2018 contest results for Magazines

General Excellence

  1. Nevada Magazine
    Judge’s comment: Loved the piece on rural airports and was impressed with the breadth of coverage, from news with some depth to lively features to useful calendars and other alternative storytelling methods. A sucker for photography, I thought the covers were strong on three of the four mags and enjoyed the Great Nevada Picture Hunt. If your first-place photo doesn’t scream “THIS IS NEVADA! THIS IS THE WEST!” I don’t know what would. Good job. The top three were all very close, and your covers just edged out the others.
    Overall, a strong category with competitive entries. The top 3 were very, very close. I may even know more about Nevada now than I do my own home state. In the end, Nevada Magazine had the slight edge with its writing and story variety. The piece on rural airports is relevant anywhere in the rural west, and the Great Nevada Picture Hunt yielded some great images. Edible Reno-Tahoe had nice covers and mix of editorial content. Loved the special section on Edible Weddings. Reno Magazine is a great example of a lively, in-tune pub for a lively and in-tune city.
  2. edible Reno-Tahoe
    Judge’s comment: Great mix of stories that go beyond the obvious. Loved the special section on Edible Weddings. Good variety of features and all delicious things to do with a comprehensive and topical calendar. Nice covers, good photography and nice use of photos with an eye for varied sizes.
  3. Laura Longero, Bianca Camano
    Reno Magazine
    Judge’s comment: Enjoyed the “Part of the Pack” feature. Having spent seven years in Alaska covering all things Last Frontier — including lots of dogsled racing and the Iditarod – I found this very readable. I also like the Taste issues, although the layout of the recipes looked a little more like standard newspaper than a magazine. The Salt 101 primer was good. Who doesn’t like a little salt? In a very close race near the top of the category, the top three all scored highly. This was just edged out by the first and second place winners, but keep up the good work. If I lived in Reno, I’d read this when it hit the stands.

Best Feature Writing

1. Carolyn Dufurrena, writer
RANGE magazine
Dancing on the Dark Side by Carolyn Dufurrena
2. Ray Hunkins, writer
RANGE magazine
Henry’s Indomitable Spirit by Ray Hunkins
3. Rae & Troy Matthews
edible Reno-Tahoe
Cooking with hope inside South Lake Tahoe Jail, Winter ’17

Best Nonstaff Story

1. Robin Bates
Nevada Magazine
Robin Bates – Prisons
Judge’s comment: All the stories were well written. What stood out is the use of history to convey a story especially with Robin Bates’ piece.
2. Todd Macfarlane, writer
RANGE magazine
In Search of Atticus Finch by Todd Macfarlane
Judge’s comment: In Search of Atticus Finch was an excellent look at lawyers from a different perspective. I wish the author included a case or two to add to their compelling story.
3. Chic DiFrancia
Nevada Magazine
Chic DiFrancia – Sam Davis
Judge’s comment: Chic DiFrancia’s use of a newspaper for generations ago makes her story on Sam Davis potent.

Best Explanatory Journalism

1. Richard Gubbe
Elevate NV
Selling High
Judge’s comment: This is a beautifully written article. It truly plays into the theme of things – gambling and weed. It didn’t skip a beat. Or, on the theme of things, it didn’t… forget a beat?

These entries truly epitomize the sheer creativity writers convey. The give the reader a delicious literary ride by allowing the content to play into the context. Whether it’s paying homage to a long-time and highly revered figure, a simple play on words for headline writing, or attaching the “highs and low’s” of the marijuana world, these pieces brought on an efficacious element unmatched by so many writers in this world. I truly admire these wordsmiths, and it gives me hope for the future of journalism.
2. John Trent
Nevada Silver & Blue
Just Call me Joe
Judge’s comment: I really got to know Joe’s character through this piece. It’s a perfect homage, and It’d be sacrilegious to have any qualms about it whatsoever.
3. Barbara Twitchell
edible Reno-Tahoe
Welcoming Urban Wineries, Drinks ’18
Judge’s comment: Headline writing goes a long way – and this piece epitomizes that. The lede paragraph is a real grabber, too.

Best Investigative Story

1. Eric Cachinero
Nevada Magazine
Eric Cachinero – Burning Man
Judge’s comment: Great introduction to burning man and its culture, nature of acceptance and excitement. Incredible photography.
2. Jim Steele, writer, Jim Petersen, writer
RANGE magazine
WILDFIRES: COUNTDOWN TO DESTRUCTION
Judge’s comment: Good overview of fire ecology in the region. Nice mix of perspectives.
3. Megg Mueller
Nevada Magazine
Megg Mueller – Rural Flight
Judge’s comment: Wow, neat insight into the flying culture of Nevada. Hope to fly there in a small plane soon.

Best Local Column

1. Hank Vogler, writer
RANGE magazine
Hang and Rattle by Hank Vogler
Judge’s comment: Interesting, well-written columns, but I’m not a fan of the “Hang and Rattle” line at the end each time.
2. Barry Perryman, writer
RANGE magazine
Tales From the Wasteland by Barry Perryman, Ph.D.,
Judge’s comment: A mistake in the entry process meant just two of three were entered from this writer. But the two I got to read were very interesting.
3. Sharon Honig-Bear
edible Reno-Tahoe
Edible Traditions, Fall and Winter ’17 and Drinks ’18
Judge’s comment: Good idea, well-written, though they contained a few too many cliched phrases.

Best Entertainment Writing

1. Ann Lindeman
edible Reno-Tahoe
Lake Tahoe AleWorx, Drinks ’18; The Great Pumpkin, Fall ’17; and Chef’s Table: Whispering Vine, Summer ’17
Judge’s comment: Good insight for the casual consumer.
2. Megg Mueller
Nevada Magazine
Megg Mueller, Managing Editor Nevada Magazine
Judge’s comment: Nice look at out-of the way spots.
3. Eric Cachinero
Nevada Magazine
Eric Cachinero, Associate Editor Nevada Magazine
Judge’s comment: Good first-person perspective.

Best Overall Design

1. Moses Achoka
Nevada Silver & Blue
Judge’s comment: Very well done. A good slick look with a nice balance between story and image.
Good entries with a good variety of magazine types.
2. Oliver X, Chris Meredith, Tucker Monticelli, Courney Meredith, Courtney Orchowski
Reno Tahoe Tonight Magazine
Judge’s comment: Lots of personality, strong photos and a unique outlook will make this magazine one to watch out for in years to come.
3. Melissa Petersen
edible Reno-Tahoe
Cooks ’17, Summer ’17, Fall ’17, Drinks ’18
Judge’s comment: I like the message of this publication and the fun they bring to their topics.

Best Page One Design

1. Oliver X, Chris Meredith, Tucker Monticelli, Courtney Meredith, Courtney Orchowski
Reno Tahoe Tonight Magazine
Judge’s comment: Good entries. More personality and humor helps some magazines stand out from the pack.
2. Melissa Petersen, Jeff Ross
edible Reno-Tahoe
Cooks and Summer 2017 and Spring 2018
3. Las Vegas Magazine Design Staff
Las Vegas Magazine
Las Vegas Magazine for Page One Design

Best Graphic Designer

1. Bianca Camano
Reno Magazine
Graphic Designer: Bianca Camano
Judge’s comment: Great job. Little elements that contributed great detail to each page.
2. Kippy Spilker
Nevada Magazine
Judge’s comment: Nice clean design.
3. Melissa Petersen
edible Reno-Tahoe
A Knack for Yaks, Fall ’17; Farm Guide, Summer ’17; Cover Story, Cooks ’17
Judge’s comment: Great photos tell the story. Strong work.

Best Feature Photo

1. Jennifer DeFreece, photographer
RANGE magazine
Ladies of Twilight by Jennifer DeFreece
Judge’s comment: Beautiful use of light and graphics.
Best Feature Photo
2. Jen Britton
edible Reno-Tahoe
Boozy Popsicles-Sassafrass
Judge’s comment: Delicious picture! makes me want a popsicle!
3. Cynthia Baldauf, photographer
RANGE magazine
Cowboy in a Blizzard by Cynthia Baldauf
Judge’s comment: Perfect example of braving the elements and an interesting photo to come out of working with conditions.

Best Multiple Photo Essay

1. Eric Cachinero
Nevada Magazine
Burning Man
Judge’s comment: Evocative. Great choice of design elements and photography.
Best Multiple Photo Essay
2. Jamie Kingham
edible Reno-Tahoe
Local Hoppiness, Tapping into Reno-Tahoe’s Craft Breweries, Drinks ’18
Judge’s comment: Full of personality.
3. Skye Clark, photographer
RANGE magazine
Feeding Elk by photographer Skye Clark
Judge’s comment: Subtle design cues pull you into the story.

Best Portrait

1. B.C. Collins
Nevada Magazine
B.C. Collins – Cowboy Moon
Judge’s comment: Haven’t seen this full moon picture. Great.
2. Asa Gilmore
edible Reno-Tahoe
Bearded Bartender, Virginia City
Judge’s comment: Love the symmetry 
3. Christopher DeVargas
Las Vegas Magazine
Miracle Mile Shopping Model
Judge’s comment: Great use of light and color for an interesting portrait.

Best Illustrated Photo

1. Jeff Ross
edible Reno-Tahoe
Cover, Summer ’17
2. Jeff Ross
edible Reno-Tahoe
Cover, Cooks ’17
3. Jeff Ross
edible Reno-Tahoe
Cover, Drinks ’18

Best Print Ad

1. Jody Cory
Nevada Magazine
Jody Cory – Visit Carson City
2. C.J. Hadley, publisher/editor, John Bardwell, art director
RANGE magazine
“Browbeaten. Badgered. Belittled. Bullied. And Blooded. But still standing after 100 issues”
3. Dianne Lowe
Link
Breakfast Buffet

Best Advertising Innovation

1. Jody Cory, Adele Hoppe
Nevada Magazine
Las Vegas Wedding Guide
2. Jody Cory, Adele Hoppe
Nevada Magazine
Touring Nevada

Best Ad Series

1. C.J. Hadley, publisher/editor, John Bardwell, art director
RANGE magazine
26 Years of RANGE
2. Kippy Spilker, Adele Hoppe
Nevada Magazine
Eureka County
3. Foundry
edible Reno-Tahoe
Dolan Lexus

Best-In House Promotion

1. Eric Cachinero, Kippy Spilker
Nevada Magazine
Scavenger Hunt
2. Jody Cory, Adele Hoppe
Nevada Magazine
“Best Of” house ad – Jody
3. Terri DeLaRosby
edible Reno-Tahoe
Subscription ad

Advertising General Excellence

1. Jaci Goodman
edible Reno-Tahoe
Summer ’17, Fall ’17, Drinks ’18, Spring ’18
2. Las Vegas Magazine Advertising Staff
Las Vegas Magazine
3. Staff
Nevada Magazine

Best Regular Department

1. David Muench, photographer, Larry Angier, photographer, Kurt Markus, photographer
RANGE magazine
Empty Quarter
Judge’s comment: I love the simplicity of this pieces. The use of graphics and text is a great combinations. It looks very professional!
2. Natasha Bourlin, Kurt Bickel
edible Reno-Tahoe
Edible Garden: Summer and Fall 2017 and Spring ’18
3. Cynthia Baldauf, photographer, Robin Dell’Orto, photographer, Scott Baxter, photographer
RANGE magazine
Portrait of the West

Best Profile/Interview

1. Donald J. Hagerty, historian/author
RANGE magazine
Maynard Dixon, Cowboy Artist by Donald J. Hagerty
Judge’s comment: Well written story with good flow and information.
2. Marjorie Haun, writer
RANGE magazine
A Quiet Man by Marjorie Haun
Judge’s comment: Nice imagery in a well written story.
3. Valerie Miller
Vegas Legal Magazine
Carolyn Goodman Looking for a Trifecta
Judge’s comment: Solid hard news story with a nice feature touch.

Best Special Project

1. Laura Longero, James Ku, Bianca Camano
Reno Magazine
2017 Best of Reno contest
Judge’s comment: The quality of this publication guarantees a long shelf life!
2. Staff
Nevada Magazine
Calendar
Judge’s comment: Great design and appeal.
3. Melissa Petersen
edible Reno-Tahoe
Wedding Guide, July-Aug. ’17 and Jan.-Feb. ’18
Judge’s comment: Really useful for the target demographic. I can see this being a piece that’s used a lot.

Best Special Event

1. Laura Longero
Reno Magazine
Reno Magazine Events Strategy
Judge’s comment: This was an incredible category to judge. Go figure that Nevada newspapers know how to throw great events. The winners I chose all took the road less-traveled, and I chose them largely because they avoided the ‘black-tie’ event model and did something unique for their communities. The overall winner was chosen based on pure ambition!
3. Staff
Nevada Magazine
Focus Group

General Online Excellence

1. Peter Chen, Beth Schwartz, Guy Bertuzzi
Elevate NV
elevate Nevada magazine
Judge’s comment: I really enjoy how clean this looks with the big graphic element first and text underneath. I like that the layout stays consistent, and like the simplicity of navigation! Great Job
3. Staff
Las Vegas Magazine
LasVegasMagazine.com

Best online advertising

1. Sal Serrano, David Sly, Angela Johnson
Luxury Las Vegas
Luxury Branding
Judge’s comment: Well designed, with a straightforward branding message.

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