PRINT Awards Professional Honorees in In-House, Self-Promos, Invitations, Website & App Design, Social Media, Motion Design & Video, Environmental, Data Visualization, Outdoor & Billboards
Our 2025 PRINT Awards jury comprised designers with a broad range of expertise and experience, as well as leaders in their respective practice disciplines. We were excited to call on the best in the business to select the creative work that represented the best in design, inside and out.
For In-House and Self-Promotions, we welcomed Sam Aquillano, David Hartman, and Kelli Albaugh. Invitations & Announcements were reviewed by Paul Peart-Smith, Edel Rodriquez, and Alice Li. Tyler Mintz, Hanson Ma, and Ashleigh Axios considered entries in Website & App Design, Social Media & Content Design, and Data Visualization & Information Design. The jury for Motion Design & Video entries was Karin Fong, Justin Sottile, and Katie Rominger. Finally, Environmental Design and Outdoor & Billboards entries were reviewed by Jonny Peterson, Bennet Peji, and Alexis Bronstorph. A truly amazing crew!
Explore and enjoy the work in all of these categories, and discover more about the designers and the remarkable work they produced.
In-House
First Place – Anatomy of a Threat Booth Design
Human Security Inc. – Jessica Yeung
At Black Hat 2024, a conference for professionals in cybersecurity, HUMAN Security set out to break from typical tech booth conventions by unveiling Anatomia Minarum—a visually rich, Victorian-inspired activation that introduced its AI-powered detection capabilities. Designed in collaboration with Sparks Marketing and illustrator Gaspar Costa, the experience fused science, art, and cybersecurity into a 600-square-foot immersive lab.
Cyber threats were illustrated as natural specimens—chameleons for account takeovers, snakes for malicious code—paired with clear explanations of HUMAN’s tech. With vintage display cases, engraved posters, and curated artwork, the booth stood out by turning complex cybersecurity into a story worth exploring.
Second Place – HUMAN Security Comic Book Series
HUMAN Security Inc. – Jessica Yeung
HUMAN Security’s comic series transforms real-world threat investigations into retro-style adventures, blending fact and fiction with vintage sci-fi flair. Inspired by the company’s roots in a Brooklyn sci-fi bookstore, the comics spotlight the work of the Satori Threat Intelligence & Research team as they take on complex cybercrime schemes.
Featuring cases like VASTFLUX—one of the largest ad fraud botnets ever exposed—the series brings bold storytelling to the world of cybersecurity. Used as both a trade show centerpiece and an educational tool, the comics make the invisible battles of online fraud engaging, accessible, and unforgettable.
Third Place – Texas Tech University Rebrand
Texas Tech University – Veronica Medina
In 1999, Texas Tech University introduced its iconic 3-D, beveled Double T logo alongside a Times New Roman wordmark. Over the past 25 years, while the Double T endured, the wordmark had become outdated. A new design was needed—one that honored the university’s legacy while offering a timeless update to complement the existing Double T.
The new custom wordmark draws inspiration from the shape and weight of the Double T itself, incorporating bold design elements reminiscent of cattle brands and wood-type serifs. Details such as the exaggerated “X,” “A,” “S,” and “C” and a lowered crossbar on the “A” evoke a historical connection to Texas Tech. Paired with the Neue Plak typeface—originally released in the same decade the university was founded—the refreshed signature system introduces a clear hierarchy, formal and casual versions, and consistent branding across all university communications.
Self-Promotions
First Place – Craft is King
Tom, Dick & Harry Creative – Stacey Chapman
For an agency that has been around for 22 years, coming up with an annual promotional gift that feels fresh and non-disposable is no small feat, especially amid the churn of billable work. By reinventing a classic gift, the designers got the most bang for their brainstorm. They chose to develop the imagery with the assistance of AI, not only for agility’s sake, but also to ensure that the end product was firmly planted in the present—a time capsule of who they were in 2024 as advertisers, creators, and cooks of varying aptitude.
Second Place – I Survived The Enormous Crocodile!
The Roald Dahl Story Company – Emily Bridge
To celebrate the cast and crew of The Enormous Crocodile musical at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, The Roald Dahl Story Company co-created a limited edition gift rooted in the show’s imaginative world. Drawing inspiration from the ‘Jungle Juniors’—a group of children in the story who earn patches for their jungle tasks—the gift included an embroidered patch styled after the characters’ costumes. A triangle pattern above the patch mimics stitched fabric, adding a tactile, storytelling detail.
The camping theme is carried through in the design: the patch is mounted on a pop-up tent card within a custom package inspired by a matchbox, complete with playful warnings like “Keep away from children.” Zigzag patterns nod to the crocodile’s teeth, while details such as a compass, embossed lettering, and chequered designs reflect the puppet’s look and the show’s setting. A red insert references the inside of the crocodile’s mouth, and one box edge resembles a book spine—allowing the keepsake to sit proudly on a shelf, honoring its literary origins.
Third Place – KUDOS Pivot Calendar
KUDOS Design Collaboratory – John Kudos
As 2025 approached, the world remained in a state of flux, shaped by ongoing challenges to the economy, human rights, and equity. In this context, “PIVOT” emerged as a compelling call to action, encouraging a shift in perspective, inspiring hope, and bold, intentional steps toward a more inclusive and optimistic future.
The calendar design features a dynamic pattern of stars and pinched squares in motion, representing the resilience and adaptability required to navigate uncertainty.
Invitations
First Place – Golisano Children’s Hospital- The Land of Oz Invitation
Dixon Schwabl + Company – Marshall Statt
Golisano Children’s Hospital aimed to raise $2.5 million to launch a mobile medical unit and sustain essential programs for three years, expanding healthcare access for children under 16. To support this effort, the team designed a Wizard of Oz-themed gala invitation that would stand out and engage potential donors and sponsors.
The invitation featured custom illustrations printed in five PMS colors on Cougar smooth cover stock and was die-cut into a cross shape. Inside, additional inserts highlighted a safari auction package and sponsorship tiers. The entire piece was mailed in a black envelope with a cream label, creating a dramatic contrast between the exterior and the colorful interior, symbolizing the shift from Kansas to Oz. Sent to 1,500 recipients, the invitation helped drive attendance and excitement. The gala welcomed over 600 guests and successfully reached its $2.5 million goal, funding the mobile unit, care team, and ongoing operations to ensure children receive vital, accessible healthcare.
Second Place – La Vie Bohème Invitation
Firebrick Design – Pamela Howard
On behalf of the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts and its annual gala, Pamela Howard created an expansive universe for an event visual system, celebrating and connecting to the center’s performance season to support and fundraise for their arts and education programs. To engage the intended audience, Firebrick’s La Vie Bohème invitation structure used a traditional form called a “tunnel book” that was historically appropriate to the Bohemian movement centered in Paris during the Belle Époque. The overall effect of a tunnel book is an illusion of depth and perspective dating back to the mid-18th century when they were originally called “peep-shows.”
Each element in the design was inspired by history, from the Art Nouveau style curvilinear, nature-inspired forms; the primary typeface, Metropolitaines, taken directly from Hector Guimard’s Paris Metro stations; and the supporting tiled typeface, which mimics the mosaic tiling within the highly decorative Metro station interiors.
La Vie Bohème served as an invitation to an important fundraising event, as well as a marketing and donor development piece for the performing arts center. The event itself was the most successful fundraiser for the nonprofit to date. The invitation lives on in recipients’ homes and offices as a reminder of an amazing event, as a tangible and continuing connection to the performing arts center.
Third Place – Brian+Annie: ‘Til Death
McMann+Tate – Brian Ablaza
Weddings bring together a diverse mix of people, making inclusive design a challenge. To appeal to all, the designer created invitations that looked classic but held a secret—each card had a hidden, Tarot-inspired illustration printed in invisible ink, revealed with a blacklight flashlight included in the box.
A ribbon inside the handmade box subtly directed recipients to the flashlight, which also served to protect the cards. No instructions were given, leaving guests to discover the surprise on their own. The theme of duality continued at the reception with double-printed signage and an invisible ink guest book. Even the thank-you cards followed suit. All elements, including the logo and blacklight prints, were hand-crafted by the designer.
Website & App Design
First Place – The Tremaine Collection
The Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation and Synoptic Office – YuJune Park
The Tremaine Collection—a collection of nearly 700 works by artists like Warhol, Johns, Mondrian, and Rauschenberg—was assembled by Burton G. and Emily Hall Tremaine between 1936 and 1984. Once considered among the finest in the US, it was dispersed through auctions in the late 20th century. Now digitally reunited at tremainecollection.org, the collection combines artworks with archival material—letters, sketches, and journals—that reveal the voices and processes behind modern and pop art.
Reimagined by Synoptic Office, the digital platform invites users to explore artworks alongside artifacts from the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art. Visitors can filter by category or dive into editorial features, creating a personalized journey through the collection. More than a visual archive, the site design strikes a balance between narrative and discovery, preserving the Tremaines’ legacy while inspiring new ways to engage with modern art.
Second Place – Neue Galerie New York
Neue Galerie New York and Synoptic Office – YuJune Park
Neue Galerie New York, situated on Fifth Avenue’s Museum Mile, holds the largest collections of Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele works outside Vienna. Complemented by Café Sabarsky and a curated bookstore and design shop, the museum embodies the idea of Gesamtkunstwerk—a total work of art where multiple creative forms unite into a singular, immersive experience. The redesigned digital platform reflects this vision, enabling visitors to explore exhibitions, programs, dining, and shopping as interconnected parts of one cohesive whole.
To recreate the feeling of physically entering the museum, Synoptic Office adopted a video-first design. Visitors begin outside the building and move seamlessly through its historic spaces via motion-based navigation. These videos not only guide exploration but also highlight the museum’s home—a rare surviving Gilded Age mansion—making the architecture itself part of the visitor’s digital journey.
Third Place – Ballotics: News & Election Data App
University of Maryland – Antwon Key
Ballotics is a non-partisan app launched in 2024 to make U.S. electoral politics more accessible through a clean, intuitive design. It offers tools like interactive maps, real-time polling, historical trends, and congressional profiles—all seamlessly integrated into a visually engaging platform. Built for users of all political knowledge levels, Ballotics helps demystify the complexities of the 2024 election and beyond.
Powered by dynamic visualization and real-time data, Ballotics features tools like the Electoral Polling Heat Map, which distills complex polling data into clear insights. Designed with accessibility in mind, the app balances functionality and visual appeal across devices. By presenting unbiased information in an intuitive format, Ballotics fosters informed participation and positions itself as a vital tool for understanding and engaging with the democratic process.
Social Media & Content
First Place – Dilworth Coffee Social Media Campaign
The Republik – Robert Shaw West
In 1989, Dilworth introduced serious coffee to North Carolina, providing small-batch, ethically sourced beans to independent shops and distributors. As the business expanded over the following decades, many independent coffee shops came to rely on Dilworth for turn-key supplies, equipment, and training. However, despite wider distribution and a growing retail presence, consumer awareness of the Dilworth Coffee brand remained limited.
For the brand’s 30th anniversary, the challenge was to demonstrate to a younger, trend-driven coffee culture that Dilworth still had meaningful coffee wisdom to share. The creative direction embraced a laid-back, confident tone, channeling a “Dude-like” persona to communicate the brand’s enduring vibe and experience.
Second Place – Goodsurf Social Media
Caliber Creative – Syd Stroope
Goodsurf is a restaurant and bar concept that channels the laid-back, adventurous spirit of Pacific surf culture into the heart of Dallas. Originally brought to life by the creative team at Gold Lunchbox, the brand was further developed by Caliber through dynamic animated and video advertising. Designed as a space where guests can fully embrace the good vibes across all activities, Goodsurf offers a distinctive and energetic experience.
To capture and extend this free-spirited ethos, Caliber infused the brand with motion and personality through animation. The use of cut-paper style graphics reinforces Goodsurf’s bold yet relaxed identity, echoing the vibrant, fluid essence of surf culture. Each frame was crafted to evoke a sense of adventure and ease, immersing viewers in a beachside atmosphere where fun, freedom, and irreverence define the experience.
Motion Graphics & Video
First Place – Hong Kong Ballet ~ Tutu Academy Film
Design Army – Pum Lefebure
Ballet is one of the most powerful art forms, yet it often carries the weight of outdated perceptions—rigid, exclusive, and reserved for the elite. In partnership with Hong Kong Ballet, a breakthrough insight emerged: ballet, at its core, is pure movement—universal, expressive, and transformative. The goal was clear—to break the stereotypes and reintroduce ballet as something bold, fresh, and radically inclusive. The strategy reframed ballet not as a distant art form, but as an open invitation to all.
At the center of this campaign was TuTu Academy, a cinematic celebration of individuality and energy. Featuring a wildly diverse cast—from dancers to punks, geeks, goths, and even an alien in a tutu—the film challenged every assumption about who ballet is for. Blending references from Renaissance art, Degas, and hip-hop, the campaign helped mark Hong Kong Ballet’s 45th anniversary by expanding its educational reach. With over 3.4 million views and strong engagement (an outdoor broadcast alone reached 500K people), the project positioned ballet as a dynamic and inclusive force and Hong Kong Ballet as a bridge between tradition and innovation. Most importantly, student enrollment surged by 34%, and ticket sales skyrocketed by 79%.
Second Place – Neiman Marcus 2024 Fall Campaign Video
Neiman Marcus – Tim Flannery
Extraordinary Pursuits celebrates 30 years of The Art of Fashion through a powerful blend of storytelling, style, and self-expression. Directed by Tyler Mitchell and starring Ayo Edebiri and Colman Domingo, the film explores themes of identity and evolution with striking visuals and heartfelt performances. Each scene captures fashion as a living, emotional art form, where every look becomes a bold statement of individuality. Mitchell seamlessly merges the cinematic and sartorial, honoring Neiman Marcus’ legacy while inviting a new generation to embrace transformation through style.
This milestone film redefines the intersection of fashion, art, and innovation, positioning Neiman Marcus as a leader in how style is experienced. More than a campaign, Extraordinary Pursuits serves as a love letter to individuality and courage. It reminds viewers that fashion is more than clothing—it’s a language of self-discovery, a celebration of personal evolution, and a reflection of who we are becoming.
Third Place – Fayetteville State University Campaign Video
The Republik – Robert Shaw West
Fayetteville State University (FSU) is a historic HBCU with a legacy spanning 150+ years of pushing boundaries and transforming lives. But the university was often viewed as a North Carolina system school serving a regional population. In reality, FSU was a bright shining light covered by a basket, with vitality and relevance for the next generation of doers. The Republik refocused the narrative of FSU on the pressing cultural issues of the day, including science, research, climate, and cybersecurity, with a fast-paced and visually compelling video.
Environmental Design
First Place – Building Stories
Plus And Greater Than – Traci Sym and Daniel Meyers
Building Stories invites visitors into a child’s world of creation, where building blocks and books spark imagination. From the moment guests enter through a timber archway accompanied by a soundscape of narrated stories, the exhibition blends architecture and literature into a multisensory experience. Across four themed galleries, the journey progresses from early literacy and book design to global concepts of home, playful explorations of scale, and finally, a hands-on space inspired by Oliver Jeffers that encourages visitors to build stories of their own.
Developed in close collaboration with the National Building Museum, the exhibition is the most ambitious in the museum’s history, spanning a decade of engagement. The design team shaped every aspect, from narrative structure to display details, curating over 150 books and creating interactive moments for all ages. Designed to evolve with its audience, Building Stories ensures that each visit—whether at age three or thirteen—offers new insights into how we read, build, and imagine the world around us.
Second Place – Just Frame It: How Nike Turned Sport Stars into Superheroes
Poster House – Ola Baldych
Just Frame It: How Nike Turned Sport Stars into Superheroes offers an immersive look at how Nike revolutionized sports marketing by turning athletes into cultural icons. Without relying on the swoosh or other trademarks, the exhibition reinterprets Nike’s identity through brand-inspired design and narrative. Manipulated typography, set in Futura Condensed, mirrors the motion and energy of the swoosh, creating a sense of movement throughout the space. Warped and curved text compositions evoke the kinetic spirit of each sport, reinforcing Nike’s visual dynamism without using its official symbols.
The exhibition is structured around three core themes—The Power of Brand, The Power of Stars, and The Power of Representation—each exploring Nike’s cultural impact across sports like basketball, tennis, running, and football. Oversized typographic locators guide visitors through each section while adding visual texture. Round shapes, symbolic of balls and play, are cut and layered to frame imagery and animate the space. Temporary walls reveal the raw structural frameworks, adding an urban, utilitarian feel in line with Nike’s aesthetic. A vibrant color palette, drawn from iconic sneaker designs, infuses the gallery with the bold energy of Nike’s influence in sport and culture.
Third Place – WPP Atlanta
Airspace – Jill Ayers
Located in the heart of Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, the WPP Atlanta Campus is a dynamic new workplace situated along the city’s Beltline—a major urban renewal initiative transforming former railways into vibrant public spaces. Designed in collaboration with the architecture team, the workplace brings together over 400 employees from across WPP’s network, fostering creativity and cross-company collaboration. Drawing inspiration from the site’s rail history, the design team embedded industrial references throughout the space.
The interior design features a cohesive blend of industrial materials and local storytelling. An integrated wayfinding system uses illuminated logo displays, corten (weathered) steel panels, and custom steel signage featuring wood and fluted glass to guide visitors and reinforce brand identity. A Beltline-inspired feature wall near the recording studio echoes the look of vintage boxcars with colorful, textured panels mounted on wooden rails. In breakout areas, custom steel botanical illustrations—based on native Beltline flora—connect the interior to its surroundings. With a warm palette of steel, wood, and glass, the space balances heritage and modernity, creating a workplace rooted in local history and built for collaboration.
Outdoor & Billboards
First Place – Siempre Pa’ Lante
TheRealDaCosta – David DaCosta
Portland Trimet commissioned a bus wrap design to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the rich contributions of Hispanic and immigrant communities in Portland, Oregon. The concept centers on the shared values of Family, Warmth, Joy, and Hard Work—qualities that drive these communities forward. The design is anchored by the phrase “Siempre Pa’ Lante,” meaning “always moving forward,” connecting cultural resilience with Trimet’s role in helping people advance through daily life.
The illustration style, inspired by hand-drawn techniques, reflects the warmth and vibrancy of the Hispanic community. Joyful characters and scenes convey a sense of unity and movement, while blocky, multicolored typography and exuberant patterns give the bus dynamism, even when stationary. The design transforms the vehicle into a moving tribute to cultural strength, shared values, and forward momentum.
Second Place – Recency Centers Murals
The Republik – Robert Shaw West
Village District, Raleigh’s first suburban shopping center, now sits quietly among some of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods. Despite its historic significance, it is often overlooked by newcomers drawn to newer, more conventional retail developments.
To reintroduce Village District to a broader audience, the design team aimed to highlight its unique charm and character, offering experiences that stand apart from the uniformity of modern suburban centers. The goal was to position the neighborhood not just as a shopping district, but as a vibrant destination rooted in local culture and community.
Data Visualization
First Place – 2024 Comparing Campuses Poster: Water
Ayers Saint Gross – Angi Kwak
For over two decades, Ayers Saint Gross has conducted “Comparing Campuses,” an ongoing research initiative that examines college and university campuses worldwide. The project offers insights into how campuses evolve, adapt to change, and contribute to a more sustainable future. By sharing findings, the research encourages institutions to learn from one another and find common ground in the pursuit of more resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking campus environments.
The 2024 Comparing Campuses poster explores how campuses interact with adjacent waterfronts, which encompass a range of environments including rivers, lakes, wetlands, oceans, and bays. Featuring eight campuses, the poster serves as both a visual summary and a deeper analysis of water-oriented planning strategies. The design team developed graphics that highlight the relationship between land and water, encouraging viewers to consider historical context and future possibilities. Thoughtful water engagement, as the research shows, offers environmental, economic, and social benefits for both campuses and their surrounding communities.
Second Place – 203 Culture Series
Infographics Lab 203 – Sung Hwan Jang
In this series, engaging infographics offer insights into a diverse range of topics—from ancient wonders to culinary traditions. Jang explores the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the most iconic of the Pyramids of Giza, alongside related monuments such as tombs and the Sphinx, highlighting changes in form and symbolism over time. Another infographic delves into the life of Heo Jun, a renowned royal physician of the Joseon Dynasty, showcasing his contributions to Oriental medicine and the herbal knowledge found in the Donguibogam. Meanwhile, the global journey of chicken, from its origins in African American culinary traditions to the worldwide popularity of Korean-style fried chicken, is also visually unpacked, detailing its preparation, variations, and delivery culture.
Infographics also illuminate traditional Korean food practices, such as jang damgeugi, the fermentation process behind staples like soy sauce and soybean paste. This visual journey showcases the pivotal role of time, microorganisms, and cultural wisdom in Korea’s slow food heritage. The production of paper—an enduring medium in the history of human knowledge—is introduced step by step, from tree planting to packaging, along with its many types and uses. The final graphic presents the sport of squash, with its 200-year legacy, as a modern solution for stress relief and fitness. Through vibrant visuals and concise storytelling, these infographics make complex subjects both accessible and engaging.
Third Place – 203 Design Series
Infographics Lab 203 – Sung Hwan Jang
This design series explores icons of everyday life. The first is the evolution of lighting, with a special focus on the story and impact of the Anglepoise lamp. Lighting plays both a functional and aesthetic role in daily life, and among its many forms, the Anglepoise lamp stands out as a modern design icon. Known for its simple yet refined structure, it continues to influence lighting design worldwide.
The second in the series traces the evolution of the typewriter. Before the digital era, typewriters were essential writing tools. Among them, Olivetti’s Valentine typewriter is celebrated not just for its function but for its striking design.
Another cultural milestone, the Walkman, revolutionized how people listened to music by making it portable. Infographics on both objects trace their design evolution and lasting cultural influence.
This week, it’s all about the PRINT Awards — and we’re loving every minute of it! From jaw-dropping designs to boundary-pushing creativity, the celebration of this incredible work has us totally inspired.
Tomorrow, we’ll shine a spotlight on the seriously talented next generation of creative brilliance. Join us to celebrate standout student work across all categories.
ICYMI, check out the PRINT Awards professional honorees in Illustration, Handlettering, Type, Graphic Novels, Citizen Design, and Design for Social Impact.
Dig deeper into the creative process, the creators, and additional design credits by visiting the PRINT Awards Gallery.
The post The Best of the 2025 PRINT Awards, From Tactile, IRL Encounters to Lush, Digital Worlds appeared first on PRINT Magazine.