Each year, the Music Publishers Association (MPA) recognizes outstanding examples of graphic design for the music industry. The 2015 Paul Revere Awards for Graphic Excellence were recently announced during the MPA’s annual meeting in New York City. Hal Leonard was proud to have the work of its designers, engravers and editors acknowledged in the latest competition.
“Blues Banjo” placed first in Cover Design Featuring Photography. This instructional book/online audio pack by Fred Sokolow teaches lessons, licks, riffs, songs and more. Lynn Sokolow photographed the author, and Hal Leonard VP of Creative Services Richard Slater enhanced the image in Photoshop for a cool blues feel. Kurt Plahna managed the project editorially.
A treasury of favorite carols to play in easy piano arrangements, “My First Christmas Carols Song Book” took the top prize in Design in Folios: Popular Music. Linda Nelson, Senior Art Director for Hal Leonard, sourced a stock holiday illustration and designed the warm and nostalgic cover and interior pages around it. Editor Sharon Stosur oversaw the production of the publication.
“Toys!” scored a second-place finish in the Cover Design Featuring Graphic Elements category. Showcasing compositions by John Jacobson and John Higgins, these choral titles are in the Hal Leonard Expressive Art series. Hal Leonard Graphic Artist Jennifer McClellan directed the original illustration by Jennifer A. Bell and designed the whimsical cover.
An artistic collaboration between Slater and Nelson, “Guitar Fretboard Atlas” took third place in Design in Folios: Concert & Educational Music. This book, by Joe Charupakorn, features colorful chord charts throughout to help players get a better grip on neck navigation.
Of the company’s victories, Slater said, “At Hal Leonard, design is truly a team sport. Many individuals—from executives to editorial folks—share ideas, and our talented designers, engravers and press operators bring each project to life. We feel very honored to have our publications recognized in such a distinguished competition.”