Calliopes Corner

The great thing about the Creativity Awards is that each year it gives you a chance to get opinions from our judges, the top professionals in the industry.  To give you some insight we asked them, “What makes award winning design?” 

Some of them stressed “The Big Idea”.  A strong single statement boldly presented with the right materials, style and execution all serving to support the main point of the piece.  Others stated that an award winning design has to make you say “Wow” when you see it.  It’s a pleasant surprise, something unexpected and unique.  When all the entries are in the room or playing on your computer it is easy to see the ones that make you take notice.

But all of our judges agreed that you need carefully select your best work.  If you’re a student, don’t be intimidated by the professionals.  Your designs will be judged against your peers.  And if you have entered before, try to learn from experience and pick the strongest representation of this year’s portfolio.

One way trying to pick an award winning entry is to describe the piece to a friend or colleague.  Tell that what the idea was, why you chose the particular materials, and how it fits the conventions of harmony and balance, color and light, and form and content. Ask them to be candid with you and you will discover if they see the work the way you intended it.

Looking at past award winners can give you insight into the quality of work it takes to be considered the best.  Analyze what it is about the particular piece that caught the attention of the judges.  What made them decide the pick this one above all the others.  There’s no way to try and guess what the judges really think, but looking at past winners gives you a feeling of what they agree on.

The Creativity Awards gives you the opportunity to reflect on work done, evaluate your successes, and put your best work up against the best in the world.  What makes award winning graphic design?  One of our judges was wonderfully honest.  He said, "I can’t describe you all the proper components that makes it all come together, but I can tell you this, when it comes to choosing the best…I know it when I see it!"

Don’t forget the dates: April 6, 2012 - Media & Interactive / May 21, 2012 - opening for Print & Packaging

View comments from the 2010 & 2011 judges on our YouTube channel - http://www.youtube.com/user/creativityawards?feature=guide