The editorial design winner didn’t quite make the grade

I am rather disappointed with the shortlist and eventual winner of your recent Design Week Awards 2008 editorial design sector.

I found the shortlisted work soulless, self-indulgent and with very little visual impact. None of the work explored photography in any great detail and the typography was very monotone. Furthermore, the editorial message from the eventual winner (At This Rate booklet by Studio 8 Design for Rainforest Action Network, pictured above) was unclear.

Showcasing work like this sends the wrong message about editorial design. Magazines have an unique quality which encourages the creative use of images and type to communicate a range of messages.

Tan Parmar, Art director,
Contact magazine, Redwood, London WC2