Kimberly, Wis. - Appleton Coated's "Inspire" showcases the 2010 winning entries to the U360 Design Competition. This year's competition includes new, special honors for Best of Show, Communication Excellence, Design Excellence, Print Excellence, and four Regional Recognition Awards. Entries for the 2011 U360 Competition are now being accepted through, Dec. 10, 2010.

"Just as last year's 'Proof' showbook demonstrated the proof that print has purpose, 'Inspire' underscores print's unmatched ability to inspire people," says Ferkó Goldinger, advertising and promotion manager at Appleton Coated. "The judges chose pieces that exemplify the impact and inspiration that well-executed print delivers."

The U360 Competition was judged in January 2010 by members of the Appleton Coated Design Council:
- Justin Ahrens, principal of Rule29 in Geneva, Ill.;
- Lynda Decker, owner and principal of Decker Design Inc. in New York;
- David Kohler, owner and executive creative director of OTTO in New York;
- Bill Thorburn, founding principal of The Thorburn Group in Minneapolis;
- Kathleen Turaski, co-founder and principal of Resonance Marketing in Decatur, Ga.; and
- Bryan Peterson, owner and principal of Peterson Ray & Company in Dallas.
Lori Carrabba, print production professional at G2 in New York joined the judging process to focus on the award for best in print. A photo gallery of the judging can be viewed here.

"U360's winning selections share an integrity in their work, a commitment to making the right decisions and an uncompromising passion for each choice made. From the ideal paper choice to the proper printing, from the arresting images to the impactful copy, each choice pushes the concept forward," says Thorburn. "Thank goodness the passion for this premium level of work is alive and well. These high-impact pieces transcend the times, the trends and the economy as uplifting, inspiring examples to all of us."

"Overall, there is a move towards a more understated, refined feel," says Turaski. "The design itself can't feel too complicated or expensive, yet there is a need to feel different, to stand out, and to make the piece feel special and distinct."

Turaski adds that the entries used "spot UV gloss, blind emboss or deboss to give additional texture or contrast to the printed material." She cautions "The special finishes are more likely to get someone's attention, yet are understated and don't compete with the message. There is so much competition for attention, and the designer knows they've got a limited amount of time to inspire the reader."

Each winning selection is printed all, or in part, on Utopia and/or Curious Collection papers. "Inspire" also is printed on Utopia U1X:Green, a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper that is manufactured with electricity in the form of renewable energy and a minimum of 20% post-consumer recovered fiber. Its medal-worthy cover features Curious Metallics Super Gold.