Handlettering, illustration, graphic novels, invitations, logos, and type design all share a foundation in expressive communication through form and typography. Each discipline uses composition, hierarchy, line quality, and attention to detail to convey tone, personality, and narrative. Whether creating a brand mark, a story world, or an event announcement, these practices balance artistry with function—transforming letterforms and imagery into cohesive visual systems that communicate identity and meaning clearly and intentionally.
2026 jury members in these categories aren’t just accomplished designers—they’re practitioners who’ve shaped the field in real time. Their work spans disciplines, platforms, and audiences, giving them a nuanced understanding of how these specialties function for brands, for clients and in the marketplace. Because they’ve navigated the pressures of clients, culture, craft, and critique themselves, they bring both rigor and empathy to the judging process—qualities that elevate the competition beyond aesthetics alone.
Handlettering, Illustration, Graphic Novels, Invitations
Stefan Bucher // 344 Design
Stefan Bucher is the author of eight books, including the best-selling 344 Questions: The Creative Person’s DIY Guide to Insight, Survival & Artistic Fulfillment. His clients include NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Blue Man Group. He has designed books for David Hockney and Philip Glass, designed the titles for Tarsem’s cult film The Fall, and the soundtrack to The Matrix.
Post design for the Austin Initiative for Graphic Awesomeness (AIGA) | Stefan Bucher
Verònica Fuerte // Founder & Creative Directress at Hey
Under Verònica Fuerte’s direction, Hey has collaborated with leading brands, institutions, and cultural platforms worldwide. Beyond client work, she drives self-initiated, cultural projects that explore new ways to communicate ideas and foster community through design. She is a member of the Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGI) and a Board Member of the Art Directors Club (ADC) in New York.
Branding for Casa Ñidro | Hey
Arley Torsone // Co-Founder, Ladyfingers Letterpress
Lettering artist Arley Torsone co-founded Ladyfingers Letterpress with partner Morgan Calderini in 2010, building it around the motto “Stand Up, Give Back and Take Naps” as both a print studio and community-driven retail experiment. Rooted in Torsone’s early resistance to digital design at Parsons and shaped by the couple’s discovery of letterpress—and later, their experience with discrimination while planning their wedding—Ladyfingers has grown into a craft-centered, activist enterprise known for vibrant hand-lettered work and a mission to make people feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
Hand-Lettering for Beginners Class at Ladyfingers Press
Logos & Type Design
Lisa Huang // Founder of Words of Type
Lisa Huang is a typeface designer who specializes in Latin and Chinese Hanzi scripts. Growing up in Paris, under the influence of Chinese and French cultures, Huang actively seeks ways to connect cultures and people in everything she does.
Words of Type Encyclopedia | Words of Type
Lauren Walsh // Partner & Head of Strategy at &Walsh
Lauren Walsh has 15+ years of experience in communications, brand, and innovation strategy. She has led award-winning work for brands like Plenty, TED, Coconut Cult, and Google.
Alphabet designed for GUT Agency | &Walsh
Liza Enebeis // Creative Director and Partner at Studio Dumbar/DEPT
At Studio Dumbar/DEPT, Liza Enebeis is directly involved in projects such as the Instagram motion identity, the D&AD Creativity Festival, OpenAI motion branding, and co-founder of the Dumbar initiative DEMO – Design in Motion Festival. Enebis is an elected member of the Alliance Graphique Internationale and is on the D&AD Board of Trustees.
Branding the Netherlands | Studio Dunbar
If your work shapes language, builds worlds, frames invitations, or distills identity into a single emblem, this is the arena for it. Entering the PRINT Awards isn’t just about recognition; it’s about placing your voice into a broader conversation about what marks matter now. Show the work that defines your practice—and let it stand up, speak clearly, and leave its imprint.
The post The Art of the Mark: PRINT Awards Categories That Leave an Impression appeared first on PRINT Magazine.