Baltimore magazine Wins Two CRMA Awards

Every year, local magazines from around the country gather at the City Regional Magazine Association (CRMA) conference to share ideas, network with peers, and award the best of the best in the industry.

On Monday night, May 22, CRMA members gathered for an award ceremony at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Houston, which honors the best in editorial, design, and digital work from 2016. Baltimore magazine earned five finalist nominations: two nominations for Spread Design, two nominations for Multiplatform Storytelling, and one for Feature Design. 

We are thrilled to announce that Baltimore took top honors for Spread Design with our October 2016 story “A Wonderful Dream” about artist Amy Sherald, which was designed by art director Amanda White-Iseli, photographed by Christopher Myers, and included lettering by Refinery 43 studio. The story was written by arts and culture editor Gabriella Souza.

“From the dress to the background of the photo to the letter forms, every detail is beautifully considered,” the CRMA judges said about the spread. “The integration of the design and the photo is arresting and seamless—a difficult balance that succeeds.”

In addition, Baltimore won for best Feature Design for the May 2016 story “Happy Trails” about the best hiking and biking adventures in the region, which was designed by art director Amanda White-Iseli with illustrations from Irene Diamente, lettering by Simon Walker, and maps by former assistant art director Stephanie Shafer. The package was written by senior editor Ron Cassie.

“This outdoor guide assembles a mix of hiking and biking adventures wrapped in a compelling layout,” the judges said about “Happy Trails.” Although packed to the hilt, the design is easy to follow. The stunning photography and spare illustrations come together with an unexpected impact.”

Of course, Baltimore was also honored to be nominated in Spread Design for “Magic Surrounds Her” with design by art director Amanda White-Iseli, illustration by Tran Nguyen, and writing by Jennifer Mendelsohn. In addition, two stories were nominated for Multiplatform Storytelling—which looks at both the print and digital versions of feature stories—with “Multi-Modal City” and “Watch This Space,” which were both designed by former digital designer Craig Forbes and featured videos by photographer Justin Tsucalas and director of photography David Colwell, respectively. 

“This fresh story highlighting self-made spaces of Baltimore artists works well in print and online,” the judges said about “Watch This Space,” written by arts and culture editor Gabriella Souza. “The videos, slideshow, and additional content—like the fall arts editor’s picks—adds additional dimension on the web.”