When each edition of CHRISTIANITY TODAY arrives in your mailbox, your level of interest is determined in part by the cover art: Does the image draw you in, making it hard for you to toss it aside? Our hope and goal is for you to answer yes.
For the past 12 years, the person who designed those covers, who commissioned the art, called the photographers, positioned the type, has been Joan Nickerson. And her graphic signature did not end with the cover; her imprint can be seen on nearly every editorial page. Through her diligent efforts, the design of CT has remained fresh, contemporary, dignified—much like the art director herself.
Despite having one of the most youthful spirits on our staff, Joan has decided to retire. This is the last issue for which she is responsible.
Saying thank you does not begin to do justice to her contributions. One of the joys of working at CTi is to brush up against those who love our Lord and have been touched by him to do a mighty work. I count Joan among them. While continually raising the standards of excellence for Christian publishing, Joan has gone the extra mile by mentoring and encouraging a whole generation of Christian graphic artists. At a time when the arts were often ignored by the church, she has helped to keep the artistic flame burning.
Next month the magazine in your mailbox will look a little different, as a new personality will begin to make his mark on our pages. Like Joan before him, Tom Moraitis comes to us from our sister publication CAMPUS LIFE. His goal, our hope, is to continue Joan’s vision—a high ambition.
MICHAEL G. MAUDLIN, Managing Editor