Communication Arts Design Annual

I've been a print subscriber to Communication Arts for more than 20 years, and look forward to all of the discipline annuals. Advertising. Interactive. Photography. Illustration. 

But I like the Design Annual best, because it represents so many forms of communication design - trademarks, identity programs, packaging, editorial, books, environmental graphics. 

It’s so inclusive, it defines the category itself. 

When the issue arrives in the mail and I give a first look over, I feel my mind shifting from "industry professional" to "industry student".

I don't actually read the Design Annual. I process it. 

First I scan it for examples that capture my attention. 

Then I take a longer look at each of these. 

I research the clients and studios behind the work. 

I look-up the printing companies and fabricators. 

I try to understand the "why" story behind each one that makes it both (a) instantly good on first glance, and (b) still good when scrutinized by a panel experts. 

A few favorites from this year's winners ... 

Round The Clock Pizza Boxes by Leo Burnett for 7 West Cafe (Packaging Category)

Geschmacksmomente Food Blog by Kirchschläger Grafikbuero for Karin Stöttinger (Editorial Category)

Smith Restaurant Menu by Leo Burnett for Smith (Miscellaneous Category)

Jiro NYC Brand Package by Min Kim for his student portfolio (Student Work Category) 

Wilder Fields Rebrand by One Design Company for Wilder Fields (Identity Programs Category)

Looking across the work that caught my eye this year, it appears that there's a food theme, and a little pull back from digital work.

What do you think? 

You can view all the winners here.

Take a look!