Marc Stress, president and design director of Stressdesign, a Syracuse-based design firm specializing in communications for business and education clients, was selected for the January 2008 “People to Watch” issue of Graphic Design USA. Stress was among 43 design professionals across the country to receive a full-page profile in the industry-leading magazine.

Graphic Design USA, the news and ideas magazine for graphic design professionals, was established in 1963 and has an estimated monthly readership of over 100,000. In January of each year, Graphic Design USA magazine publishes the “People To Watch” feature. Those selected embody the spirit of the creative community. They are individuals who the publication has come to know and respect for a combination of talent, leadership, success, insight, business savvy, community service and newsworthiness.

“As a designer and business owner, I have come to realize that you are only as good as your reputation among clients and peers. Those are the individuals who have the most insight into your professionalism, talent and work ethic,” shared Stress. “To have been selected among the outstanding designers in Graphic Design USA’s People to Watch is an immense honor.”

Many of the industry’s most accomplished and recognized legends and leaders of the profession have been profiled in People to Watch. January 2008 marks the 45th issue of People to Watch.

Stress brings a rich and diverse range of experience and both professional and community commitment to the judging table. He amassed more than 12 years of design experience before starting his own firm, stressdesign, which he founded in 2000. Growth in stressdesign’s client base and project work has fueled increased revenues, a move to a larger space in 2006 and the hiring of additional design and project management professionals.

The current president of the Upstate Chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), Stress is active in advancing the graphic design profession. He has served as an adjunct professor in the Art Department of Onondaga Community College and has presented to many industry and related organizations, sat on various panels and judged numerous competitions.

“The accolades and loyalty of clients and the effectiveness of the communications we develop together are the true marks of success in this business,” added Stress. “Stressdesign has been fortunate enough to enjoy both, and my inclusion in People to Watch is another piece of evidence of that good fortune.”

A resident of Syracuse, Stress is an involved member of the community with service on boards and committees of several non-profit organizations. He holds degrees from the State University of New York College at Fredonia and Mohawk Valley Community College.

This recognition puts Stress in good company. Over the 45 years the publication has been recognizing industry leaders, the GDUSA People to Watch annual reads like a who’s who of design professionals. More than 580 individuals including: