Photo: Gary Walters

Each year we hold the STEP 100 judging in scenic Lake Geneva, Wis. It’s conveniently located less than an hour’s drive from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, and it’s secluded so the judges can’t leave. This may sound like a hostage situation, but the judges are kept warm and dry and are well fed the two days they’re with us—heck, they even have a good time.

Part of the fun in judging this year’s competition was discovering that design is making a comeback (the judges’ words, not mine). After spending an entire day looking at thousands of entries, judges Dana Arnett, Stephen Doyle, Brown Johnson, Noreen Morioka, and Rick Valicenti were extremely pleased with the show they picked, and what they viewed as a positive trend in their field.

Stephen remarked, “This year’s STEP competition showcased a resurgence of, well, design. Gone are the angst and hand-wringing about design’s value, its politics, its meaning, and instead there is an outpouring that amounts to a celebration of design: how it can move us, charm us, and surprise us.” These characteristics are evident in the 100 winning entries featured in this issue.

The discussion and enthusiasm didn’t end when the judging commenced. In our last evening over dinner at Greg and Pat Samatas’ summer home, we engaged in a lively discussion about the competition. “I was impressed with the very optimistic vibe embodied in all of the entries. This speaks volumes about the present and future of design’s practice,” Rick commented. Optimism seemed to be the consistent theme.

With such a special show, we started discussing the cover for this annual. How would we convey on a magazine cover the passion and optimism that swirled around that dinner table? The next thing I knew, the judges were offering to have a friendly cover design competition amongst themselves, with the winning concept landing on the cover. I was skeptical. The wine was flowing and spirits were bright. Would this idea ever see the light?

Indeed, cover designs were submitted to me, then distributed to the judges to vote on. Greg’s “design on fire” concept was selected, and it seemed to carry the momentum from that dinner. “I think we have to continue to motivate our industry—designers and clients alike—and this cover supports and encourages the idea that we can and we are doing great work, even today with times and attitudes changing,” Greg says.

Of course, Stephen has his own take on the cover: “Greg was telling me at dinner that night, that just before we arrived, Pat opened the oven and screamed, ‘Oh my God! Dinner’s on fire!’ and how that gave him an idea for a design of something, but he wasn’t sure what.” Oh, Stephen. Something was burning that night, but it definitely wasn’t dinner.

In addition to the fiery STEP 100, Nancy Bernard assesses the trends of 2004 after analyzing the winning entries. It’s an interesting take on what’s going on in the industry and what to expect in the future. Ina Saltz talks about how top cosmetics companies are marketing to metrosexuals in her “Step Out” column (Makeup for men? Oh my!), and we’re introducing a new column this issue called “Professional Practice,” penned by renowned business consultant Shel Perkins. He is going to provide business advice for design professionals including freelancers, small business owners, and staff members. This issue, Shel kicks off the series with pricing strategies for freelancers— how to calculate your time and bill clients.

On a sad note, one of STEP’s frequent contributors, Ken Coupland, lost his battle with AIDS on Jan. 21. He was a gifted writer with a sharp pen and a witty sense of humor. I enjoyed working with Ken, and I will miss him. His last editorial contributions to STEP are in this issue.