AWARDS
SmartWork Media creates high-impact business media
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 2022Best Single Issue (Brand revenue under $3,000,000)
Global Cannabis Times, Fall 2022Best Overall Art Direction/Design (Brand revenue under $3,000,000): Finalist
PETS+ by Victor CantalTABPI Awards
Best Single Issue: Gold (Overall Winner)
Big Picture, May 2022Best Single Issue: Bronze
PETS+, November-December 2022Best Single Issue: Top 25 (5th)
INSTORE, January 2022Best Single Issue: Top 25 (6th)
Screen Printing, September-October 2022Best Single Issue: Top 25 (7th)
Global Cannabis Times, Fall 2022Best Single Issue: Top 25 (9th)
INVISION, April 2022Best Single Issue: Top 25 (11th)
VMSD, November-December 2022Best Single Issue: Top 25 (19th)
Signs of the Times, June 2022How-To Article: Gold
Signs of the Times, January 2022, "Exposing Your Value One Image at a Time" by Gabe GriffinFeature Design: Gold
Global Cannabis Times, Fall 2022, "Cannabis: An Investor’s Guide" by Victor CantalFeature Design: Silver
Big Picture, January-February 2022, "Do More With Less" by Mar Jefferson GoFeature Article, Honorable Mention
Global Cannabis Times, Fall 2022, "Cannabis Investor’s Guide" by Damon PoeterBest E-Newsletter, Honorable Mention
PETS+2022
FOLIO Awards
Best Magazine Launch: Gold
Global Cannabis TimesInstructional/How-To Article: Gold
INSTORE, February 2021, "Lean” by Chris BurslemBest Redesign B2B: Finalist
Signs of the Times by Victor CantalBest Feature Design: Finalist
INSTORE, December 2021, "Holiday Whoppers" by Marc AbuanTABPI Awards
Best Single Issue: Gold (Overall Winner)
VMSD, April 2021Best Single Issue: Top 25 (4th)
INVISION, February 2021Best Single Issue: Top 25 (6th)
Signs of the Times, September 2021Best Single Issue: Top 25 (11th)
INSTORE, June 2021Best Single Issue: Top 25 (22nd)
PETS+, July-August 2021How-To Article: Bronze
INSTORE, March 2021, "Building the Perfect Website" by Eileen McClellandFeature Design: Bronze
VMSD, April 2021, "Future Proofing/Designer Dozen" by Victor CantalFeature Article, Honorable Mention
Signs of The Times, July 2021, "40 Awesome Things About Being a Sign Pro" by the Signs of the Times staffFeature Article, Honorable Mention
INVISION, March 2021, "Could You Be an Assassin?" by Dee CarrollCOVID-19 coverage, Honorable Mention
INSTORE, October 2021, "Lessons Learned" by Eileen McClelland2020
Neal Awards
Best Editorial Use of Data: Finalist
INSTORE, "The Big Survey", November 2019TABPI Awards
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (5th)
INVISION, November-December 2019Best Single Issue: Top 25 (6th)
PETS+, October 2019Best Single Issue: Top 25 (12th)
INSTORE, May 2019Feature Article: Top 25 (4th)
PETS+, October 2019, "The 19 Contrarian Rules of Business", by Chris BurslemFeature Design: Bronze
INVISION, February 2019, "21 Tips for Motivating Your Team", by Victor CantalFeature Design: Honorable Mention
PETS+, February 2019, "Lab Work" by Mar Jefferson GoHow-To Article: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, September 2019, "41 Surefire Ways to Make Your Bridal Business Stand Out" by Eileen McClellandBest E-Newsletter: Honorable Mention
PETS+2019
Neal Awards
Best Single Issue (Brand revenue under $3 million)
INVISION, Nov-Dec 2018Best Website (Brand revenue under $3 million)
INSTOREMAG.COMFOLIO Awards
Full Issue: B-to-B, Animal/Pets: Gold
PETS+, June 2018Full Issue: B-to-B, Retail: Gold
INSTORE, May 2019Website: B-to-B Health/Fitness: Gold
INVISIONMAG.COMFull Issue: B-to-B, Healthcare/Medical/Nursing: Honorable Mention
INVISION, Nov-Dec 2018Instructional/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 2018Best Single Issue: Top 25 (22nd)
INSTORE, May 2018Feature Article: Top 25 (6th)
INSTORE, "Life On The New Frontier: How Internet Sales Are Changing the Landscape of Jewelry Retail", by Eileen McClellandFeature Article: Top 25 (7th)
PETS+, "The Super 8" by Pamela MitchellFeature Design: Gold
INVISION, "The Future Is Now", by Victor CantalJudging 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 Fanselow2018
FOLIO Awards
Full Issue: B-to-B, General: Gold
PETS+, February 2018Full Issue: B-to-B, Healthcare/Medical/Nursing: Gold
INVISION, May 2018Series or Single Article: B-to-B Retail: Gold
INSTORE, April 2018, "Life on the New Frontier” by Eileen McClellandFull Issue, B-to-B, Retail/Product Development: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, January 2018Instructional/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.comTABPI
Best Feature Design: Gold
INSTORE, January 2017, "Lose Your Fear" by Mar Jefferson GoJudging comments: “Love this dynamic layout! Illustration, photography, and font use certainly grabs the readers’ attention throughout.”
Best Website: Silver
PETSPLUSMAG.COMJudging 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 McClellandBest Single Issue: Top 25 (10th)
INVISION, May 2017Best Single Issue: Top 25 (13th)
PETS+, July-August 2017Best Single Issue: Top 25 (17th)
INSTORE, September 2017Neal Awards
Best Single Issue (Brand revenue under $3 million): Finalist
PETS+, July-August 2017Best Website: Finalist
INSTOREMAG.COMBest Instructional Content: Finalist
Eileen McClelland, INSTORE, "PR Powerhouse"Best Editorial Use of Data: Finalist
INSTORE, "The Big Survey", October 2017Azbee Awards
Original Research, Less Than $3 Million Revenue: National Bronze Award
INSTORE, "The Big Survey", October 2017New or Relaunched Website: National Silver Award
INSTOREMAG.COMHumorous/Fun Department: National Silver Award
PETS+, Sanity Files2017
FOLIO Awards
Newsletter: B-to-B, Overall: Gold
PETS+ OnlineWebsite: B-to-B, Retail: Gold
INSTORE OnlineFull Issue: B-to-B, Overall: Honorable Mention
PETS+, May-June 2017Design, New Magazine: B-to-B: Honorable Mention
PETS+Full Issue: B-to-B, Retail: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, January 2017Newsletter: B-to-B, Overall: Honorable Mention
INSTORE OnlineWebsite: B-to-B, Healthcare/Medical/Nursing: Honorable Mention
INVISION OnlineDigital Column/Blog: B-to-B, Healthcare/Medical/Nursing: Honorable Mention
INVISION OnlineBest Single Article: B-to-B, Retail: Honorable Mention
Eileen McClelland, INSTORE, "13 Sales Secrets to Spark Business"TABPI
Best Single Issue: Gold
INVISION, May 2016Judging comments: “INVISION carried the childlike theme throughout the entire issue with bright, eye-popping graphics that fit the content.”
Best E-Newsletter: Gold
INVISIONJudging 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 2016Feature Article: Top 25 (6th)
INVISION, September 2016, "Rx Men" by Dee CarrollFeature Article: Top 25 (11th)
INSTORE, April 2016, "Social Skills" by Eileen McClellandHow-To Article: Bronze
INSTORE, January 2016, "Build a Better Salesperson" by Eileen McClellandNeal Awards
Best Overall Art Direction/Design: Finalist
INVISION, January 20162016
FOLIO Awards
Full Issue: B-to-B, Retail: Gold
INSTORE, May 2016Single Article: B-to-B, Retail: Gold
INSTORE, May 2015, "Equal Time" by Tanya DukesFull Issue: B-to-B, Healthcare / Medical / Nursing: Honorable Mention
INVISION, May 2016Single Article: Healthcare / Medical / Nursing: Honorable Mention
INVISION, March 2016, "50 Things You Can Change Today to Make Your Business Stand Out" by SmartWork Media StaffTABPI
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 2015Best Single Issue: Top 25 (11th)
INSTORE, October 2015Feature 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 StaffHow-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 Cantal2015
FOLIO Awards
Full Issue: Healthcare / Medical / Nursing: Winner
INVISION, March 2015B-to-B: Full Issue: Retail: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, May 2015B-to-B: Full Issue: Retail: Honorable Mention
INDESIGN, Sep/Oct 2014B-to-B: Single Article: Retail: Winner
INSTORE, May 2015, "Robbery & Recovery" by Eileen McClellandB-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 2014Feature Article: Gold
INSTORE, December 2014, "Super Jewelers" by Trace SheltonJudging 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 EdelsteinJudging 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 SheltonJudging 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 2014Best Single Issue: Finalist
INVISION, November/December 2014Best Instructional Content
INSTORE, April 2014, "Merchandising A to Z" by Chris Burslem2014
FOLIO Awards
B-to-B, Retail, Full Issue: Gold
INSTORE, May 2014B-to-B, Design, New Magazine: Gold
INVISION, March/April 2014B-to-B, Retail, Full Issue: Honorable Mention
INDESIGN, Jan/Feb 2014B-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 2013Best Single Issue: Top 25 (22nd)
INDESIGN, May 2013Feature Article: Top 25 (8th)
INSTORE, February 2013, "Pay Day" by Eileen McClellandFocus/Profile: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, April 2013, "Fun on the Plains" by Eileen McClellandHow-To Article: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, July 2013, "100 Things a Jewelry Salesperson Should Never Do" by Josh WimmerFeature Design: Bronze
INSTORE, July 2013, "100 Things a Jewelry Salesperson Should Never Do" by Karla Durangparang & Victor CantalJudging 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 CantalJudging 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 2013B-to-B, Retail, Single Article: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, September 2012, "Shine Time" by Eileen McClellandB-to-B, Best Overall Design: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, May 2013TABPI
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (13th)
INSTORE, October 2012Feature Article: Top 25 (15th)
INDESIGN, Sep/Oct 2012, "Flying High" by Trace SheltonFeature Article: Top 25 (20th)
INSTORE, December 2012, "Characters" by Trace SheltonOpening Page or Spread: Top 25 (8th)
INDESIGN, Sep/Oct 2012, "Flying High" by Victor CantalFocus/Profile Article: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, August 2012, "Green Lake Jewelry Works" by Eileen McClellandFeature Design: Honorable Mention
INSTORE, February 2012, "Think Fast" by Victor CantalFeature Design: Honorable Mention
INDESIGN, Mar/Apr 2012, "Story Time" by Victor CantalNeal Awards
Best Instructional Content
INSTORE, April 2012, "The New Rules of Sales" by Eileen McClelland2012
FOLIO Awards
B-to-B, Retail, Full Issue: Gold
INSTORE, May 2012B-to-B, Retail, Full Issue: Bronze
INDESIGN, January 2012B-to-B, Retail, Single Article: Gold
INDESIGN, March/April 2012, "Story Time" by Josh WimmerB-to-B, Retail, Single Article: Bronze
INSTORE, April 2012, "The New Rules of Sales" by Eileen McClellandB-to-B, Best Redesign: Silver
INSTORE, January 2012B-to-B, Best Feature Design: Gold
INDESIGN, September/October 2011, "Battle of the Brands"B-to-B, Best Overall Design: Bronze
INDESIGN, May 2012TABPI
Best Single Issue: Top 25 (7th)
INDESIGN, May 2011Feature Article: Top 25 (11th)
INSTORE, July 2011 "Wings Up!" by Trace SheltonFeature Article: Top 25 (20th)
INDESIGN, Jan/Feb 2011 "Lighting the Path" by Josh WimmerHow-To Article: Silver
INSTORE, April 2011 "Lift-Off: Take the Guesswork out of Launching a Line" by Eileen McClelland and Lorraine DePasqueJudging 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 CantalJudging 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 CantalNeal Awards
Best Single Issue
INSTORE, October 20112011
FOLIO Awards
B-to-B, Retail, Full Issue: Bronze
INDESIGN, September 2010Best Overall Design, B-to-B: Bronze
INSTORE, June 2010Best Feature Design, B-to-B: Bronze
INSTORE, July 2010, "True Tales"TABPI
Feature Article: Gold
INSTORE. O.C. Tanner, August 2010Judging 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 2010Judging 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 2010Judging comments: "Great overall layout. Fun, edgy-looking feel works well with the topic."
How-to Article: Silver
INDESIGN, About Face, May 2010Judging 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 2010Judging comments: "Very interesting layout; good use of color, fonts and reader entry points."