walk away with some great tips and advice on how to approach YOUR search for fulfilling work post-school, even if it's not what you originally thought it would be.

Click through to see who our super-cool panelists are and to get your ticket!

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Student Design Competition: ONLY 2 WEEKENDS LEFT!

Student Design Competition 02.21.14 posted by Student Editors

Yeeepppp! That March 3rd deadline is fast approaching. And it's a Monday. Meaning you've only got 2 whole weekends left to work on your Student Design Competition entries! Of course all of next week too. But remember your entries have to be in our office in Union Square by 5pm Monday, March 3rd, no exceptions!

Don't forget to read through all the details on the main competition page here ... there's Frequently Asked Questions, there's lots of tips, there's links to past winners so you can get some ideas, and of course there's the official Rules and Entry Form PDF to download and fill out.

If you still have questions after that, email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll do our best to answer you quickly.

New Work: em Magazine

New Work: Student Publications 02.10.14 posted by Student Editors

In the spirit of our New Work series over on the main Grids blog, and in anticipation of all the great work you're going to be submitting to our Student Design Competition, we're showcasing some great recent student publication design in our New Work: Student Publications series. If you want to submit YOUR school pub, look for details at the end of this post.

It's Fashion Week here in NYC and in the spirit of that, today we'd like to introduce you to em Magazine, a fashion magazine produced entirely by students at Emerson College in Boston. Editor-in-Chief Jamie Emmerman shares some of his favorite pages with us...

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Student Design Competition Tips

Student Design Competition 02.05.14 posted by Student Editors

In case you haven't noticed, it's now February. Meaning our March 3rd Student Design Competition deadline is less than a month away! But never fear, it's definitely not too late to get started on your entries. Wanna make them winners? Then be sure to follow the guidelines in our downloadable Call for Entries PDF and check out additional tips below. Click on each tip to get more details and examples and find all the competition details here. We'll be posting even more in the coming weeks.… MORE

Looking Back: Our 2013 Student Design Competition Winners

Student Competition 01.30.14 posted by Student Editors

Now that the spring semester is in full swing, your creative brains are back on track and our March 3 Student Design Competition deadline is nearing, we'll be sharing some last-minute tips and notes to help make your entries the winning ones!

Today we're starting by taking a look back at all of last year's winners. We had so many amazing entries last year, we expanded our runners-up to the biggest group of winners ever. So take a look to get some inspiration and feel good knowing that while there can only be 1 first-place winner, we're always happy to expand the top group of winners based on how awesome your designs are. Here's to 2014 being so incredible we have to expand it even more!

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New Work: Make It Happen Magazine

New Work: Student Publications 01.06.14 posted by Student Editors

In the spirit of our New Work series over on the main Grids blog, and in anticipation of all the great work you're going to be submitting to our Student Design Competition, we're showcasing some great recent student publication design in our New Work: Student Publications series. If you want to submit YOUR school pub, look for details at the end of this post.

Today we'd like to introduce you to Make It Happen magazine , produced by members of Harvard University's Undergraduate Women in Business organization. Co-Directors of the project Sadie McQuilkin and Claire Leibowicz share some of their favorite pages with us...

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Student Competition: Let's Face It, It's All About the Internship! Part 3

Student Competition 12.30.13 posted by Student Editors

If you enter and win our Student Design Competition, the cash prizes may seem the most attractive. But in reality, it's the prize internships that are the most important award. Even if you don't place 1st, 2nd or 3rd, you still have a good shot at winning a magazine internship here in NYC and often, housing is included. So what are you waiting for? Start working on those entries now!

Need some more proof of just how great the internships are? Check out last year's 3rd place winner Darby Minter's experience as an intern at Sports Illustrated...

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Student Competition Tips and Details

Student Competition 12.28.13 posted by Student Editors

So you've got, what, another week, maybe two before you head back to classes and homework? No doubt Netflix and hanging out with friends are very entertaining, but when you get bored of even that, why not start working on your 2014 Student Design Competition entries! The March 3 deadline will be here before you know it, and you don't want to miss your chance at cash and software prizes along with super-cool magazine internships, right?

Don't actually feel like being creative? Well, you can at least read through the rules and our handy-dandy tips, and check out past winners to get those ideas flowing.

Curious about where to find the text or images? Or if you're eligible since you're not in the U.S.? Then be sure to check out our Frequently Asked Questions section toward the bottom of that page.

Still have questions for us? Then email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com.

Student Competition: Let's Face It, It's All About the Internship! Part 2

Student Competition 12.14.13 posted by Student Editors

Our 2014 Student Design Competition (get all the details here!) is officially open, and we're talking to some of last year's competition winners to give you a little inspiration and motivation to get started on your own entries. Of course the cash and Adobe Creative Cloud membership prizes are worthy enough, but did we mention you can also win an INTERNSHIP at a top NYC magazine???

It's probably the most valuable part of the prize. And you don't even have to win one of the top 3 spots to get it ... while it's only guaranteed to our 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, many of our runners-up also get the chance at an internship!

Want proof of just how incredible an experience that can be? Well, we got a few of our recent winners to give you a little recap. Monday we talked to one of last year's runners-up, Grayce Holcomb, and today we're talking to another runner-up, Sarah Tan. Read on to hear about her internship experience at Money magazine...

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Looking Back: Our 2013 Student Design Competition 3rd-Place Winner

Student Competition 12.03.13 posted by Student Editors

To help you brainstorm ideas for your 2014 Student Design Competition entries (get all the details here!), we're taking a look back at this past year's winners and getting some inside scoop on how they came up with their winning work and some tips for you. Today we're revisiting our third-place winning entry, so read on to hear from winner Darby Minter ...

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Student Competition: Let's Face It, It's All About the Internship! Part 1

Student Competition 11.25.13 posted by Student Editors

We've just opened up our 2014 Student Design Competition (get all the details here!) and we're talking to some of last year's competition winners to give you a little inspiration and motivation to get started on your own entries. Of course the cash and Adobe Creative Cloud membership prizes are worthy enough, but did we mention you can also win an INTERNSHIP at a top NYC magazine???

It's probably the most valuable part of the prize. And you don't even have to win one of the top 3 spots to get it ... while it's only guaranteed to our 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, many of our runners-up also get the chance at an internship!

Want proof of just how incredible an experience that can be? Well, we got a few of our recent winners to give you a little recap and today we're talking to one of last year's runners-up, Grayce Holcomb:

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Looking Back: Our 2013 Student Design Competition 2nd-Place Winner

Student Competition 11.18.13 posted by Student Editors

To help you brainstorm ideas for your 2014 Student Design Competition entries (get all the details here!), we're taking a look back at this past year's winners and getting some inside scoop on how they came up with their winning work and some tips for you. Today we're revisiting our second-place winning entry, so read on to hear from winner Ben Grandgenett ...

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Looking Back: Our 2013 Student Design Competition First-Place Winner

Student Competition 11.13.13 posted by Student Editors

To help you brainstorm ideas for your 2014 Student Design Competition entries (get all the details here!), we're taking a look back at this past year's winners and getting some inside scoop on how they came up with their winning work and some tips for you. Today we're revisiting our first-place winning entry, so read on to hear from winner Jenny Savage ...

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Our 2014 Student Design Competition is Officially Open!

Student Competition 11.10.13 posted by Student Editors

We know you've been waiting, so without further delay, our 2014 Student Design Competition is now officially open. This annual competition is an awesome opportunity for you to win money, prizes and -- perhaps best of all -- a summer internship at a top magazine! We're sharing the categories and rules below to get you started, and we'll be looking back at past winners, answering frequently asked questions and sharing some tips over the coming weeks, so stay tuned and read on...
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New Work: Meet Backdrop Magazine

New Work: Student Publications 11.08.13 posted by Student Editors

In the spirit of our New Work series over on the main Grids blog, and following up on all the awesome work we saw in our SPD-U Spotlight Show, we're showcasing some great recent student publication design in our New Work: Student Publications series. If you want to submit YOUR school pub, look for details at the end of this post.

Today we'd like to introduce you to Ohio University's Backdrop magazine. Design Director Emilee Kraus (a senior) shares a recent issue of the mag with us...

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The Synergy Spreads!

Student Events 10.28.13 posted by Student Editors

We had a great night last Tuesday night at our Creative Synergy event thanks to our wonderful host and sponsor Wix.com and of course thanks to an incredible group of panelists! Read on to find out some of the advice they shared and see photos of the event. Thank you to everyone who came out for it!… MORE

Creative Synergy Happening Tonight!

Student Events 10.22.13 posted by Student Editors

Whether you're into magazine design or any type of design, you won't want to miss tonight's speaker panel event on creativity and collaboration. We've got 6 incredible panelists ranging from design directors to photo editors to editors and stylists, all ready to share their experiences with you on how they bring out the best of themselves and their teams to create amazing, inspiring work.

A huge thanks to our event sponsors Wix.com for hosting us in their super-cool, too-good-to-be-true free co-working space, the Wix Lounge on 23rd St here in Manhattan. Doors will open at 6:30 and the event starts at 7.

Get all the details and buy your ticket or reserve your free Student Member spot here ... online registration ends at 3pm. You CAN purchase tickets at the door but by credit card only ... no cash exchanges.

Hope to see you there!

Creative Synergy Spotlight: Photo Director Ann de Saussure Davidson

Student Events 10.21.13 posted by Student Editors

Our Creative Synergy event happens TOMORROW NIGHT, the 22nd (Sign up now!). We're talking to our final panelist today about what she's working on and some ways she finds inspiration. Be sure to check out all our panelists and buy your ticket now! … MORE

Creative Synergy Spotlight: Creative Director Kevin Brainard

Student Events 10.18.13 posted by Student Editors

Our Creative Synergy event happens this Tuesday, the 22nd (Sign up now!), so we're talking to each of our panelists about what they're working on and some ways they find inspiration. Today we're featuring creative director Kevin Brainard ... Read on about Kevin and then buy your ticket before the event sells out... … MORE

Creative Synergy Spotlight: Producer/Editor Frances Bailey

Student Events 10.17.13 posted by Student Editors

As the date for our Creative Synergy event approaches (it's next Tuesday, the 22nd. Sign up now!), we're talking to each of our panelists about what they're working on and some ways they find inspiration... today we're featuring producer/editor/stylist Frances Bailey, but be sure to come back the rest of the week as we meet the remaining panelists.

Read on about Frances and then buy your ticket before the event sells out... … MORE

Creative Synergy Spotlight: Design Director Tim Leong

Student Events 10.16.13 posted by Student Editors

As the date for our Creative Synergy event approaches (it's next Tuesday, the 22nd. Sign up now!), we're talking to each of our panelists about what they're working on and some ways they find inspiration... today we're featuring design director Tim Leong, but be sure to come back the rest of the week as we meet all the other panelists too.

So read on about Tim and then buy your ticket before the event sells out... … MORE

Creative Synergy Spotlight: Creative Director Cybele Grandjean

Student Events 10.15.13 posted by Student Editors

As the date for our Creative Synergy event approaches (it's next Tuesday, the 22nd. Sign up now!), we're talking to each of our panelists about what they're working on and some ways they find inspiration... today we're featuring creative director Cybele Grandjean, but be sure to come back the rest of the week as we meet all the other panelists too.

So read on about Cybele and then buy your ticket before the event sells out... … MORE

Creative Synergy Spotlight: Illustrator R. Kikuo Johnson

Student Events 10.14.13 posted by Student Editors

As the date for our Creative Synergy event approaches (it's next Tuesday, the 22nd. Sign up now!), we're talking to each of our panelists about what they're working on and some ways they find inspiration... today we're featuring illustrator R. Kikuo Johnson, but be sure to come back the rest of the week as we meet all the other panelists too.

So read on about Kikuo and then buy your ticket before the event sells out...

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SPD-U Fall Speaker Event: CREATIVE SYNERGY 10/22 @ 7pm

Student Events 10.03.13 posted by Student Editors

Ever wonder how magazines come up with all the awesome ideas you see in them? Whether it's typography, illustration, photographs or infographics, magazine pros are always collaborating and drawing inspiration from everything and each other in order to create such magic.

Join us for a lively conversation (sponsored by our generous hosts Wix.com) with pros from all types of magazines and design firms (including Wired, Martha Stewart Living, Fortune, O the Oprah Magazine, Rodale, and Pleasure to name a few) ... these art directors, illustrators, photo directors, editors and stylists will share the tricks and tactics they use and you'll walk away with some great ideas on how to come up with your own amazing work.

Click through for all the details and how to register...

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Pub Crawl 2013 Wrap-Up

Pub(lications) Crawl 10.01.13 posted by Student Editors

Our 2013 Pub(lications) Crawl event happened last Friday and was a huge success! A BIG big thanks to all our tour hosts and volunteer tour guides. And also thanks to everyone who came, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. We at least know a few of you did, based on some great comments afterward ... check out those quotes and some photos after the jump. And mark your calendars for our next speaker panel event on Tuesday, 10/22. Details to come in a few days.… MORE

Pub Crawl 2013 4th Tour Added! TOUR D: Every Day with Rachael Ray & Popular Mechanics

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.18.13 posted by Student Editors

As you may have noticed, our Pub(lications) Crawl event scheduled for Friday, 9/27, quickly sold out! So we've added a 4th set of tours to give more of you a chance to see behind-the-scenes of some top magazines. Registration is now open (free for SPD Student Members, $15 for non-members), but even with this additional tour, spaces are still very limited, so be sure you sign up asap!!! Get all the registration details here.

And read on to learn more about our wonderful new additions to Pub Crawl 2013...

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Pub Crawl 2013 Spotlight: TOUR C Pentagram & MORE

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.13.13 posted by Student Editors

Our 2013 Pub(lications) Crawl office tour event is happening on Friday, September 27th here in NYC, and it's so freakin' awesome that quickly SOLD OUT! Due to popular demand, we've now added a 4th set of tours ... look for those details to come asap ... registration will re-open Wednesday, 9/18 at 6am EST.

In the meantime, we're going to highlight the Pub Crawl's TOUR C ....

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Pub Crawl 2013 Spotlight: TOUR B Nylon & The New Yorker

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.12.13 posted by Student Editors

Our 2013 Pub(lications) Crawl office tour event is happening on Friday, September 27th here in NYC.

Today we're highlighting TOUR B ....

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Pub Crawl 2013 Spotlight: TOUR A Bon Appetit & Fortune

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.11.13 posted by Student Editors

Our 2013 Pub(lications) Crawl office tour event is happening on Friday, September 27th here in NYC, and it's TOTALLY worth asking your professor for a day out of class. You get to go on one of 3 tours ... each tour will visit the offices of 2 different magazines or design firms and you'll get the inside scoop on how all the magic happens.

Today we're highlighting TOUR A ....

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Pub Crawl: Become a Student Member and Get FREE Admission!

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.10.13 posted by Student Editors

As you consider attending our Pub(lications) Crawl event (and you should!!), you should also consider joining SPD as a Student Member ... then your admission to Pub Crawl and ALL our student events is FREE for a year! (Speaking of other events, we've got a speaker panel event planned for Tuesday, 10/22 here in NYC, so save the date for that and look for details to come.)

"Yeah, but Student Membership is either $40 or $50!!! That's a whole lot more than the $15 Pub Crawl fee!" you say. Well, let's look at all you get with your student membership:

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Come One, Come All on SPD-U's Pub(lications) Crawl! 9/27/13

Pub(lications) Crawl 08.30.13 posted by Student Editors

This event was previously sold out, but we've added a 4th set of tours to accommodate more of you! However be aware space is still very limited and going fast, so be sure to register for your spot NOW! Details after the jump.

As your school year gets under way, hopefully we can soften some of that end-of-summer-sadness with an exciting event ... our SPD-U Pub(lications) Crawl! This is an annual day-long event where you'll get to tour the offices of two fantastic magazines and/or design firms for an in-depth look at the way things really work.

We have a truly amazing group of tour hosts ... Bon Appetit, Fortune, More, The New Yorker, Nylon, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Popular Mechanics and Pentagram!!! They're all getting ready to give you exclusive behind-the-scenes access, so come armed with your curiosity and questions, and prepare yourself for a very unique tour of great magazine-making. Space is very limited, so RSVP now to reserve your spot. Read on to find out how...
 

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Follow Us On Facebook!

Student Outreach 08.27.13 posted by Student Editors

Welcome back to another academic year full of tons of great stuff here at SPD-U! We've got many things in the works for you this year, including our annual Pub(lications) Crawl coming up on Friday, September 27th! It's a day full of magazine office tours, so mark your calendars and look out for details and open registration in the next few days.

And for the most up-to-date news and other great tidbits of info and links, follow us or visit us on Facebook at: facebook.com/SPDstudents

New Work: Meet Positive/Negative Magazine

New Work: Student Publications 08.01.13 posted by Student Editors

In the spirit of our New Work series over on the main Grids blog, and following up on all the awesome work we saw in our SPD-U Spotlight Show, we're showcasing some great recent student publication design in our New Work: Student Publications series. If you want to submit YOUR school pub, look for details at the end of this post.

Today we'd like to introduce you to Rochester Institute of Technology's Positive/Negative magazine. Features Editor Emily Levine (a recent graphic design graduate who's now working in NYC) shares the most recent issue of the mag with us...

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Shortcuts to Success: FREE Shortcuts Poster for Your Wall!

Archives 07.30.13 posted by Student Editors

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

A few weeks back we hit our 50th Shortcut to Success! To celebrate, we're releasing this super-handy poster that you can tack up on your dorm room wall and share with classmates. Learn more and download it after the jump.

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Our Runners-Up!

SPD-U Spotlight 07.26.13 posted by Student Editors

Now that you've seen all 8 of the top winning pieces in our SPD-U Online Gallery Show, check out the 12 runners-up after the jump. And be sure to check back in with us next week when we showcase even more of the finalists.

Thanks again to our terrific team of judges and to all of you who entered! Now, on to the good stuff... presenting our SPD-U Spotlight Runners-Up, in alphabetical order:

The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Michele Snow

SPD-U Spotlight 07.24.13 posted by Student Editors

Today we're showcasing the last of our 8 top winners from our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. But be sure to check back on Friday when we reveal the runners-up. And we'll have even more work to show after that, so keep coming back!

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Michele Snow ... she her winning piece larger and get some details from Michele after the jump.

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Sarah Peng

SPD-U Spotlight 07.23.13 posted by Student Editors

This week we're continuing to showcase our 8 top winners from our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. We'll be featuring a winner a day -- in alphabetical order, they are all equal winners -- until we show all 8, then we'll showcase some runners-up as well, so be sure to keep checking back in with us to see all the awesome work.

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Sarah Peng ... see his winning piece larger and get some details from Sarah after the jump.

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Adam Lowe

SPD-U Spotlight 07.22.13 posted by Student Editors

This week we're continuing to showcase our 8 top winners from our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. We'll be featuring a winner a day -- in alphabetical order, they are all equal winners -- until we show all 8, then we'll showcase some runners-up as well, so be sure to keep checking back in with us to see all the awesome work.

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Adam Lowe ... see his winning piece larger and get some details from Adam after the jump.

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Tonya Loewen

SPD-U Spotlight 07.19.13 posted by Student Editors

We're continuing to showcase our 8 top winners from our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. We'll be featuring a winner a day -- in alphabetical order, they are all equal winners -- until we show all 8, then we'll showcase some runners-up as well, so be sure to keep checking back in with us to see all the awesome work.

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Tonya Loewen ... see her winning piece larger and get some details from Tonya after the jump.

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Jessica Gray

SPD-U Spotlight 07.18.13 posted by Student Editors

Today we're continuing to showcase our 8 top winners from our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. Our team of judges had a super-tough job choosing the winning work, so thanks to all of you who entered and congrats on all the great work you're doing!

We'll be featuring a winner a day -- in alphabetical order, they are all equal winners -- until we show all 8, then we'll showcase some runners-up as well, so be sure to keep checking back in with us to see all the awesome work.

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Jessica Gray ... see her winning piece larger and get some details from Jessica after the jump.

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Kayla Bryer

SPD-U Spotlight 07.17.13 posted by Student Editors

Today we're continuing to showcase our 8 top winners from our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. Our team of judges had a super-tough job choosing the winning work, so thanks to all of you who entered and congrats on all the great work you're doing!

We'll be featuring a winner a day -- in alphabetical order, they are all equal winners -- until we show all 8, then we'll showcase some runners-up as well, so be sure to keep checking back in with us to see all the awesome work.

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Kayla Bryer ... see her winning piece larger and get some details from Kayla after the jump.

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Sarah Azpeitia

SPD-U Spotlight 07.16.13 posted by Student Editors

We're happy to showcase the second of the 8 top winners today from our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show. Our team of judges had a super-tough job choosing the winning work, so thanks to all of you who entered and congrats on all the great work you're doing!

We'll be featuring a winner a day -- in alphabetical order, they are all equal winners -- until we show all 8, then we'll showcase some runners-up as well, so be sure to keep checking back in with us to see all the awesome work.

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Sarah Azpeitia ... see her winning piece larger and get some details from Sarah after the jump.

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The SPD-U Spotlight Shines on Lauren Ahn

SPD-U Spotlight 07.15.13 posted by Student Editors

Our team of judges had a super-tough job choosing the winning work in our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show ... thanks to all of you who entered and congrats on all the great work you're doing!

We're happy to showcase the first of our 8 top winners today ... we'll be featuring a winner a day -- in alphabetical order, they are all equal winners -- until we show all 8, then we'll showcase some runners-up as well, so be sure to keep checking back in with us to see all the awesome work.

Today we're shining the SPD-U Spotlight on Lauren Ahn ... see her winning piece larger and get some details from Lauren after the jump.

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32 Pages + 2 People / 4 Days = 1 Awesome Magazine Workshop

Student Work 07.03.13 posted by Student Editors

While we close up our SPD-U Spotlight judging, we're excited to share some other impressive and inspiring student work courtesy of SPD-U friend and speaker Dennis Huynh. Dennis is currently Senior Associate Art Director at Entertainment Weekly and recently led a student workshop that produced amazing results. Check out their work and his full report after the jump...… MORE

SPD-U Spotlight Update

SPD-U Spotlight 07.03.13 posted by Student Editors

For those of you who entered our SPD-U Spotlight Online Juried Gallery Show, we're ALMOST done with judging. We'll be contacting the winners by next week and will post their work here on the blog soon after. Thanks for your patience!

Shortcuts to Success: Get A Perfect Fit for Graphics

Tips and Tricks 06.20.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUTS OF THE WEEK

Fit Frame to Content

command + option + C

Fit Content Proportionally

command + option + shift + E

Fill Frame Proportionally

command + option + shift + C

Every graphic in InDesign has two parts: the content and the frame, and you'll often have to resize one or both when designing a layout. These shortcut triplets let you decide what you want to fit and how, and do it in seconds. Learn more after the jump.

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Shortcuts to Success: One Step Scaling

Tips and Tricks 06.13.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Proportionately Scale both Container and Content

command + shift + drag bounding box handle

Every graphic placed in InDesign has two parts: a graphic frame, which is the container, and the placed image file, which is the content. Making them bigger and smaller is a big part of doing a layout, but working with each part individually takes more time than it needs to. To proportionately scale the content and container together, while holding down the command and shift keys, click hold and drag a handle of the bounding box with the Selection Tool (black arrow).

HOT TIP: This works with text and text frames, too.

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Shortcuts to Success: Flipping for Ruler Guides

Tips and Tricks 06.06.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Change Orientation of a New Ruler Guide

option + drag guide

You probably know that you can make a new guide by clicking holding and dragging on one of the rulers, but did you know that as you do it, you can quickly convert a horizontal guide to a vertical one, and vice versa? To switch the orientation of a new ruler guide as you create it, hold down the option key while dragging it out.

HOT TIP: Check out our shortcut from January 2013 to see how to quickly show and hide your rulers.

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Call for Submissions: Student Publications

New Work: Student Publications 06.05.13 posted by Student Editors

Our SPD-U Spotlight is now officially closed to entries, but if you have work from your campus magazine, newspaper, yearbook or other official student publication, we'd love to consider featuring it in our "New Work: Student Publications" blog series (like we did with last year's Inside magazine from Indiana University and SMH Magazine from NYC College of Technology).

Much like the "New Work" series over on the main SPD homepage which features the most recent work from professionals, this student version of the series highlights what your campus publications have been up to.

If you think your publication is worthy of recognition, then send us samples and tell us the backstory (check out our previous entries for examples on what to write). Magazines, yearbooks, newspapers, zines, literary journals, newsletters ... if it's an official student publication, we want to see it and hear about it! There's no deadline as this is an ongoing series, but the work does need to have been published within the past few months.

Please reduce your layout images to no larger than 1200 pixels wide, and don't forget to include all relevant credits and a little background about the publication. Send submissions or questions to spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com.

(Even if you entered the work in our SPD-U Spotlight, you can still submit it to this blog series.)

(Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee that your publication will be featured.)

SPD-U Spotlight: Deadline Extended till Wednesday!

SPD-U Spotlight 06.03.13 posted by Student Editors

As you know with our Student Design Competition, we NEVER extend our deadline. But between all the graduations and internship-finding and summer plans, it sure seems like summer's flying by without enough time to do anything! So we're giving you a bit MORE TIME to enter our SPD-U Spotlight ...

The Extended Deadline is now WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5 AT NOON (EST).

So if you're having trouble tracking down your professor or getting your files together, you get a little more time. Download the Call for Entries here and see all the frequently-asked-questions here.

Questions? Email us at SPDUspotlight@gmail.com.

SPD-U Spotlight Q&A: What qualifies as "editorial design"?

SPD-U Spotlight 05.31.13 posted by Student Editors

I want to enter an annual report I designed in your SPD-U Spotlight ... would that be considered "editorial design" or is it only for magazine design?

Yes, annual reports are definitely editorial design and therefore are totally eligible for our Spotlight show. So are newspapers, newsletters, book projects, zines, catalogs, brochures, and of course magazines as well ... anything that has editorial content is totally eligible and we want to see it!

Remember, the deadline is THIS MONDAY, by 5pm EST. You can enter up to 3 pieces that you created as a student anytime since January 2012, and it's totally FREE to enter. So send us your work now!!

See other Frequently Asked Questions here or email us at SPDUspotlight@gmail.com if you have other questions. And then download the Call for Entries here.

Good luck!!

Shortcuts to Success: Dollars and Cents

Tips and Tricks 05.30.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

The Cents Sign

option + 4

Many of us write prices that include cents as $0.25 for the simple reason that we don't know how to access the cents sign. In fact, each font has a version of it that was created specifically by the type designer. Type option + 4 to insert the cents sign.

HOT TIP: This is a Mac OS shortcut, so it will work in any application.

DID YOU KNOW? The c in the sign stands for cents, and the line through it is to distinguish the currency symbol from the letter c in the regular alphabet.

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Announcing our SPD-U Spotlight Judges!

SPD-U Spotlight 05.23.13 posted by Student Editors

The June 3 deadline for our SPD-U Spotlight Online Gallery Show is coming fast, and our super-fabulous panel of judges are ready and waiting to see all your amazing work.

Remember, there are NO RULES for this one ... no fees either, it's TOTALLY FREE to enter! All you do is send us 3 of your best pieces of editorial design (any type of editorial design: magazines, newspapers, newsletters, books, journals, zines, brochures, etc) ... you can enter anything you've designed since January 2012. Then our judges pick the best of the bunch and we showcase 'em here and everywhere we can, getting you and your work tons of exposure.

And now let's meet the amazing judges who will be looking at all your great work...

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Shortcuts to Success: Learn to Kern and Track

Tips and Tricks 05.23.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Adjust Kerning or Tracking

option left or right arrow

The keys you need are the left and right arrows, not the greater than or less than arrows, which are above the comma and period.

Kerning is adjusting the space between a pair of typographic characters, and doing it right is a sure sign that you're a pro. Tracking is the same, but that term applies to the process when more than one pair is involved.

KERNING: To tighten the space between two characters, click between them with the Type Tool to insert your cursor, hold down option and type the left arrow. To open the space, hold down option and type the right arrow.

TRACKING: To tighten the spaces between more than two characters, click hold and drag to select and highlight them with the Type Tool, hold down option and type the left arrow. To open the spaces, hold down option and type the right arrow.

Learn more, and watch a 1 minute video about kerning after the jump.

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Shortcuts to Success: Zip through Panels

Tips and Tricks 05.16.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Move to Next Field in a Panel

tab

Move to Previous Field in a Panel

shift + tab

This week's shortcut is a twofer. Let's say you're entering info in a field of a panel, and you want to move to the next field. Type the Tab key to jump to the next field of the panel you're working in. Need to go back? No problem. Hold down Shift and type Tab to jump to the previous field of the panel. Remember, though, that Tab is also a text character, so make sure you've moved your cursor out of live text, and into the panel you want to work with, or you'll end up with a typo.

HOT TIP: This works across Adobe applications, and beyond. Use it in Microsoft Office, in a web browser, and pretty much anywhere.

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Congrats to Our 2013 Student Design Competition Runners-Up!

Student Design Competition 05.13.13 posted by Student Editors

We're continuing our announcement of 2013 Student Design Competition with this year's Runners-Up. We had an awesome group of finalists, making those top placement positions an extra-hard decision. Congrats to these talented students for their great work ... check it out after the jump.

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Shortcuts to Success: Number Pages Automatically

Tips and Tricks 05.09.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Current Page Number

command + option + shift + N

Manually adding page numbers to a document in sequence, a process know as paginating, can be tedious, especially when the order of the pages changes. Save yourself lots of time and effort and let InDesign do the work for you. Click in a text frame with the Type Tool, and type command + option + shift + N to insert the Current Page Number Marker.

HOT TIP: Do this on the file's Master Page(s), and any existing or new Document Page based on those Master(s) will automatically paginate, even if moved to a different position.

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Congrats to Our 2013 Student Design Competition 6th Place Winner!

Student Design Competition 05.07.13 posted by Student Editors

We're continuing our announcement of our 2013 Student Design Competition winners today with our Third Honorable Mention, James E. Mocko. Read on to see the rest of his 6th-place winning entry and for links to our other winners... … MORE

Congrats to Our 2013 Student Design Competition 5th Place Winner!

Student Design Competition 05.06.13 posted by Student Editors

We're continuing our announcement of our 2013 Student Design Competition winners today with our Second Honorable Mention, Veronica Cordero. Read on to see the rest of her 5th-place winning entry and for links to our other winners...

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Congrats to Our 2013 Student Design Competition 4th Place Winner!

Student Design Competition 05.03.13 posted by Student Editors

A few weeks back we announced the first-, second- and third-place winners in our 2013 Student Design Competition, and now we're excited to continue the showcase of great work with our First Honorable Mention courtesy of Zipeng Zhu. Read on to see the rest of his 4th-place winning entry...… MORE

Shortcuts to Success: Indent Text, Fast!

Tips and Tricks 05.02.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Indent to Here

command + \

The easiest and fastest way to add a left indent to a paragraph is to use the Indent to Here Character. To insert the Indent to Here Character, type command + \ (backslash). See it in action after the jump.

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Shortcuts to Success: A Hyphen that Knows Where it Belongs

Tips and Tricks 04.25.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Discretionary Hyphen

command + shift + hyphen

A hyphen can be one of the most dangerous characters to use, because it can lead to a typo if your text reflows. InDesign has a special character called a discretionary hyphen, which appears when it's needed, and goes away when it isn't. To insert a discretionary hyphen, type command + shift + hyphen. See it in action after the jump.

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Will You Be In the SPD-U Spotlight? Enter Your Designs by June 3

SPD-U Spotlight 04.18.13 posted by Student Editors

The competition is now closed.

~~THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED!!!~~

New Deadline: Wednesday, June 5th, at Noon (eastern standard time)

Now that the 2012-2013 academic year is winding down for most of you and you've just finished a bunch of big projects, we want to see what you've been up to! Enter your editorial design work from the past year in our 2013 SPD-U Spotlight Juried Online Gallery.

Forget rules, forget formulas--just show us the best stuff you have. If your work is chosen by our jury of top-notch editorial design professionals, we will showcase it in an exclusive online gallery here on the SPD website. It's a great way to get your work in front of magazine art directors with the power to hire fresh, young talent like yourself. All the rules and details after the jump...

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Shortcuts to Success: Find Type in a Flash with the Glyphs Panel

Tips and Tricks 04.18.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Access the Glyphs Panel

option + shift + F11

If you don't know about the Glyphs Panel, your life is about to be changed, forever! But, first, what is a glyph? Well, in typography, it simply means any mark. A character can have more than one glyph. Let's say a font has two versions of the letter F. The F is the character, and each version is a glyph. The Glyphs Panel is a great tool, because it lets you see and select every glyph for any font loaded in your system. See how it's done, after the jump.

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Portfolio Review Wrap-Up

Portfolio Reviews 04.12.13 posted by Student Editors

Wednesday night we were lucky to be hosted by the fine folks at Wix.com for our annual Portfolio Review event. Thanks to our 6 terrific reviewers, attendees got in-depth reviews as well as a few quick ones which gave them a variety of opinions and advice to help perfect their portfolios. We also got a sneak peek at the awesome super-easy-to-use tools Wix.com has to offer for building your own online portfolio. Check out photos and some take-away tips after the jump...… MORE

Shortcuts to Success: Foreign Accents

Tips and Tricks 04.11.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Acute and Grave Accents

option + e + character; option + ` + character

Every so often, you'll need to use a word that requires an acute or grave accent. This is frequently the case if you're working in a language other than English, like our friends and Pub Crawl hosts at People en Español. Here's how to do it:

ACUTE ACCENT: type option + e, release the keys, then type the character.

GRAVE ACCENT: type option + ` (found to the left of the number 1, on the keyboard), release the keys, then type the character.

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Portfolio Reviews THIS WEDNESDAY!

Portfolio Reviews 04.05.13 posted by Student Editors

Don't forget, we're doing Portfolio Reviews this coming Wednesday in the Union Square area. Be sure to reserve your spot now! SPD Student Members get FREE entry, but you gotta reserve your spot.

This is a great chance to get your work in front of multiple reviewers from a variety of publications and companies, so you can get loads of advice and see where their opinions agree and disagree to better shape your book. Doesn't matter if you're portfolio is practically done or whether you just have a pile of printouts .... bring us whatever you've got, we'll give you our opinion and advice.

And to help you build your online portfolio (which you all should have!), we'll have experts from Wix.com (our lovely hosts!) on hand to show you what their web-building tools can do and how to create an expert online portfolio using them.

Hope to see you Wednesday!

Thanks to Wix.com for hosting the event at their Wix Lounge ... it's a free coworking space by day (meaning you can go in and use their wifi and desk space for FREE!), and an event space at night. Check out their Event Calendar for even more great events.

Shortcuts to Success: Toggle between Fill and Stroke

Tips and Tricks 04.04.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Activate Fill or Stroke to Apply a Swatch

X

You probably know that using swatches to manage color is a big time-saver, because you can define them, apply them, and once you edit them, the change will be applied throughout your document. Save even more time with this shortcut that lets you choose how you want to apply your swatch to a selected object. Type X to toggle between the fill and stroke, activating one and deactivating the other. Just make sure, as usual, that you're not in live text, or you'll end up with an unwanted X.

HOT TIP: Check out our shortcut from September to learn how to swap the fill and stroke.

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

All-About-Tablet-Design Event TONIGHT!

Student Events 04.03.13 posted by Student Editors

If you haven't already bought your ticket (SPD Student Members: you get in free, but you gotta reserve your spot!) for tonight's "Magazines & Tablets: What's Working and What's Not" panel discussion event, advance sales are now closed but you can buy one at the door tonight.

And as further enticement, we'll be raffling off TWO tablet design courses from panelist Joseph Caserto! One is "Create Your Own iPad & Android Publications" worth $129 and the other is "Adobe Digital Publishing Suite for Beginners" worth $69. Both are awesome resources for students and professionals, whether you've already got some tablet experience or not. We'll also be offering all attendees a huge discount on both courses.

Between the raffle, the discounts and the sure-to-be-enlightening-and-awesome discussion itself, you'll walk out a winner for sure. Hope to see you there!

Upcoming Events

Student Events 03.29.13 posted by Student Editors

Be sure you join us for two upcoming student events, and remember SPD Student Members get free entry (but you still have to reserve your spot)!

• Wednesday, April 3: MAGAZINES & TABLETS-WHAT'S WORKING AND WHAT'S NOT. A Q&A discussion with students and pros.

• Wednesday, April 10: STUDENT PORTFOLIO REVIEWS! No matter what shape your portfolio is in, bring it to us and we'll advise you on how to make it better.

Shortcuts to Success: Help, Quick!

Tips and Tricks 03.28.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Access the Help Menu

command + shift + ?

The Help Menu is an often overlooked resource for getting yourself unstuck when you're not quite sure how to do what you want to do. Type command + shift + ? to access the Help Menu, and type what you're looking for into the search field, or choose a menu item. See an example after the jump.

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Congrats to Our 2013 Student Design Competition First-Place Winner!

Student Design Competition 03.26.13 posted by Student Editors

We've announced the third-place and second-place winners in our 2013 Student Design Competition, and today are excited to present our first-place winning entry designed by Jenny Savage. Click through to see her full entry, and look for commentary from our judges and a Q&A with Jenny and all our winners to come in the next few weeks. … MORE

Congrats to Our 2013 Student Design Competition Second-Place Winner!

Student Design Competition 03.25.13 posted by Student Editors

Friday, we announced the third-place winner in our 2013 Student Design Competition. Today we continue with our second-place winner, Ben Grandgenett and his winning entry. Click through to see his full entry. Commentary from our judges and a Q&A with Ben will come in the next few weeks. … MORE

Tablet Design Q&A Event: April 3

Student Events 03.23.13 posted by Student Editors

Tablets are opening new horizons--and requiring new skills--for designers. Now interaction design is an important part of overall publication design. Wondering how much you need to know as you enter the field? Come join us Wednesday, April 3 as a great group of pros discuss how tablets have impacted publishing and what you, as students, should be aware of.

Advance ticket sales has ended, but you can still buy a ticket at the door tonight. Click thru for price and location details (and remember SPD Student Members are free!)...

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Congrats to Our 2013 Student Design Competition Third-Place Winner!

Student Design Competition 03.22.13 posted by Student Editors

After a long day of intense deliberation, our amazingly-talented panel of judges selected the top winners in our 2013 Student Design Competition. We're starting the announcements of our top 3 winners today with our third-place winner, Darby Minter ... check out her complete winning entry after the jump...… MORE

Shortcuts to Success: Open Preferences

Tips and Tricks 03.21.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Access General Preferences

command + K

Some of us like to work in picas, others in inches, and some even in centimeters. You can easily customize InDesign to suit your needs by changing Preferences. To open the Preferences dialog box and select the General tab, type command + K. Simply click a different tab to change to it.

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Student Design Competition: Thanks to Our Judges!

Student Design Competition 03.20.13 posted by Student Editors

Judging for our 2013 Student Design Competition took place Friday, March 8. Our awesome judges took their time looking over all your entries and finally managed to pick our winners. Thanks to all who entered for giving us such great work to choose from! We'll start announcing the winners here in the next few days, but for now, click thru for a sneak peek at judging day...

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Portfolio Reviews :: April 10

Portfolio Reviews 03.14.13 posted by Student Editors

March Madness is here, and here at SPD-U, it's going to bleed into April ... mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 10 for our annual Portfolio Review event. This will give all you graduating seniors (and undergrads too!) some guidance whether you're polishing up your final portfolio or you're in the midst of throwing one together.

At this event, you'll get critiques from several of our publishing pros and find out what publication and media art directors are looking for in your book when they're looking to hire. Doesn't matter if your book is finished or still in the works ... bring what you've got and our design superstars will help you figure out what's working and what's not. Details after the jump.

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Shortcuts to Success: Move Text to the Next Column

Tips and Tricks 03.14.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Force Text to the Next Column

enter

Let's say you want to push a subhead to the top of the next column in a chain of text. Instead of resizing the text frame, or adding more words, click with the Type Tool in front of the text that you want to push to the next column, and type enter.

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Shortcuts to Success: Open a Linked File for Editing

Tips and Tricks 03.07.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Edit Original

Double click the file name in the Links Panel

Shortcuts to Success took last week off to give you last-minute info on our 2013 Student Design Competition, but we promise that this week's shortcut is worth the wait. Some of InDesign's most powerful features are related to importing and managing graphics from its sister applications, Photoshop and Illustrator. Here's a great example: double click any filename in the Links Panel to open a linked graphic file in its native application for editing. Don't worry if Illustrator or Photoshop isn't open, yet; this shortcut will do that for you, too.

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Mark Your Calendars: Spring Events

Student Events 03.05.13 posted by Student Editors

Now that our Student Design Competition is officially closed (thanks for all your great entries! we'll update you soon on the judging process), we're getting amped up for some great spring events ... so mark your calendars and watch us here and on Facebook to make sure you get all the details:

• MARCH 11 :: SPD-U @ NYC13 :: We're sponsoring several sessions at the Spring National College Media Convention here in Manhattan. If your school publication staff is attending, make sure you get to our presentations on Monday! If your school isn't, you can still attend on your own by purchasing a day pass. Get all the details here and if you're interested in buying a day pass, email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com.

• APRIL 3 :: Speaker Panel Event on Tablet Design :: Curious about all those tablet versions of magazines? This speaker event will try to fill you in on all the various ways magazines are being published digitally. Look for more details to come soon!

• APRIL 10 :: Portfolio Reviews :: Whether you've got your portfolio practically done, or just have a pile of printouts of your work, bring what you've got and our awesome group of publication art directors will check it out and give you tips and feedback on how to make it better. Just in time for graduation for you seniors, but all student levels are welcome! More details to come.

Student Design Competition Entries Due TODAY!

03.04.13 posted by Student Editors

The deadline for our 2013 Student Design Competition is here! Check out our official competition post for all the rules, details, tips and info and make sure your entry is at our office by 5pm today!

Got Questions?

Student Design Competition 03.01.13 posted by Student Editors

Working on your Student Design Competition entry this weekend and have a last-minute question you need answered? Be sure to read thru the entire competition details on the main post here and check out our last-minute tips here.

Still need an answer? Ask us over on our Facebook page ... we'll try to reply asap! (Though be aware that might mean in a few hours, not a few minutes.)

Good luck! Can't wait to see your work!

Announcing the 2013 Student Design Competition Judges!

Student Design Competition 02.28.13 posted by Student Editors

As our Monday deadline fast approaches, here's a little news to help motivate you as you finish up your entries ... our 2013 Student Design Competition Judging Panel is official! Check out the incredible group of creatives who will be looking at every single entry ...

- MATTHEW AXE :: Creative Director, Martha Stewart Living
- ADAM BOOKBINDER :: Creative Director, Departures
- AREM DUPLESIS :: Design Director, New York Times Magazine
- LUKE HAYMAN :: Partner, Pentagram
- NATHALIE KIRSHEH :: Design Director, Details

A big thanks to these amazing art directors for sharing their time and talents with us. And just think, they're going to be looking at YOUR work! Even if you don't win, that's an opportunity not to be missed.

Don't forget, entries must be in our office by 5pm, Monday, March 4. All the details here.

Good Advice: Do Your Homework & Make a Good Impression

Words of Wisdom 02.25.13 posted by Student Editors

Just read this awesome tidbit of advice from Adam Glassman, creative director at O, the Oprah Magazine:

First of all, I think everyone should do their homework. You need to know who you're interviewing with -- not just the human being, but also the publication. And I can tell you numerous times people have come in and they've never picked up an issue of O Magazine. And I have to tell you something: that doesn't fly. There are so few jobs out there right now for young people, and there are a lot of people looking for a job. The moment you say that to me, the interview is over, basically, in my mind.

The other thing is you have to keep in mind that you only have one chance to make a great first impression. That's why it's called a first impression. So you need to look the part, but you also need to project some kind of confidence. And I don't want to confuse confidence with cockiness, but you need some sense of self, and you need eye contact. I've had people in my office, and they weren't even looking at me. They don't even know what they're talking about; they're not looking at me; they're looking around; they're looking down; they're meek. That doesn't work.

Read the full interview over on Mediabistro.com and hear him explain the different types of Creative Directors at various magazines.

Photo from Mediabistro.com

SPD-U@CMA: A Day of Design, March 11

Student Events 02.22.13 posted by Student Editors

Spring fever has already begun here at SPD-U headquarters as we gear up for a busy spring. First up, of course, is our March 4th deadline for the Student Design Competition (get the details here!). But then...

We've teamed up with the College Media Association once again and will be presenting a bunch of sessions at their Spring National College Media Convention. If you're a member of your college's newspaper, magazine, yearbook staff or other media group, then hopefully you're already coming! But if not, you can still come! Day passes are available which will give you access to the 4 awesome sessions we're presenting on Monday, March 11th, but also ALL of the convention's offerings that day. Read on for all the details.

And be on the lookout for 2 more great events happening in early April!

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Shortcuts to Success: Make a Grid in Seconds!

Tips and Tricks 02.21.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Make a Grid (CS5 or later)

drag to draw an object with the shape or frame tool, then use arrows to create rows and columns

This one will blow your mind! If you've ever needed to build a grid, you know how tedious it is to get the alignment and spacing consistent. Well, with this shortcut, you can draw a grid in about 10 seconds: draw a rectangle, and before you release your mouse, use the up, down, left, and right arrows to add columns and rows. Don't believe it? Check out the video after the jump.

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Ask the Pros: What's the benefit in entering the SPD Student Design Competition

Student Design Competition 02.18.13 posted by Student Editors

Our Ask the Pros series is here to answer your most pressing questions about interviewing, job-hunting and working in the world of publication art and photo departments. Got a question you want answered? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll put it to our experts. A varying panel of professionals will give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work.

Today we're breaking from the pattern a little, to give you some insight into how entering our 2013 Student Design Competition can help you ...

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Shortcuts to Success: Shoot to the Arrows

Tips and Tricks 02.14.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Access the Selection and Direct Selection Tools

Selection Tool (black arrow): V

Direct Selection Tool (white arrow): A

What better choice for our Valentines Day shortcut than to make like Cupid and pull out some arrows? What's more, we're showin' the love with a twofer. Quickly access the Selection Tool by typing V, and the Direct Selection Tool by typing A. Just don't try it in live text, or you'll end up with an unwanted V or A, and brokenhearted.

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Ask the Pros: What if I haven't been able to do any internships?

Ask The Pros 02.11.13 posted by Student Editors

Our Ask the Pros series is here to answer your most pressing questions about interviewing, job-hunting and working in the world of publication art and photo departments. Got a question you want answered? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll put it to our experts. A varying panel of professionals will give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work.

Our recent panel of art directors now tackles the topic of getting a job without any internships under your belt...

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Shortcuts to Success: Access Dialog Boxes with the Control Panel

Tips and Tricks 02.07.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Open a Dialog Box using the Control Panel

option+click Control Panel icon

Last week, we showed you how to jump to the Control Panel. Now that you're up there, if you see an attribute of your selected item that has dialog box--rotate for example--you can quickly open it. Hold down Option and click on a Control Panel icon to open its related dialog box.

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Ask the Pros: How important is it to like the topic of the mag you work for?

Ask The Pros 02.04.13 posted by Student Editors

Our Ask the Pros series is here to answer your most pressing questions about interviewing, job-hunting and working in the world of publication art and photo departments.Got a question you want answered? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll put it to our experts. A varying panel of professionals will give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work.

Today our experts talk topics ... as in magazine topics ...

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Shortcuts to Success: Get to the Control Panel in a Flash

Tips and Tricks 01.31.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Jump to Control Panel

command+6

The Control Panel (above) is that long bar at the top of your screen, and it's InDesign's command center. It's contextual, meaning that it changes to let you quickly view or change what you're working on. Select type, and it lets you change character and paragraph attributes. Select an object and it lets you change its position and dimensions. Jump to the Control Panel by typing command+6.

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Ask the Pros: What's the most valuable thing you've learned? Part 2

Ask The Pros 01.28.13 posted by Student Editors

Our Ask the Pros series is here to answer your most pressing questions about interviewing, job-hunting and working in the world of publication art and photo departments. Got a question you want answered? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll put it to our experts. A varying panel of professionals will give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work.

Following up on our recent photo editors post, today we have an awesome group of art directors and designers giving you their take on what skills and lessons they've learned so far in their careers ...
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Shortcuts to Success: Go to a Specific Page

Tips and Tricks 01.24.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Go to Page

command + J

Ever want to get to a certain page quick? You can get there without your fingers ever leaving the keyboard. Type command + J (think J for jump) and enter the page number in the Page field of the dialogue box that pops up.

HOT TIP: If your file doesn't start on page 1, you can use absolute page numbers to go to a page without using its specific number (i.e. first page, second page, etc.). Say your first page number is 66. Instead of typing 66, you can just add a plus in front of its absolute number in the document: +1 for first, +2 for second, etc. So, after typing command + J, you would enter 66 or +1, and get the same result.

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Mark Your Calendars for Our Spring 2013 Events!

Student Events 01.22.13 posted by Student Editors

As you're planning your spring semester, we have some super-terrific events to keep in mind:

• First up is our 2013 Student Design Competition. The March 4th deadline is coming fast, so be sure to check out all the details and download the official rules and entry form here. We'll be posting some tips and frequently asked questions in the coming weeks, so if you have any questions you need answered, be sure to email us.

• We're participating in the College Media Association's National College Media Convention here in NYC on Monday, March 11 and Tuesday, March 12. If your school's publication staff doesn't already attend, be sure to watch our blog here for details on how you can get tickets.

• We'll be hosting Portfolio Reviews in early April also here in NYC, exact date and details to be announced in the coming weeks.

And we have a whole lot more ... from more "Ask the Pros" posts (which will resume next week) to other events and competitions, follow us here and on our Facebook page to make sure you get the details as we announce them.

Ask the Pros: What's the most valuable thing you've learned? Part 1

Ask The Pros 01.14.13 posted by Student Editors

Our Ask the Pros series is here to answer your most pressing questions about interviewing, job-hunting and working in the world of publication art and photo departments. Got a question you want answered? Send it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll put it to our experts! A varying panel of professionals will give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work.

Today our incredible panel of photo editors tells you what skills and lessons they've learned in their careers so far that have helped them get where they are ... … MORE

Shortcuts to Success: Show Rulers

Tips and Tricks 01.10.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Show/Hide Rulers

command + R

Type command + R to show rulers, and get a quick visual guide to help figure out an object's measurements or coordinates. Want them to disappear? Just do it, again.

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Ask the Pros: Is it possible to get a job as a staff photographer?

Ask The Pros 01.07.13 posted by Student Editors

Our Ask the Pros series is here to answer your most pressing questions about interviewing, job-hunting and working in the world of publication art and photo departments. Got a question you want answered? Send it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll put it to our experts! A varying panel of professionals will give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work.

Today our super-awesome photo editors give you the scoop on the elusive staff photographer role ...
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Shortcuts to Success: Navigate between Pages

Tips and Tricks 01.03.13 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUTS OF THE WEEK

Go to First Page

home, or command + shift + page up

Go to Last Page

end, or command + shift + page down

Go to Previous Page

shift + page up

Go to Next Page

shift + page down

Go to Previous Spread

option + page up

Go to Next Spread

option + page down

Happy New Year! We're starting off 2013 with a feast of shortcuts for you. These will help you dash around your document at warp speed. Find detailed explanations after the jump...

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Ask the Pros: Do I have to know how to retouch images?

Ask The Pros 12.31.12 posted by Student Editors

After a quick holiday break, we're celebrating the end of 2012 with more of our Ask the Pros series which is here to answer your most pressing questions about interviewing, job-hunting and working in the world of publication art and photo departments.

Got a question you want answered? Send it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll put it to our experts! A varying panel of professionals will give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work.

Today our terrific group of photo editors give you their take on just what you need to know about Photoshop and retouching... and wishing you a happy new year! … MORE

Shortcuts to Success: Change Document Setup

Tips and Tricks 12.27.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Document Setup

command + option + P

Design is a process, so it's common that you'll want to adjust some of the specs you started with, once you start working on a solution. Type command+option+p to access Document Setup and revise your file's overall specs. You'll be able to change the height, width, orientation, number of pages and more. Click More Options button to bring up the bleed and slug settings.

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

What to Do on Your Holiday

12.25.12 posted by Student Editors

Yeah, the last thing we all want to do on our time off is more work (which is why our Ask the Pros series is on haitus this week), but if you love design, then this might actually be fun! In all your time off from school this holiday season, why not get started on your 2013 Student Design Competition entries! We've got all the details - and tons of tips too! - right here. So tell Aunt Doris thanks for the uh, beautiful holiday sweater, and go get to work to give yourself the best gift of all ... an internship!!! (Oh yeah, and some money and software prizes.)

Shortcuts to Success: Insert a Round Bullet

Tips and Tricks 12.20.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Round Bullet

option + 8

A bulleted list is a clean and graphic way to present information to readers. The bullets signify the start of a new item, and can give the page texture, and when color is added, energy. The shortcut for a round bullet is option + 8.

HOT TIP: This one is a Mac OS system shortcut, so it works in other applications, too.

No matter what holiday you celebrate, whether on this list or not, SPD-U wishes you a happy and healthy one!

PS: If you haven't done it yet, download a free poster with our first 25 Shortcuts to Success!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Ask the Pros: How Can I Start Photographing For a Magazine?

Ask The Pros 12.17.12 posted by Student Editors

After our terrific Ask the Pros: Live! event back in October (get caught up on the great advice our panel had to share), we're back with more of the online version. Our Ask the Pros series is here to answer some of your most common questions about interviewing, job-hunting and working in the world of publication and media art and photo departments.

Got a question you want answered? Send it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll put it to our experts! A varying panel of professionals will give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work.

For all you photographers out there, today's photo editor pros give you insight on how to get on their radar...

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Shortcuts to Success: Download Our Free Poster!

Tips and Tricks 12.13.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

Shortcuts to Success has reached a milestone: 25 shortcuts in 25 weeks. To celebrate, we've got this nifty free poster for you, available for download after the jump...

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The SPD-U Holiday Gift Guide

You Should Do This 12.11.12 posted by Student Editors

Running out of gift ideas for your fellow design-nerd friends? Or need some ideas to ask for yourself? Then check out some of the fun things on our Student Committee members' wish lists by clicking thru ... … MORE

Ask the Pros: What part of your job do you like least?

Ask The Pros 12.10.12 posted by Student Editors

After our terrific Ask the Pros: Live! event (get caught up on the great advice our panel had to share), we're back with more of the online version. Our Ask the Pros series is here to answer some of your most common questions about interviewing, job-hunting and working in the world of publication and media art and photo departments.

Got a question you want answered? Send it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll put it to our experts! A varying panel of professionals will give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work.

You know being a magazine designer seems cool, but ever wonder what the downsides are? Read on for our experts' take...… MORE

Ask the Pros: As a self-taught designer, will grad school help me get a job?

Ask The Pros 12.03.12 posted by Student Editors

After our terrific Ask the Pros: Live! event (get caught up on the great advice our panel had to share), we're back with more of the online version. Our Ask the Pros series is here to answer some of your most common questions about interviewing, job-hunting and working in the world of publication and media art and photo departments.

Got a question you want answered? Send it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll put it to our experts! A varying panel of professionals will give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work.

Read on for today's question about grad school .... … MORE

Ask the Pros: How do you feel about promo pieces?

Ask The Pros 11.26.12 posted by Student Editors

After our terrific Ask the Pros: Live! event (get caught up on the great advice our panel had to share), we're back with more of the online version. To help prepare you for the real world, our Ask the Pros series is here to answer some of your most common questions about interviewing, job-hunting and working in the world of publication and media art and photo departments.

Got a question you want answered? Send it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll put it to our experts! A varying panel of professionals will give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work.

Read on for today's question about sending out promo pieces ....

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Forget Black Friday ... Work on Our Student Design Competition Instead!

Student Design Competition 11.23.12 posted by Student Editors

Why get bumped and bruised fighting the crowds at the mall? Stay safe and sane by staying home and working on your entries for our Student Design Competition instead! The 2013 contest is officially open. Get all the nitty-gritty details and download the entry form here.

Have questions? Send 'em to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll answer them here on the blog.

Get Those Ideas Flowing! Our Student Design Competition is Officially Open

Student Design Competition 11.16.12 posted by Student Editors

You know those SPD Annuals we're always talking about around here? The huge books with lushly printed pages full of awesome, award-winning magazine designs and photography? Well here's YOUR CHANCE to be a part of it!

Enter our 2013 Student Design Competition and if you're one of the top winners, your winning entry will be published alongside all the super-cool professionals. Not to mention, you could win an INTERNSHIP, ADOBE SOFTWARE and CASH!!!! And according to research, everyone likes more cash ... well, everybody but that baby.

So click here to check out our official competition post chock-full of rules, info, FAQs, tips, past winning entries and more. And if you STILL have questions, email us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com.

The March 4 deadline may seem a long ways away, but it'll be here before you know it! Get started now!

Mark Your Calendars! 2013 Student Design Competition Entries Due March 4th

Student Design Competition 11.12.12 posted by Student Editors

Our annual Student Design Competition is an awesome opportunity for you to win internship, cash and prizes. We're sharing the categories and rules below to get those ideas flowing.

Pick one of the following five topics and design a 2-spread story. We love original photography and illustration, so if you can incorporate that, even better (some categories even require it). And who says you only have to pick 1? Enter as many designs as you'd like.

Get all the rules and category details after the jump and look for the official rules and entry form PDF to be posted here in the coming weeks. And be sure to check our Facebook page for more updates.

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"Ask the Pros: Live!" :: What We Learned

11.01.12 posted by Student Editors

SPD-U continued its busy fall with our "Ask the Pros: Live!" event a week ago, Wednesday, October 24. Our truly awesome group of panelists (pictured above, from left: Jen Sharpe, Elliot Stokes, David Curcurito, Dennis Huynh, Jamie Bartolacci and Yuko Shimizu) had all kinds of terrific, honest advice and shared lots of juicy tidbits from their own experience job hunting or hiring. If you weren't able to make it, here's some snippets of wisdom that was shared: … MORE

Get Your Red Hot Career Advice TONIGHT!

Student Events 10.24.12 posted by Student Editors

Our "Ask the Pros: Live!" Event is happening tonight at the Type Directors Club on W.36th St in Manhattan, and our amazing group of speakers are chock-full of great advice for you on how to get a job. Doors open at 6:30 and the event starts at 7.

Buy your ticket now for $10 using the form here (SPD Student Members are FREE!!). Pre-advance sales close at 5pm. After that, you can buy tickets at the door for $15 general admission (student members are still free).

Looking forward to seeing you tonight!

SPD-U

Ask the Pros: Live! Featuring...
Elliot Stokes

Ask The Pros 10.22.12 posted by Student Editors

Our Ask the Pros: Live! event is happening THIS Wednesday, October 24, and to help you get the most out of it, we'll be featuring our awesome panelists over the next few days. Space is limited for the event, so register beforehand to reserve your spot and get the discounted ticket price!

Today we meet designer Elliot Stokes, currently Designer for Every Day with Rachel Ray. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2010, studying design and making a lot of posters for WUOG, the college radio station. He also made pencil drawings and greeting cards in his free time.

As a senior, he entered our annual Student Design Competition and won first place (check out his award-winning entry here), granting him a magazine internship in New York. After his summer internship at Inc. magazine, he took a position at Fast Company doing marketing design, occasionally helping with editorial pages.

Later Elliot applied for a position at Rachael Ray after thinking he belonged in editorial. He's now primarily a designer at the magazine, but frequently he makes small drawings and does title lettering as well. Sometimes he'll also do freelance jobs if they come up, for clients such as the NYTimes, Fast Company, and Nylon Guys.

To help prepare for Wednesday's event, we asked Elliot what was something he knows now about career/job-hunting that he wish he knew in the beginning. Read on for his advice ...
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Ask the Pros: Live! Featuring...
Dennis Huynh

Ask The Pros 10.21.12 posted by Student Editors

Our Ask the Pros: Live! event is happening next Wednesday, October 24, and to help you get the most out of it, we'll be featuring our awesome panelists over the next few days. Space is limited for the event, so register beforehand to reserve your spot and get the discounted ticket price!

Today we meet art director Dennis Huynh, currently the Senior Associate Art Director for Entertainment Weekly (a job he just started, so he'll have lots of fresh job-hunting advice to share!)

Dennis grew up in the suburbs of Boise, Idaho and studied design at Walla Walla University in Washington state. Having grown up a school yearbook and newspaper kid, he wanted to focus his career in magazine editorial design. He spent a few years at a boutique branding firm in Washington state working on corporate communications and small publications, then moved to Cincinnati Magazine to serve as their assistant art director before moving to New York. While here, he's worked as an art director at Tennis and Cooking Light before recently moving to Entertainment Weekly.

To help prepare for Wednesday's event, we asked Dennis what was something he knows now about career/job-hunting that he wish he knew in the beginning, and he advice was spot-on ... read on to hear it and join us Wednesday to hear more! ...
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Ask the Pros: Live! Featuring...
Jen Sharpe

Ask The Pros 10.20.12 posted by Student Editors

Our Ask the Pros: Live! event is happening next Wednesday, October 24, and to help you get the most out of it, we'll be featuring our awesome panelists over the next few days. Space is limited for the event, so register beforehand to reserve your spot and get the discounted ticket price!

Today we're introducing Jennifer Sharpe, an editorial human resources/recruitment rep. If you've ever applied for a job through one of the corporate websites and wondered what happens next, she'll be able to fill you in!

Jennifer is Associate Director of Staffing at Time Inc. the world's largest magazine publisher and home to brands including TIME, PEOPLE, FORTUNE, Sports Illustrated, InStyle and Entertainment Weekly. Jennifer joined Time Inc. in 2009 and is responsible for the recruitment of mid- and senior-level editorial talent for the company's print and digital businesses. In addition, she oversees the recruitment for all entry-level talent and Time Inc.'s exclusive internship programs around the country.

To help prepare for Wednesday's event, we asked Jennifer what was something she knows now about careers and job-hunting that she wishes she knew in the beginning. Read on for her answer and join us Wednesday to hear more...
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Ask the Pros: Live! Featuring...
Yuko Shimizu

Ask The Pros 10.19.12 posted by Student Editors

Our Ask the Pros: Live! event is happening next Wednesday, October 24, and to help you get the most out of it, we'll be featuring our awesome panelists over the next few days. Space is limited for the event, so register beforehand to reserve your spot and get the discounted ticket price!

Today we're introducing illustrator Yuko Shimizu. Yuko is an award-winning Japanese illustrator based in New York City. Her first career was in corporate PR where she spent 11 years after graduating from college before switching gears to illustration. She graduated from MFA as Visual Essay from SVA in 2003.

Her work has been seen on The Gap T-shirt, Pepsi cans, Visa billboards, NIKE, Microsoft and MTV ads, as well as on pages of The New York Times, TIme, The New Yorker and Rolling Stone. She has won numerous awards world-wide including being selected by Newsweek Japan as one of the "100 Japanese People The World Respects" in 2009. Her first monograph is published from Gestalten of Germany, and her first children's book Barbed Wire Baseball is due to be out spring of 2013 from Abrams Books. She is also a member of illustration faculty at School of Visual Arts.

To help prepare for Wednesday's event, we asked Yuko what was something she knows now about her career that she wishes she knew in the beginning. Read on for answer and join us Wednesday to hear more...
… MORE

Ask the Pros: Live! Featuring...
David Curcurito

Ask The Pros 10.18.12 posted by Student Editors

Our Ask the Pros: Live! event is happening next Wednesday, October 24, and to help you get the most out of it, we'll be featuring our awesome panelists over the next few days. Space is limited for the event, so register beforehand to reserve your spot and get the discounted ticket price!

Today meet David Curcurito, Design Director of the always-inspiring Esquire. For seven-and-a-half years, David has been developing a visual language for Esquire Magazine that he likes to describe as reckless and irresponsible. Under his direction, Esquire has been defying traditional newsstand cover design with heavy type and nearly illegible cover lines. His jam-packed design treatment was revolutionary at the time and Esquire's covers have since defined their own niche and became instant classics.

Read on for more on David....

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Shortcuts to Success: Use That Color Again

Tips and Tricks 10.18.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Apply the Last-Used Swatch

comma

If you want to apply the same color swatch to multiple objects, select the object and type comma. The last color you used will be applied to either the fill or the stroke, depending on which one you've activated.

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Ask the Pros: Live! Featuring ... Jamie Bartolacci!

Ask The Pros 10.17.12 posted by Student Editors

Our Ask the Pros: Live! event is happening next Wednesday, October 24, and to help you get the most out of it, we'll be featuring our awesome panelists over the next few days. Space is limited for the event, so register beforehand to reserve your spot and get the discounted ticket price!

Today we're introducing freelance designer Jamie Bartolacci. Since graduating from the School of Visual Arts in 2007, Jamie has worked as a freelance editorial designer, contributing to Jane, T the New York Times Style Magazine, Glamour, Conde Nast Traveler and Women's Health. At Glamour, she was given the opportunity to work on their first-ever tablet edition and has since worked on Conde Nast Traveler's and Women's Health's digital editions. Jamie also worked on SuperFreakonomics: The Super-Deluxe, Super-Illustrated Edition at Number 17 and Earth (the Book) at Pentagram. Currently she works at Rodale in the mobile design and development group, designing Women's Health for the iPad.

To help prepare for the event, we asked Jamie what's one thing she knows now about her career and job-hunting that she wish she knew starting out ... read on to find out her answer. And attend the event to hear even more great advice! ...

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Get a FREE Book: SPD-U is Celebrating 200 Likes on Facebook!

Students 10.12.12 posted by Student Editors

The SPD-U Facebook Page has hit 200 fans; WOO HOO! To say thanks we're giving away TEN copies of our annuals: beautiful hardcover volumes of the best publication design in the world (list price: $60). Like SPD-U on Facebook to learn how you can snag one. Don't forget to tell your classmates to like our page, too, so they can get in on the fun. Stay tuned, we just might have more stuff to give away when we hit 250! Cheers, SPD-U

Shortcuts to Success: Change Type Size

Tips and Tricks 10.11.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Increase or Decrease Type Size

command + shift >

command + shift <

This week's shortcut is a twofer! Changing the size of your type couldn't be easier. Select type with the Type Tool. To make it bigger, hold down the command and shift keys, and type the greater-than symbol (period key), or to make it smaller, type the less-than symbol (comma key).

The default increment is 2 pt, but I always change it to 1 pt. Go to the InDesign Menu > Preferences > Units and Increments, and type 1 pt in the Size/Leadiing field.

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Shortcuts to Success: Instantly Match Text Formatting

Tips and Tricks 10.04.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Paste without Formatting

command + shift + V

You're just about to send a layout on its way, when a new deck lands in your email inbox. Make the change in lightning speed!

More...

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"Ask the Pros" Coming to You LIVE! on Oct. 24

Student Events 10.02.12 posted by Student Editors

Like our "Ask the Pros" online series where the pros answer all your job-hunting questions? Then you're going to love this speaker panel event on Wednesday, 10/24!

Come hear our panel of awesome magazine design professionals answer your most pressing questions about resumes, portfolios, interviews and all-things-career-related. We'll cover print design, tablet design, illustration and more. Tons of great advice to be had, AND we'll be giving away FREE SPD BOOKS!!!

So submit your questions to us when you sign up for the event, email 'em to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com or arrive ready to ask them yourself on the 24th! Click through for the details and to reserve your spot now, space is limited! … MORE

Shortcuts to Success: Bring in Text and Images

Tips and Tricks 09.27.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Place Text and Image Files

command + D

Publication Designers always use files from other applications in their InDesign layouts using the place command.

More...

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Register for Friday's Pub Crawl by Noon Wednesday!

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.25.12 posted by Student Editors

Our Pub(lications) Crawl event is almost totally filled up, but there are still a couple spots left! If you want 'em, you better sign up now. Registration officially closes Wednesday, 9/26, at noon.

Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity to get to meet the staffs of some top magazines and see how they put their publications together. All the details here.

Internship Insight

Internships 09.24.12 posted by Student Editors

In preparation for our Student Design Competition, we thought we'd talk to 2012's first-place winner Chris Allen to see how his prize internship at Sports Illustrated went this summer. Read on to hear about his experience and get yourself psyched to start working on your entries for this year's competition (remember, you win money and more in addition to the internship!). But now, let's hear from Chris...
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Pub Crawl Spotlight: TOUR C People en Español & Seventeen

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.20.12 posted by Student Editors

Our Pub(lications) Crawl event is happening Friday, September 28th and it's totally worth asking your teacher for a day out of class. Don't forget the registration deadline is noon, Wednesday, September 26th. Find out all the details here, but read on for more info on the incredible mags from Tour C.

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Shortcuts to Success: Make Panels Disappear

Tips and Tricks 09.20.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Show or Hide Panels

tab

If you use a lot of panels when you work, you can get them to disappear, fast. Type the tab key to hide all panels; do it a second time to show them, again. Just make sure you're not working in live type, or you'll insert a tab character.

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Pub Crawl Spotlight: TOUR B Bloomberg Businessweek & Inked

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.19.12 posted by Student Editors

Our Pub(lications) Crawl event is happening Friday, September 28th and it's totally worth asking your teacher for a day out of class. Don't forget the registration deadline is noon, Wednesday, September 26th. Find out all the details here, but read on for more info on the incredible mags from Tour B.

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Pub Crawl Spotlight: TOUR A Men's Health & The Huffington Post

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.18.12 posted by Student Editors

Our Pub(lications) Crawl event is happening Friday, September 28th and it's totally worth asking your teacher for a day out of class. Don't forget the registration deadline is noon, Wednesday, September 26th. Find out all the details here, but read on for more info on the incredible mags from Tour A.

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Shortcuts to Success: My Type Tool, Please!

Tips and Tricks 09.13.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Select the Type Tool

T

So, you just finished drawing an object, and now you need to switch tools so you can put type on the page. Type T to select the Type Tool in the Toolbox. That's T for type. And, this works in Adobe's other programs, too!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Shortcuts to Success: Switching Swatches

Tips and Tricks 09.06.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Swap an Object's Fill and Stroke

shift + X

Accidentally applied a swatch to an object's fill, instead of it's stroke? No problem! With the object selected, hold down shift and type X to swap the colors of the fill and stroke.

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Shortcuts to Success: Generate a PDF or jpg from InDesign

Tips and Tricks 08.30.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Export to a Different Format

command + E

InDesign makes it easy to make a pdf or a jpg of your file. Type command + E to export to a different file format. There's still a little more work to do: choose the file type from the Format menu, pick a spot to save your file, click Save, and choose a few more options, which will vary depending on the format that you selected.

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Shortcuts to Success: Get the Selection Tool while in Type

Tips and Tricks 08.23.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Temporarily Access the Selection Tool

hold down command

Say you're working with type, and you need to resize the frame. Sure, you can go to the Toolbox, switch to the Selection tool, and then repeat to switch back to the Type Tool, but there's a faster way. Access the Selection Tool from the Type Tool by holding down the command key. Once you're done using it, release the command key, and you're back where you started.

HOT TIP:

This works with many other tools (Pen, Line, Frame), and also across CS applications, which means you can use it in Photoshop and Illustrator, too!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Shortcuts to Success: Hide the Pasteboard

Tips and Tricks 08.16.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Toggle Screen Modes

W

So, you've got all kinds of stuff on your pasteboard that you might need to use while you design, but what happens when you want to see what the page looks like trimmed? Switch your screen mode to Preview to hide everything outside the trim, or Bleed or Slug to hide everything outside those areas. To toggle between Normal and the other view mode you've selected, type W. It's a great shortcut, unless you're working in live text. Try to use it then, and you'll end up with a pesky, unwanted W.

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Shortcuts to Success: See an Entire Spread

Tips and Tricks 08.09.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Fit Spread in Window

command + option + 0

It's important to consider both pages when designing a spread. To quickly fit the entire layout into the document window, type command + option + 0. (That's the number zero, not the letter O!)

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Shortcuts to Success: See Spaces and Non-Printing Type

Tips and Tricks 08.02.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Show or Hide Hidden Characters

command + option + I

Not all typos involve letters and numbers, so InDesign helps you stay on top of things with hidden characters, which indicate non-printing type, like spaces and paragraph returns. To show hidden characters, type command + option + I. As long as you're working in Normal screen mode, you'll see all your type, not just what will print.

Designers don't add more than one space after a period. Typists do.

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Shortcuts to Success: The Text Wrap Panel

Tips and Tricks 07.26.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Show/Hide the Text Wrap Panel

command + option + W

Integrating images and text on a page is the name of our game, so it makes sense that we wrap a lot of text. Type command + option + W to show or hide the Text Wrap Panel.

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Shortcuts to Success: Save Multiple Documents at Once

Tips and Tricks 07.19.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Save All Open Documents

command + option + shift + s

This week's shortcut lets us multi-taskers save all our open files at once! So, if you have to dash to an important meeting, your hard work won't get wiped out if you trip over your computer's power cord and unplug it on the way.

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut was submitted by Mr. Povilas Zaleskis, Freelance graphic designer, Luxembourg www.bernardinai.lt/zurnalas. Commentary was brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Shortcuts to Success: Choose Text Alignment

Tips and Tricks 07.12.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Text Alignment

command + shift + L, R, or C

When you're working with text, there's no need to open your Paragraph Panel to change the alignment, just use these shortcuts...

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Shortcuts to Success: Add the Copyright Symbol

Tips and Tricks 07.05.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Copyright Symbol

option + G

What's more American than business? In honor of our Nation's birthday, this week's shortcut lets 'em know you mean it! Type option + G to get the Copyright Symbol. Even better, this is a universal Mac shortcut, so you can use it beyond InDesign.

FYI, to learn more about protecting your work, check out Copyright Myths, by our friends at the Graphic Artists Guild. It's free!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Shortcuts to Success: View a Full-Screen Layout

Tips and Tricks 06.28.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Enter Presentation Screen Mode (CS5 or later)

shift + W

If you want to give a nice clean presentation but your screen has all those messy panels, toolbars, and windows, shift + W will switch your Screen Mode to Presentation, and display only your file, full-screen, on a black background. Use the left or right arrow keys to change pages, and escape to go back to normal mode.

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Shortcuts to Success: Fill=None & Stroke=Black

Tips and Tricks 06.21.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Set an object's fill to None, and its stroke to Black

D

If you love color, like we do, you've probably got a lot of swatches in your panel, and often have to change the color of an object...

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Shortcuts to Success: Paste in Place

Tips and Tricks 06.14.12 posted by Student Editors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

Paste in Place

command + option + shift + V

If you want to put stuff in the same exact place on a different page, this is for you. Select the original object(s) with the Selection Tool (black arrow), go to the new page, and Paste in Place. (It's also in the Edit Menu). Everything will be in the exact same position! It works with different documents, too, as long as the pages are the same size and orientation.

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Good Advice: History is Important

Words of Wisdom 06.12.12 posted by Student Editors

QUESTION: Why bother yourself about the archaic world of long-forgotten photographers when there is so much happening that is now?

ANSWER: So you are not a stupid, vapid photographic twit.

That's the advice given over on LensWork Daily in a discussion about recent graduates and aspiring artists not knowing prominent names of their craft's history. Might seem harsh, and there's certainly people in the comments section calling him out for that, but it's also good advice. Even if your degree program doesn't require a history class or teach it in others, do your own research to learn the big names (and even the small ones!) of your particular field.

Check out the full post and helpful comments out here.

Shortcuts to (InDesign) Success

Tips and Tricks 06.07.12 posted by Student Editors

Ask any designer or art director what their favorite InDesign keyboard shortcut is and 99% will probably say Command-Z. The cut-and-paste commands seem so second-nature it feels like we were all born knowing them. And losing hours of work when your computer crashes quickly teaches you the value of Command-S. But what about the command for Paste-in-Place? Or to quickly access the clipping path options? Or to change the fill color of something to none?

Here at SPD-U headquarters, even after years and years of working, we're still learning shortcuts and tricks that change our lives ... well, our InDesign lives anyway. The more you know about InDesign, the faster you'll be able to work and the more you'll be able to look like a pro and impress your boss.

So to help you do just that, we're introducing a new series: Shortcuts to Success. Sure, there are huge lists of these shortcuts available online and elsewhere, but who really sits down and memorizes all those? It's the ones you learn one-by-one and practice little-by-little that get permanently added to the mental list. So each week, we'll highlight a different keyboard shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

Look for our first shortcut this Thursday.

Smart Quote #44: Finding Inspiration

Quoted 06.07.12 posted by Student Editors

Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing.

--Salvador Dalí

We found this quote on the awesome site Brainpickings, in a great article on the issue of inspiration and its more extreme form, plagiarism. Great food for thought.

Smart Quote #43: The Reality of a Passion as Business

Quoted 05.24.12 posted by Student Editors

What you need to decide, is if you really want to be a commercial photographer, or if you just like taking pictures. These are two very different things entirely and it's hard for many people to separate these two things. The Photographer from the Commercial photography business owner. You need to love the business side of things and the challenges that come with that.

--Photographer Steve Giralt in response to a student's question about becoming a photographer (via APhotoEditor)

If you're interested in becoming a photographer, Steve's answer is a must-read ... check out the whole thing here. And even if your career interest lies elsewhere, his advice above rings true. It's one thing to do something for fun, as a hobby. It's another to make it your business.

Get more awesome Smart Quotes here.

Best of Collegiate Design Entries Due Tuesday! And Other Stuff...

Student Outreach 05.11.12 posted by Student Editors

While school's officially over (or almost!) for the 2011-12 academic year, you're probably not too anxious to do more work. Well for our new competition, the Best of Collegiate Design, you don't have to! It's all about what you've already done ... Worked on your college newspaper, magazine, yearbook or online publication? Then enter your stuff now! We've got an awesome panel of judges lined up, ready to see what you've got! Entries are due this Tuesday, the 15th, so enter now!!

Speaking of competitions, we're excited to meet our top winners in our 2012 Student Design Competition tonight at the annual SPD Awards Gala ... we'll be officially awarding these talented students on stage with all the other award-winning professionals, just one of the cool parts of their winning prize.

As you prepare for your summer internship, check out this article from TIME magazine about getting the most out of it.

Speaking of TIME, we trust you've heard the controversy over this week's cover?

And speaking of internships (or a job!) ... if you haven't found one yet, don't forget to check out our Job Board and Ed2010's WhisperJobs and internship listings.

And lastly for this week, don't forget to keep up with us on Facebook! Have a great weekend and congrats to all you graduating seniors! And competition winners, we'll see you tonight!

Ask the Pros: What Do YOU Want to Ask?

Ask The Pros 05.07.12 posted by Student Editors

As you seniors out there get ready to graduate and the rest of you prepare for summer internships, you're bound to have all kinds of questions. Well, we're here to help! Our new "Ask the Pros" series was created just for that ... send us your question about job hunting, interviewing, interning, and/or working in publication-design-and-photo land and we'll get our panel of experts to give you their advice!

And if you're a working professional, we'd love to have you take part! Email us to be on one of our panels.

Check out our previous Ask the Pros questions below. More to come soon!

- Are tablet/digital portfolios acceptable for an interview?
- What's the biggest mistake you often see in recent graduates' and interns' portfolios?
- What do I wear to my interview?

New SPD-Sponsored Competition: The Best of Collegiate Design

Student Competition 04.26.12 posted by Student Editors

As we get ready to post the rest of our winning entries in our 2012 Student Design Competition (you've seen our 1st, 2nd and 3rd place already, right?), we're announcing the details of another one: In our continuing effort to recognize all the awesome design work being done out there, SPD is now an official co-sponsor of the Best of Collegiate Design contest, working with the College Media Association to recognize the best work produced by student media designers.

Did you work on your college's newspaper, magazine, yearbook or online publication over the past year? Then enter your work! (That's some of last year's winning entries above.) A panel of judges made up of some of the best publication design professionals out there will check out your work and pick the best of the best for inclusion in the CMA's annual Best of Collegiate Design publication. And we'll feature the winners here on our blog as well.

The deadline is May 15, so get your entries in now! Get all the details here and watch our site and the CMA's competition Facebook page here for updates and judge profiles.

Ask the Pros: What's the Biggest Mistake You See in Portfolios?

Ask The Pros 04.23.12 posted by Student Editors

To help prepare you for the real world, we're introducing this Ask the Pros series to help answer some of your most frequently asked questions about interviewing, job-hunting and working in the world of magazine art and photo departments.

Got a question you want answered? Send it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll put it to our experts! A varying panel of 5-8 professionals will give you their take, and then it's up to you to put their advice to work. And if you're a working professional yourself, we'd love to hear your opinion too ... don't hesitate to add it in our comments!

Following up on our recent Portfolio Review event, today we're answering a question of utmost importance that you may not even knew to ask...… MORE

The Internet Can Be Tricky Like That

Words of Wisdom 04.13.12 posted by Student Editors

If you're up on your journalism news, you've probably heard about young reporter Khristopher Brooks and his attempt to share his excitement over a new job through a faux press release on his personal blog ... a perhaps-fun and creative idea, but one that got him fired even before he started the job!

There's lots to be said about the whole ordeal, but the big takeaway for you is to just be careful what you put online. The blog 10,000 Words has a great writeup with some tips to keep in mind for your own personal blog and social media use ... it's geared more towards the editor types, but us artsy folk can definitely learn from it too.

Answer: Born in 1957, this font starred in its own documentary.

Typography 04.04.12 posted by Student Editors

Question: What is Helvetica?

If you're a fan of type trivia, like we are, you'll (heart) this nifty infographic, which shows the history of Western fonts, from Gutenberg to Carter. Give it a read! You'll be ready when Jeopardy! calls, and will be sure to impress your type-geek friends. We'll take typography for $1000, Alex.--Joseph Caserto

Milton Glaser used American Typewriter, which was designed in 1974, for his iconic "I Heart New York" logo in 1977.

Fun with Type 101

Typography 03.17.12 posted by Student Editors

If you're stuck and in need of some creative inspiration, check out Word As Image, by Ji Lee. A tried and true project done by most every designer during their sophomore year, each image is made out of a word, using only the letters in the word itself, and only the graphic elements of the letters. No outside elements are allowed! Check out the cool video, which pushes the concepts further by adding motion. Have any particular favorites? Post a comment to let us know! Mine are elevator, fast food, and Dali.--Joseph Caserto

Meet the Judges, Part Two: Fortune and Men's Journal

Student Design Competition 03.01.12 posted by Student Editors

You now have a few extra days to perfect those entries for our Student Design Competition (deadline extended to March 12 at 5pm!), so take a minute to meet our judges and hear what they're looking for in your entries!

We met Stravinski Pierre of Esquire and Sean Johnston of Field & Stream earlier this week. Today we meet two more incredible talents ...

… MORE

Meet the Judges, Part One: Esquire and Field & Stream

Student Design Competition 02.28.12 posted by Student Editors

With the deadline for our 2012 Student Design Competition just a couple days away (reminder: all entries due Monday, March 12th by 5pm, download your entry forms here!), we wanted you to get to know our esteemed panel of judges a little bit better.

This year the six magazine brands represented by our team include some of the heaviest hitters in our industry. All are regular medal winners in the annual SPD awards and run some of the most creative and ambitious art departments in the business...meet the creative leaders of Esquire, ESPN, InStyle, Fortune, Men's Journal and FIeld & Stream. Introducing your 2012 judges...

… MORE

29 Ways to Keep On Keepin' On

Tips and Tricks 02.22.12 posted by Student Editors

All creatives have moments when we're just not feelin' it. This nifty poster shows 29 ways to get your juices flowing, and keep them that way (click on the image to see it bigger). (Poster by Ed Hall)

Do You Know Your Ascender from Your L's Stem?

Typography 02.09.12 posted by Student Editors

We found TypeTalk: The Anatomy of a Character in our online travels, and being huge type-geeks, we just had to share it! Click through to learn which letter of the alphabet might have an ear, link, or spur.

--posted by contributor Joseph Caserto

What About Freelancing?

Words of Wisdom 02.06.12 posted by Student Editors

You're Not the Boss of Me! 10 Ways to Help Start a Freelance Career

A staff job isn't the only way to work at a magazine. Art directors, designers, illustrators, photographers, stylists, and many more professions can find success freelancing. Starting a freelance career isn't as hard as you might think. Check out this article for some pointers to help you "get your freelance on!"

Student Competitions: Get Inspired!

Student Competition 01.27.12 posted by Student Editors

As the deadlines for our Student Design and Photo Competitions quickly approach, maybe you're trying to figure out just want you're going to do for your entries. How about looking at what previous winners have done? Or turning to the pros for some winning inspiration. Keep reading for some handy links to great ideas ... but just remember, don't copy!! Just get inspired to create your own awesome ideas. Read on for the links.
… MORE

Type in a Minute: Kerning

Typography 01.24.12 posted by Student Editors

Got a minute to talk type? Here's the first installment of my series of videos on typography basics, and it covers kerning, which is adjusting the space between letters. Well-kerned type makes your work look professional, and you stand out from the crowd. --Joseph Caserto

Welcome to one of our newest contributors, Joseph Caserto. You'll be seeing lots of new contributors over the next few weeks and months, so keep coming back for more awesome content!

… MORE

Up Close with Our 2011 Student Competition Third-Place Winner

Student Design Competition 11.30.11 posted by Student Editors

Our 2012 Student Design Competition is officially open! To help get the creative juices flowing, we're taking a closer look at this past year's winners.

Claire Eckstrom, who recently graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology and now works at Fast Company magazine, was our thrid-place winner in the 2011 competition. She literally had us "hooked" with her creative subject matter and great sidebars and secondary coverage, earning herself a $500 prize, the Adobe Creative Suite and an internship at Inc. magazine. Click through for her second spread and for some insight into how she came up with her winning entry. … MORE

Up Close with Our 2011 Student Competition Second-Place Winner

Student Design Competition 11.21.11 posted by Student Editors

Our 2012 Student Design Competition is officially open! To help get the creative juices flowing, we're going to take a closer look at this past year's winners.

Derek Eng, who recently graduated from Ontario College of Art & Design, was our second-place winner in the 2011 competition. He also won third-place in last year's competition, and he again impressed us with his layered designs chock-full of information designed in a fun and approachable way. As the second-place winner, Derek won a $1,000 prize, the Adobe Creative Suite and an internship opportunity. Click through for the 2nd spread of his entry and for some insight into how he came up with his winning entry. We'll be posting the same for our other winners within the next few weeks, so keep coming back! … MORE

Up Close with Our 2011 Student Competition First-Place Winner

Student Design Competition 11.10.11 posted by Student Editors

As you may have noticed on our homepage, our 2012 Student Design Competition is officially open! To help get the creative juices flowing, we're going to take a closer look at this past year's winners.

Luke Shuman, who recently graduated from Taylor University in Indiana, was our first-place winner in the 2011 competition. He had us hooked with his unique subject matter and cool illustrations and lettering, earning himself the $2,500 Adobe Scholarship in honor of B.W. Honeycutt, the Adobe Creative Suite and an internship at Sports Illustrated. Click through for the 2nd spread of his entry and for some insight into how he came up with his winning entry. We'll be posting the same for our other winners within the next few weeks, so keep coming back!

… MORE

Pub Crawl Wrap-Up

Pub(lications) Crawl 10.04.11 posted by Student Editors

Our Pub(lications) Crawl event last Friday was a huge success, touring the offices of Parents, Money, Maxim, Time, Billboard and the brand-new HGTV Magazine. Our Pub Crawl students got their own first-hand peek at the premiere issue and how it came together, but if you weren't able to join us, you can get your own mini-Pub Crawl thru HGTV Magazine's very own documentary showing on the HGTV Channel on October 7 at 9pm. In the meantime, check out some more of our tour pictures after the jump.
… MORE

Pub Crawl Registration Closes 5pm Wednesday

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.27.11 posted by Student Editors

Okay, for real, this is your very last chance to sign up for our office tours happening this Friday, September 30. You must sign up by 5pm. Remember your entry is free if you're a student member! But you DO have to sign up. No one will be allowed to come at the last minute or the day-of. So get your ticket now and look forward to an awesome day of insider info on Friday!

Last Chance: Behind-the-Scenes at Magazines

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.20.11 posted by Student Editors

Our Pub(lications) Crawl tours (happening THIS Friday, Sept. 30) are filling up fast! Reserve your spot by 5pm Wednesday to get insider access to some of the hottest magazines in the biz (see all the cool covers above???). This is the only time we're doing this for the academic year ... it won't happen again in the spring, and no, we don't do private tours. So it's now or never! Ok, so really it's now or next year, but going next year is not going to help you get that job or internship this coming May. So click here and sign up now, you won't regret it!

Don't Miss Out on Our
Awesome Office Tours

Pub(lications) Crawl 09.06.11 posted by Student Editors

Space is starting to fill up for our Pub(lications) Crawl event on Friday, September 30, where you get personalized tours at the offices of 6 top magazines. TIME, Maxim, Parents, Money, Billboard and even the yet-to-be-published HGTV magazine are all ready and waiting to give you a sneak peek into how they work and how their publications come together. Even if you're not in the NYC area, this is one event that is worth a trip.

You'll be in small tour groups and will be able to ask your tour guides all the questions you want, so hurry up and ask your professors for permission to miss Friday classes. Sign up asap since tours are given on a first-come, first-serve basis (you'll get confirmation of which tour you get a few days before the event). All the details here.

Show & Tell Student Jury Winners: Gallery 3

Show & Tell 08.24.11 posted by Student Editors

You've already seen two groups of the SHOW AND TELL winners in Gallery 1 and Gallery 2, and today we are pleased to present the final set of winners in Gallery 3. Come with us after the jump to see another collection of outstanding student editorial from the past year... we're already excited to think what you'll be working on to submit for next year!
… MORE

Show & Tell Student Jury Winners: Gallery 2

Show & Tell 08.22.11 posted by Student Editors

Last Wednesday we revealed the first four winners selected by the SHOW AND TELL 2011 jury; today we're pleased to reveal the next four winners and their work, after the jump... … MORE

Show & Tell Student Jury Winners: Gallery 1

Show & Tell 08.17.11 posted by Student Editors

The results are in! After much intense consideration, the results are in for the SPD Student Committee's first-ever juried show of student design work, SHOW AND TELL, and they're spectacular. We will be featuring all of the work in three successive posts, so you can see it all and savor it. We'll be following the Gallery Posts with a grand finale that spotlights the two top winners and some of the thoughts the jury had in selecting them. So keep checking back to see all the winners and the thoughts from the judges over the next two weeks! And follow us after the jump for the first gallery of selections...
… MORE

Save the Date:
Next Pub Crawl is 9/30

Student Outreach 08.16.11 posted by Student Editors

We're still in summer-mode (can you tell by our not-so-active posting lately?), but things here at SPD-Student Headquarters are starting to kick into high gear. We'll be posting the first of THREE galleries of top designs from our Show and Tell Juried Show tomorrow, but for today? Mark your calendars for an all-time favorite event...

This year's one and only Pub(lications) Crawl will be happening Friday, September 30 here in NYC. It typically starts at 9:30am and goes through about 4pm. We'll be posting all the details and the participating magazines by the end of the month, but in the meantime, save the date.

And if you're within a train, bus or car ride's distance of us, we highly suggest you consider making the trip ... it's a truly rare opportunity to get a first-hand look at the art and design departments at some top-notch magazines.

Need some convincing? Check out a past attendee's feelings on the event after the jump:
… MORE

Check Out Our Student Design Competition Honorable Mentions!

Student Design Competition 05.26.11 posted by Student Editors

While you're selecting your best stuff for our Show & Tell Online Design Show (deadline is this Wednesday, June1!), check out the award-winning work of our 4th and 5th place winners in our 2011 Student Design Competition... … MORE

Intern Tips

Internships 05.20.11 posted by Student Editors

If you're just starting a summer internship or about to, check out these great tips from Ed2010's readers on how to get the most out of it. Got any of your own to share? Comment below!

Online Student Design Show:
Entries Due June 1

Show & Tell 05.11.11 posted by Student Editors

Now that the school year is winding down and you've just finished a bunch of big projects, we want to see what you've been up to! So without further ado...

Announcing our new online student editorial design show juried by the pros: Show and Tell 2011. We want to see what great editorial design you've been working on. Forget rules, forget formulas and just show us the best stuff you have going. If you are chosen, we will showcase your work in an exclusive online gallery on the SPD website. It's a great way to get your work in front of magazine art directors with the power to hire fresh, young talent. Find all the details and PDF to download after the jump.
… MORE

The Recent Grad Report:
Cara Willenbrock

Designers 04.26.11 posted by Student Editors

If you're a graduating senior, no doubt you're already tired of all your parents' and relatives' questions about your after-graduation plans. And unless you're one of the lucky few who've already snagged a job, you're probably also tired of thinking about those plans yourself. Perhaps today's Recent Grad Report feature can give you a boost of motivation and a few tips.

Cara Willenbrock, a 2010 graduate, shares with us her job-hunting experience as she worked up the ranks from intern to full-time designer through work at three different companies. Read on for her great insight and advice on the process.

Cara Willenbrock
2010 graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia
Bachelor of Journalism in Magazine Design

Tell us about how you got started after school and where you are now.
Starting in St. Louis, Missouri at St. Louis AT HOME magazine as a web and art intern, I worked without pay all last summer on layouts, web design and production, photo shoots and social media coordination. ... … MORE

#41: Never Stop

Quoted 04.25.11 posted by Student Editors

I think there is a misconception, especially that students have and I really make a point when I speak at schools to talk about the fact that you never really arrive. You are always working towards something but you never stop. I think there is this crazy idea that you get somewhere and then everything is cool.

--photographer Dan Winters, as stated in an interview on A Photo Editor where he gives a run-through of how he got started in photography.

Recently by Student Editors