Each year the Parenting Media Association judges the work of its members. The team at Chesapeake Family Life won 11 awards for 2022. The awards are judged by the University of Missouri School of Journalism. The judges look for the best in local and regional parenting publications, special issues, websites and social media.
This competition recognizes and rewards editorial, design and general excellence in local and regional parenting publications, along with the innovative ways that members have utilized websites, social media and other digital media to build “community” and to further extend their reach.
Details about specific awards are listed below.
Front Cover: Illustration
Gold: Chesapeake Family Life; “June 2022”; Ellen Byrne, Jenny Cardoza
Old Bay Seasoning, Mr. Boh and the Baltimore Orioles are immediately recognizable icons. This cover says both summer fun and Maryland, with local logos on inflatable pool toys.The muted background color allows the teases and toys to stand out.
Interior Photography (Original)
Gold: Chesapeake Family Life; “Equity in Youth Sports”; Brittany Dunks, Jenny Cardoza
Three players are highlighted on the first page, while two group portraits support the full spread. Images are sized well to show faces, wisely using no more than three portraits on the opening page. The light is lovely, with highlighted hair and photographs during golden hour.
Special Section
Gold: Chesapeake Family Life; “Summer Fun Guide”; Jenny Cardoza, Ellen Byrne
The section is a marvelous example of a well-executed concept. It quite literally flows from page to page, taking readers on a journey that is fun, colorful and educational. The illustrations are excellent and the integrations with games and puzzles is admirable. This is a section to explore, to interact with, and to enjoy … not just to read. From the simple, structured festivals package to the creative use of color that complements the content, to plenty of great photos, this all is a smart use of art design and color.
Overall Design
Gold: Chesapeake Family Life; Jenny Cardoza
Unique nature-focused illustrations for Earth Day, family photos for a feature about mom, and graphic representations of iconic places for summer fun all exemplify a strong creative foundation for each issue and this publication as a whole. The pages and stories are designed based on ideas and concepts that relate to the content. The use of color, choice of typography, and abundance of beautiful art create a multitude of visual entry points from one page to the next. The end result is a product and publication that is striking, engaging and beautiful.
Annual Guide Overall Design
Gold: Chesapeake Family Life; “Big Book of Education”; Jenny Cardoza
This fun cover illustration grabs attention with the happy subject jumping through the illustrated text. An organized table of contents creates easy navigation. There is a mix of active, engaging documentary photographs and illustrations, sized well to pull readers into the articles. Drop caps match the color of subheads and details for consistent design.
Best Podcast
Gold: Chesapeake Family Life; “Talking to kids about Guns and Gun Safety”; Donna Jefferson, Janet Jefferson, Caitlyn Mateik
This podcast entry undertakes a difficult topic – gun violence and how to talk to kids about it – and uses a two-way, conversational format to provide listeners with important information while considering kids’ differing levels of exposure to the topic. The measured tone of the interview allows the audience to easily digest the material and advice and become informed without feeling alarmed or panicked. The entry is packed with valuable information and its thoughtful pacing.
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Special Section Within a Publication
Silver: Chesapeake Family Life; “Earth Day Guide”; Laura Adams Boycourt, Donna Jefferson, Claire Darcy, Nancy Parode
The stories in this section are geared toward hands-on activities for families looking to connect with the Earth. Whether that means creating a home wildlife habitat, cleaning a river, reading a book or getting back to nature in a rustic cabin – it’s filled with practical suggestions that are perfect for parents.
Best Blog/Bloggers
Silver: Chesapeake Family Life; “Parenting Advice”; Debbie Wood
By inviting parents themselves to ask questions, and then by responding to those questions, Dr. Debbie brings her expertise and experience to bear in a relatable, connective way for readers. Combining established information and her own personal experiences, the writer creates a forum in which parents can feel comfortable even in asking uncomfortable questions. Whether the family’s challenges are physical, emotional, social or mental, Dr. Debbie handles each question with care, kindness and wisdom to provide a valuable resource for earnestly inquisitive parents.
Front Cover: Original Photo
Bronze: Chesapeake Family Life; “October 2021”; Brittany Dunks, Jenny Cardoza
This is an impressive photo considering the number of models photographed on location.The difficulty level is already high with getting five good facial expressions. The result shows a mastery of light and capturing the right moment. The rim-light around the hair and shoulders is a product of knowing when to schedule this photo shoot.
General Excellence
Bronze: Chesapeake Family Life; Donna Jefferson, Claire Darcy, Jenny Cardoza
Well-organized and packed with varied stories, this publication informs and entertains. The breadth of content is impressive, with stories about motherly lessons or how to talk to kids about the war in Ukraine along with fishing guides and charcuterie suggestions. Covers are clean and graphic, and the portrait photography on the Dear Mama issue is especially lovely.
Annual Guide General Excellence
Bronze: Chesapeake Family Life; “Big Book of Education”; Donna Jefferson, Claire Darcy, Jenny Cardoza
This education resource has a generous sampling of long and short guides, plus a good blend of photos and illustrations. Covers are eye-catching, visuals are prominent and well-chosen, and the use of color is quite tasteful. Obvious thought went into content that serves every type of family.
