Tu Ciudad Magazine Wins Merit Award from the New York Society of Publication Designers.

Tu Ciudad Magazine (an Emmis Communications publication) has received a Merit Award from the New York Society of Publication Designers for an image and layout that appeared in the magazine’s debut issue (June/July 2005).

The gripping image of a soldier’s uniform hanging on a prosthetic arm was the opening spread for “When War Hits Home,” a compelling story about three Latino soldiers’ proud and painful experiences in Iraq.

Tu Ciudad was honored in the photo category for the best use of an image in a spread. Ciudad Photo Editor Bailey Franklin assigned and edited the photographs for the story and Ciudad Art Director Thomas O’Quinn designed the layout. The photographs were shot by Gregg Segal.

“This is a great achievement for Ciudad because the Society of Publication Designers is considered one of the most esteemed industry honors for magazine design competitions,” says Editor-in-Chief Oscar Garza. “Starting with our premiere issue, Bailey and Tom have combined their talents to give us a distinct look that has gotten our readers’ attention. And now, the industry is becoming aware of what Tu Ciudad is producing.”

Publisher Jaime Gamboa adds, “Winning a merit of this caliber for a recently launched city-regional magazine less than a year old is amazing. We continue to make waves as we aim to become the category leader in our market.”

Tu Ciudad Magazine will formally receive the honor at the 41st annual Magazine Design Competition in New York City on May 5, 2006. Additionally, Ciudad’s image and layout will be featured in a compilation book of the best editorial designs from 2005.