Project: 1st Place Excellence in Editorial Design
Organization: New England Museum Association (NEMA)
Date: 2010 Annual Publication Awards
Location: Boston, MA / Regional (New England)
THE RECOGNITION
In 2010, the New England Museum Association (NEMA)—the primary professional organization for museum staff throughout the six-state region—honored my work with First Place in the Calendars of Events & Programs category. This competition is highly exclusive, featuring entries from world-class cultural institutions across New England. My work was vetted by a panel of industry peers and judged on its ability to combine aesthetic excellence with clear, institutional communication.
THE MISSION (The Who & Why)
As the lead designer for the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, I was tasked with creating a comprehensive seasonal publication that served as the primary touchpoint for thousands of visitors, donors, and tribal members. The challenge was to organize a massive volume of scheduled programming into a layout that felt accessible, high-end, and culturally authentic.
THE EXECUTION (The How)
Narrative Layout: I developed a grid system that allowed for large-scale cultural photography to coexist with dense calendar listings.
Brand Stewardship: Every page was designed to honor the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s visual legacy while meeting modern museum standards for readability and engagement.
Production Management: I oversaw the full technical lifecycle, including high-end print specifications and color management, to ensure the final physical product matched the museum’s prestige.
THE IMPACT
The publication didn’t just win an award; it served as a successful roadmap for the museum’s most active season. The First Place finish solidified the museum’s reputation for excellence in communications and confirmed my ability to deliver top-tier creative work under the scrutiny of a regional governing body.
