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AWARDS

WE'RE HONORED!

SmartWork Media creates high-impact business media
with 187 international honors (and counting)

Our No. 1 critic and judge of our work will always be our readers. They are the driving force behind our magazines, after all. But sometimes it's nice to hear from our peers in the publishing industry, and in numerous international competitions, our innovative approach to journalism — helping independent businesses by connecting them with the information they need to grow their sales and energize their teams — we've continued to rack up the accolades:

BREAKDOWN OF AWARDS UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2023
 
 

2023

Neal Awards

Grand Neal Award (FOR OUTSTANDING PUBLICATION IN THE ENTIRE COMPEITION)
Global Cannabis Times, Fall 2022
Best Single Issue (Brand revenue under $3,000,000)
Global Cannabis Times, Fall 2022
Best Overall Art Direction/Design (Brand revenue under $3,000,000): Finalist
PETS+ by Victor Cantal

TABPI Awards

Best Single Issue: Gold (Overall Winner)
Big Picture, May 2022
Best Single Issue: Bronze
PETS+, November-December 2022
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (5th)
INSTORE, January 2022
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (6th)
Screen Printing, September-October 2022
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (7th)
Global Cannabis Times, Fall 2022
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (9th)
INVISION, April 2022
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (11th)
VMSD, November-December 2022
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (19th)
Signs of the Times, June 2022
How-To Article: Gold
Signs of the Times, January 2022, "Exposing Your Value One Image at a Time" by Gabe Griffin
Feature Design: Gold
Global Cannabis Times, Fall 2022, "Cannabis: An Investor’s Guide" by Victor Cantal
Feature Design: Silver
Big Picture, January-February 2022, "Do More With Less" by Mar Jefferson Go
Feature Article, Honorable Mention
Global Cannabis Times, Fall 2022, "Cannabis Investor’s Guide" by Damon Poeter
Best E-Newsletter, Honorable Mention
PETS+

2022

FOLIO Awards

Best Magazine Launch: Gold
Global Cannabis Times
Instructional/How-To Article: Gold
INSTORE, February 2021, "Lean” by Chris Burslem
Best Redesign B2B: Finalist
Signs of the Times by Victor Cantal
Best Feature Design: Finalist
INSTORE, December 2021, "Holiday Whoppers" by Marc Abuan

TABPI Awards

Best Single Issue: Gold (Overall Winner)
VMSD, April 2021
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (4th)
INVISION, February 2021
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (6th)
Signs of the Times, September 2021
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (11th)
INSTORE, June 2021
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (22nd)
PETS+, July-August 2021
How-To Article: Bronze
INSTORE, March 2021, "Building the Perfect Website" by Eileen McClelland
Feature Design: Bronze
VMSD, April 2021, "Future Proofing/Designer Dozen" by Victor Cantal
Feature Article, Honorable Mention
Signs of The Times, July 2021, "40 Awesome Things About Being a Sign Pro" by the Signs of the Times staff
Feature Article, Honorable Mention
INVISION, March 2021, "Could You Be an Assassin?" by Dee Carroll
COVID-19 coverage, Honorable Mention
INSTORE, October 2021, "Lessons Learned" by Eileen McClelland

2020

Neal Awards

Best Editorial Use of Data: Finalist
INSTORE, "The Big Survey", November 2019

TABPI Awards

Best Single Issue: Top 25 (5th)
INVISION, November-December 2019
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (6th)
PETS+, October 2019
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (12th)
INSTORE, May 2019
Feature Article: Top 25 (4th)
PETS+, October 2019, "The 19 Contrarian Rules of Business", by Chris Burslem
Feature Design: Bronze
INVISION, February 2019, "21 Tips for Motivating Your Team", by Victor Cantal
Feature Design: Honorable Mention
PETS+, February 2019, "Lab Work" by Mar Jefferson Go
How-To Article: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, September 2019, "41 Surefire Ways to Make Your Bridal Business Stand Out" by Eileen McClelland
Best E-Newsletter: Honorable Mention
PETS+

2019

Neal Awards

Best Single Issue (Brand revenue under $3 million)
INVISION, Nov-Dec 2018
Best Website (Brand revenue under $3 million)
INSTOREMAG.COM

FOLIO Awards

Full Issue: B-to-B, Animal/Pets: Gold
PETS+, June 2018
Full Issue: B-to-B, Retail: Gold
INSTORE, May 2019
Website: B-to-B Health/Fitness: Gold
INVISIONMAG.COM
Full Issue: B-to-B, Healthcare/Medical/Nursing: Honorable Mention
INVISION, Nov-Dec 2018
Instructional/How-To Article: Honorable Mention
INVISION, April 2019, "Epic Fail”
Feature Design: B2B, Under 100,000 Circulation: Honorable Mention
PETS+, February 2019, "Lab Work"

TABPI Awards

Best Single Issue: Top 25 (10th)
PETS+, February 2018
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (22nd)
INSTORE, May 2018
Feature Article: Top 25 (6th)
INSTORE, "Life On The New Frontier: How Internet Sales Are Changing the Landscape of Jewelry Retail", by Eileen McClelland
Feature Article: Top 25 (7th)
PETS+, "The Super 8" by Pamela Mitchell
Feature Design: Gold
INVISION, "The Future Is Now", by Victor Cantal
Judging comments: “This layout is funky and fresh. Love the colors and treatment used on the images.”
Front Cover, Digital Imagery: Bronze
PETS+, February 2018 by Mar Jefferson Go, Ralf Kircher, Tom Myers (Bundle of Paws Photography)
Judging comments: “The decision to give the headline a dimensional treatment and its placement with the subject resulted in a successful layout.”
How-To Article: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, "Chief Charming: 16 Ways to Win Your Employees’ Love Without Losing Their Respect" by Julie Fanselow

2018

FOLIO Awards

Full Issue: B-to-B, General: Gold
PETS+, February 2018
Full Issue: B-to-B, Healthcare/Medical/Nursing: Gold
INVISION, May 2018
Series or Single Article: B-to-B Retail: Gold
INSTORE, April 2018, "Life on the New Frontier” by Eileen McClelland
Full Issue, B-to-B, Retail/Product Development: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, January 2018
Instructional/How-To Article: Honorable Mention
INVISION, Nov-Dec 2017, "Private Eyes”
Instructional/How-To Article: Honorable Mention
PETS+, February 2018, "4 Weeks to Fitness"
Series or Single Article: B-to-B Animal/Pets: Honorable Mention
PETS+, “Better Business, Better World”
Best Website: B-to-B, Healthcare/Medical/Nursing: Honorable Mention
INVISION, invisionmag.com

TABPI

Best Feature Design: Gold
INSTORE, January 2017, "Lose Your Fear" by Mar Jefferson Go
Judging comments: “Love this dynamic layout! Illustration, photography, and font use certainly grabs the readers’ attention throughout.”

Best Website: Silver
PETSPLUSMAG.COM
Judging comments: “Here is a website that proves you don't need to be dull if you’re B2B. PETS+ uses bold design to draw the reader in. The content is both text and multi-media, and the platform mobile friendly. What is particularly noteworthy is the effort that is made to 'connect' with the reader through incorporating the stories of their readers in the content.”
Best Department: Silver
PETS+ "Real Deal"
Judging comments: “Excellent combination of storytelling and expert advice rolled into an engaging, instructive piece. Unique art is an unexpected bonus.”
Best How-To Article: Bronze
INSTORE, February 2017, "How to be a PR Powerhouse" by Eileen McClelland
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (10th)
INVISION, May 2017
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (13th)
PETS+, July-August 2017
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (17th)
INSTORE, September 2017

Neal Awards

Best Single Issue (Brand revenue under $3 million): Finalist
PETS+, July-August 2017
Best Website: Finalist
INSTOREMAG.COM
Best Instructional Content: Finalist
Eileen McClelland, INSTORE, "PR Powerhouse"
Best Editorial Use of Data: Finalist
INSTORE, "The Big Survey", October 2017

Azbee Awards

Original Research, Less Than $3 Million Revenue: National Bronze Award
INSTORE, "The Big Survey", October 2017
New or Relaunched Website: National Silver Award
INSTOREMAG.COM
Humorous/Fun Department: National Silver Award
PETS+, Sanity Files

2017

FOLIO Awards

Newsletter: B-to-B, Overall: Gold
PETS+ Online
Website: B-to-B, Retail: Gold
INSTORE Online
Full Issue: B-to-B, Overall: Honorable Mention
PETS+, May-June 2017
Design, New Magazine: B-to-B: Honorable Mention
PETS+
Full Issue: B-to-B, Retail: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, January 2017
Newsletter: B-to-B, Overall: Honorable Mention
INSTORE Online
Website: B-to-B, Healthcare/Medical/Nursing: Honorable Mention
INVISION Online
Digital Column/Blog: B-to-B, Healthcare/Medical/Nursing: Honorable Mention
INVISION Online
Best Single Article: B-to-B, Retail: Honorable Mention
Eileen McClelland, INSTORE, "13 Sales Secrets to Spark Business"

TABPI

Best Single Issue: Gold
INVISION, May 2016
Judging comments: “INVISION carried the childlike theme throughout the entire issue with bright, eye-popping graphics that fit the content.”
Best E-Newsletter: Gold
INVISION
Judging comments: “Great balance of news and features tackling various topics for the eyecare professional ... done in a clean, approachable design.”
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (20th)
INSTORE, September 2016
Feature Article: Top 25 (6th)
INVISION, September 2016, "Rx Men" by Dee Carroll
Feature Article: Top 25 (11th)
INSTORE, April 2016, "Social Skills" by Eileen McClelland
How-To Article: Bronze
INSTORE, January 2016, "Build a Better Salesperson" by Eileen McClelland

Neal Awards

Best Overall Art Direction/Design: Finalist
INVISION, January 2016

2016

FOLIO Awards

Full Issue: B-to-B, Retail: Gold
INSTORE, May 2016
Single Article: B-to-B, Retail: Gold
INSTORE, May 2015, "Equal Time" by Tanya Dukes
Full Issue: B-to-B, Healthcare / Medical / Nursing: Honorable Mention
INVISION, May 2016
Single Article: Healthcare / Medical / Nursing: Honorable Mention
INVISION, March 2016, "50 Things You Can Change Today to Make Your Business Stand Out" by SmartWork Media Staff

TABPI

Best Single Issue: Silver
INDESIGN, May 2015 Judging comments: "'Easy to read, but still targets its market. Very readable font and stylish design."
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (9th)
INVISION, March 2015
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (11th)
INSTORE, October 2015
Feature Article: Gold
INSTORE, November 2015, "8 Holiday Customer Types" by Eileen McClelland Judging comments: "'The article is funny, targeted, and very well-written. The artwork is as great as the writing. Clever writing and unique design elements bring to life this thoughtful look at how to handle challenging holiday customers. A fun read that serves the reader well."
Feature Article: Top 25 (9th)
INVISION, January 2015, "The Year of Reading Seriously" by INVISION Staff
How-To Article: Gold
INSTORE, February 2015, "Dump Your Dogs" by Eileen McClelland Judging comments: "'This article was full of useful tips and information. I learned a lot. Good job, clever imagery (the pug in the case, so cute!), great tips/subheads pointers."
How-To Article: Silver
INVISION, March 2015 "The Art of Adding On" by INVISION Staff Judging comments: "'Lots of ideas for readers. Nice layout. Many entry points and tips in multiple areas. Very good."
Feature Design: Honorable Mention
INVISION, April 2015 "Love Work" by Victor Cantal

2015

FOLIO Awards

Full Issue: Healthcare / Medical / Nursing: Winner
INVISION, March 2015
B-to-B: Full Issue: Retail: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, May 2015
B-to-B: Full Issue: Retail: Honorable Mention
INDESIGN, Sep/Oct 2014
B-to-B: Single Article: Retail: Winner
INSTORE, May 2015, "Robbery & Recovery" by Eileen McClelland
B-to-B: Single Article: Healthcare / Medical / Nursing: Honorable Mention
INVISION, January 2015, "The Year of Reading Seriously"

TABPI

Best Single Issue: Top 25 (24th)
INSTORE, September 2014
Feature Article: Gold
INSTORE, December 2014, "Super Jewelers" by Trace Shelton
Judging comments: "'Super Jewelers' is beautifully designed, creative, and targeted to the audience. The magazine was able to take a mundane topic and turn it into a colorful feature splash that is certain to pull in its readers."
Department: Gold
INDESIGN, "Customer Types" by Cindy Edelstein
Judging comments: "'An easy department to read with nice graphics/illustrations and photos, as well as a number of entry points to grab the reader's attention. Useful and light reading as well."
How-To Article: Gold
INDESIGN, March/April 2014, "Get Lined Up" by Trace Shelton
Judging comments: "'Good bold visible numbers/questions, lots of images to balance the text and good reporting. Useful and relevant."
Opening Page or Spread: Silver
INSTORE, November 2014, "Holiday Q & A" by Mar Jefferson Go Judging comments: "Whenever a designer attempts to mesh a historic reference or style with a crisp, modern layout — they're taking a gamble. It's a gamble which can come off as hackneyed or trite; however, when it's done successfully, the result is a captivating work which the viewer takes time to absorb and demonstrates the role and value of the creative side of the b2b world. That's what has been accomplished in this instance -- excellent work."

Neal Awards

Best Single Issue
INSTORE, September 2014
Best Single Issue: Finalist
INVISION, November/December 2014
Best Instructional Content
INSTORE, April 2014, "Merchandising A to Z" by Chris Burslem

2014

FOLIO Awards

B-to-B, Retail, Full Issue: Gold
INSTORE, May 2014
B-to-B, Design, New Magazine: Gold
INVISION, March/April 2014
B-to-B, Retail, Full Issue: Honorable Mention
INDESIGN, Jan/Feb 2014
B-to-B, Retail, Single Article: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, April 2014, "Merchandising A to Z" by Chris Burslem \

TABPI

Best Single Issue: Top 25 (16th)
INVISION, Sep/Oct 2013
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (22nd)
INDESIGN, May 2013
Feature Article: Top 25 (8th)
INSTORE, February 2013, "Pay Day" by Eileen McClelland
Focus/Profile: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, April 2013, "Fun on the Plains" by Eileen McClelland
How-To Article: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, July 2013, "100 Things a Jewelry Salesperson Should Never Do" by Josh Wimmer
Feature Design: Bronze
INSTORE, July 2013, "100 Things a Jewelry Salesperson Should Never Do" by Karla Durangparang & Victor Cantal
Judging comments: "Excellent illustrations incorporated throughout a great layout. Each page was full of life and visual interest."
Opening Page or Spread: Silver
INSTORE, November 2013, "Many Thanks" by Victor Cantal
Judging comments: "This opening spread is playful and really captures the essence of the story."

2013

FOLIO Awards

B-to-B, Retail, Full Issue: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, May 2013
B-to-B, Retail, Single Article: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, September 2012, "Shine Time" by Eileen McClelland
B-to-B, Best Overall Design: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, May 2013

TABPI

Best Single Issue: Top 25 (13th)
INSTORE, October 2012
Feature Article: Top 25 (15th)
INDESIGN, Sep/Oct 2012, "Flying High" by Trace Shelton
Feature Article: Top 25 (20th)
INSTORE, December 2012, "Characters" by Trace Shelton
Opening Page or Spread: Top 25 (8th)
INDESIGN, Sep/Oct 2012, "Flying High" by Victor Cantal
Focus/Profile Article: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, August 2012, "Green Lake Jewelry Works" by Eileen McClelland
Feature Design: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, February 2012, "Think Fast" by Victor Cantal
Feature Design: Honorable Mention
INDESIGN, Mar/Apr 2012, "Story Time" by Victor Cantal

Neal Awards

Best Instructional Content
INSTORE, April 2012, "The New Rules of Sales" by Eileen McClelland

2012

FOLIO Awards

B-to-B, Retail, Full Issue: Gold
INSTORE, May 2012
B-to-B, Retail, Full Issue: Bronze
INDESIGN, January 2012
B-to-B, Retail, Single Article: Gold
INDESIGN, March/April 2012, "Story Time" by Josh Wimmer
B-to-B, Retail, Single Article: Bronze
INSTORE, April 2012, "The New Rules of Sales" by Eileen McClelland
B-to-B, Best Redesign: Silver
INSTORE, January 2012
B-to-B, Best Feature Design: Gold
INDESIGN, September/October 2011, "Battle of the Brands"
B-to-B, Best Overall Design: Bronze
INDESIGN, May 2012

TABPI

Best Single Issue: Top 25 (7th)
INDESIGN, May 2011
Feature Article: Top 25 (11th)
INSTORE, July 2011 "Wings Up!" by Trace Shelton
Feature Article: Top 25 (20th)
INDESIGN, Jan/Feb 2011 "Lighting the Path" by Josh Wimmer
How-To Article: Silver
INSTORE, April 2011 "Lift-Off: Take the Guesswork out of Launching a Line" by Eileen McClelland and Lorraine DePasque
Judging comments: "This article was innovative in its layout. While sticking to the traditional how-to format, it very artfully and successfully used the layout to illustrate the key points. Nicely done! Well written, too." "Lift-Off! is a thoroughly researched, well written, and entertaining guide for its target audience of retail jewelers. It is also beautifully illustrated and full of practical tips."
Feature Design: Silver
INSTORE, September 2011 "Hire, Train Motivate & Meet" by Victor Cantal
Judging comments:"The paper cut-outs are quirky and fun. The layout is interesting to look at and incorporates a nice use of colors."
Opening Page or Spread: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, September 2011 "Hire, Train Motivate & Meet" by Victor Cantal

Neal Awards

Best Single Issue
INSTORE, October 2011

2011

FOLIO Awards

B-to-B, Retail, Full Issue: Bronze
INDESIGN, September 2010
Best Overall Design, B-to-B: Bronze
INSTORE, June 2010
Best Feature Design, B-to-B: Bronze
INSTORE, July 2010, "True Tales"

TABPI

Feature Article: Gold
INSTORE. O.C. Tanner, August 2010
Judging comments: "Great analysis. Excellent writing and sources. Effective use of charts and graphs." "This story was very well researched and did a great job telling a story in a concise and compelling manner. Excellent job."
How-To Article: Gold
INSTORE, Wow! September 2010
Judging comments:"Wow! is a well written, entertaining, and useful guide for its target audience. This is the kind of article that is torn out and saved for many years as a timeless reference."
Feature Design: Gold
INSTORE, Future 12 Elements, April 2010
Judging comments: "Great overall layout. Fun, edgy-looking feel works well with the topic."
How-to Article: Silver
INDESIGN, About Face, May 2010
Judging comments: "An excellent how-to guide with plenty of useful illustrations and information. This is a very well done piece."
Feature Design: Silver
INDESIGN, The Year's 50 Most Visible Jewelry Brands, Sep/Oct 2010
Judging comments: "Very interesting layout; good use of color, fonts and reader entry points."
Best Single Issue: Top 25
INDESIGN, Sep/Oct 2010
Department: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, Best of the Best

Jesse H. Neal Awards

Full Issue: Finalist
INSTORE, May 2010

2010

FOLIO Awards

B-to-B, Retail, Full Issue: Bronze
INSTORE, May 2010
B-to-B, Retail, Single Article: Bronze
INDESIGN, About Face, May 2010

FOLIO Ozzie Awards

B-to-B Best Overall Design: Bronze
INSTORE, April 2010

TABPI

Best Single Issue: Silver
INDESIGN, May/June 2009
Best Department: Gold
INSTORE, Cool Stores, February & April 2009
How-To Article: Silver Award
INSTORE, Party Perfect, September 2009
Feature Design: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, Plan of Attack, May 2009
Feature Article: Honorable Mention
INDESIGN, Five Senses, One Brand, March/April 2009

2009

FOLIO Awards

B-to-B, Retail, Full Issue: Gold
INSTORE, August 2008

min's Editorial & Design Awards

Best Magazine Launch: Honorable Mention
Spa+, October 2008

TABPI

Feature Design: Bronze
INDESIGN, Brand 50, October 2008
How To Article: Gold
INSTORE, Is Your Store Sales Fit?, November 2008

2008

FOLIO Awards

B-to-B, Retail, Full Issue: Bronze
INDESIGN, June 2008

2007

FOLIO Awards

B-to-B, Retail, Full Issue: Gold
INSTORE, June 2007

Jewelry Information Center

Trade Press Editor of the Year 2007
Paul Holewa

TABPI

Best Single Issue: Top 25 (19th)
INSTORE, June 2006
Feature articles: Top 25 (11th)
INSTORE, Hipsville, AR, August 2006
Editorial: Department: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, A Las Vegas Survival Kit, May 2006

2006

FOLIO Awards

B-to-B, Retail, Full Issue: Gold
INSTORE, May 2006

TABPI

Best Single Issue: Top 25 (15th)
INSTORE, May 2005
Editorial: Department: Bronze
INSTORE, Real Deal Editorial
Feature articles: Top 25 (4th)
INSTORE, What's Next, October 2005

2004

TABPI

Best Single Issue: Top 25 (6th)
INSTORE, June 2003