The American Graphic Design Awards™, presented by Graphic Design USA (GDUSA), is the publication’s flagship competition, celebrating standout work from creatives across the industry. From design firms and agencies to in-house teams, freelancers, and students, the awards celebrate the best work across print, digital, and interactive media. Now in its 62nd year, the competition continues to recognize projects that push creative boundaries while solving real-world challenges. In 2025, the new Cougar® swatchbook earned top honors in the “Books” category.
The GDUSA Award Winner
Each year, winners showcase the full spectrum of creative talent, spanning media, disciplines, and careers, from rising stars to industry veterans. Despite this diversity, there’s a common thread—design that makes ideas visible and meaningful still matters.
Featuring the iconic Cougar silhouette on its cover, the swatchbook was designed as both a practical tool and a visual statement. It highlights why Cougar continues to be a favorite among designers: its ability to consistently deliver impressive, high-quality results.
Inside the piece brings the brand to life through bold color palettes and striking photography, resulting in a tactile, immersive experience that demonstrates the paper’s versatility across applications.
Highlighting extraordinary places, objects, and experiences, the book includes samples produced using both offset and digital printing technologies, including HP Indigo and JPress. This combination underscores Cougar’s adaptability across platforms and print methods—an essential quality for today’s creative workflows.
A Collaborative Achievement
The award-winning swatchbook was designed by birdsong gregory in partnership with Domtar – a collaboration born out of a long-standing creative relationship.
Birdsong gregory has contributed to several award-winning pieces printed on Cougar, and this latest project continues that tradition of excellence. More than just a swatchbook, this piece is a reminder that the tools designers use can also be works of art. It reinforces the idea that thoughtful design—paired with the right materials—can elevate even the most functional objects into something memorable.
