51逗奶

USM Graphic Design Students Win Best of Show and Other Accolades at Gulf Coast ADDY Awards

Mon, 03/18/2024 - 09:36am | By: Ivonne Kawas

Students from the Graphic Design area 鈥嬧�媔n The University of 51逗奶 Mississippi鈥檚 (USM) Art and Design program were honored at the (AAF-MS Gulf Coast) Awards in several categories including the Best of Show 鈥� the highest honor celebrating excellence in advertising campaigns.

The American Advertising Awards, also known as the ADDYs, is the advertising industry鈥檚 largest and most representative competition, attracting more than 25,000 entries every year in local AAF Ad Club competitions. Conducted annually by the AAF, the chapter awards are the first of a three-tier, national competition. 

This year鈥檚 collective award count includes: 6 Gold and 9 Silver ADDYs, 3 Judge鈥檚 Choice Award, and a Best of Show. USM鈥檚 Art and Design program is housed in the School of Performing and Visual Arts.

鈥淭hese prestigious ADDY awards affirm the outstanding quality and creativity embodied in the design work of our USM students,鈥� said Jacob Cotton, associate professor of design. 鈥淭he recognition reflects their dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence, showcasing our institution as a beacon for fostering talent and pushing the boundaries of creative expression."

Karson Gunn, a native of Raymond, Miss., garnered eight ADDY awards along with a Best of Show and a Judge鈥檚 Choice award for projects in categories such as the television advertisement, product or service packaging design, poster campaign, integrated brand identity campaign, and interactive website design.

The Best of Show is the highest accolade bestowed upon a project that epitomizes the mission of the AAF competition and embodies the creative essence of excellence in the art of advertising. In the case of the Best of Show, Gunn earned this distinction for a compelling poster series titled 鈥淩umble Campaign鈥� crafted to generate awareness of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

鈥淚t is such an honor to have won several awards at this year's ADDY competition, including the Best of Show. It was validating to see the hard work, creativity, and dedication that I have poured into these projects over the past year be recognized,鈥� said Gunn. 鈥淔or my poster series, I created an IBS awareness campaign with a comical, light-hearted feel to help combat the stigma surrounding IBS.鈥�

鈥淭hroughout my time at USM, I have learned how to problem solve and think more creatively,鈥� Gunn added. 鈥淧rofessor John Mark Lawler has helped me recognize my potential as a creative by being an encouraging and insightful mentor. His dedication to fostering a positive learning environment and to supporting our individual strengths while pushing me beyond my comfort zone has been invaluable in shaping my growth as a designer.鈥�

Alexia Walley, a native of Columbia, Miss., garnered two ADDYs, along with a Judge鈥檚 Choice award for a trade journal titled "With the Band."

鈥淚 was able to step out of my comfort zone when designing my trade journal, considering I am typically more of an illustrator,鈥� said Walley. 鈥淭he 70s and 80s were a huge inspiration for me when it came to my design, as I wanted the journal to feel punk and alternative while maintaining proper grid systems and publication techniques.鈥�

鈥淚 feel fully prepared to enter the industry post-graduation, thanks to the invaluable support of my professors,鈥� Walley added. 鈥淧rofessors John Mark Lawler and Jacob Cotton have not only challenged me in design but have also imparted fundamental life skills, reshaping my approach to daily living.鈥�

Laura Patino, a native of Ocean Springs, Miss., garnered two ADDYs for the branding and packaging designs of 鈥淧anthos Food Truck.鈥�

Sharing insights into the creative process, Patino stated 鈥淚 worked for several weeks on developing the branding of the food truck, including the logo design. From there, I started crafting the actual prototypes by creating dielines and hand-assembling our packaging. This was definitely the most difficult part, learning to work with different materials to create a clean final product."

鈥淯SM has prepared me for success in so many ways,鈥� Patino added. 鈥淪ince the Graphic Design program is smaller, I鈥檝e been able to get more one-on-one time and build closer relationships with my peers. Design is a social process that requires lots of input. Professor Cotton has been a great mentor and has provided excellent academic and emotional support for me and our cohort.鈥�

Xavier Daley, a native of Hattiesburg, Miss., garnered a Judge鈥檚 Choice award for the packaging of 鈥淭he Veggie Van.鈥�

鈥淲e spend countless hours refining designs in the George Hurst Building, which underscore the high standards we uphold at USM,鈥� said Daley. 鈥淭he award not only boosts my confidence but propels me to continually push the boundaries of my design abilities, fostering perpetual growth.鈥�

鈥淭he meticulous attention to detail and countless iterations aimed at achieving perfection were vital during the crafting process,鈥� Daley added. 鈥淥vercoming challenges like creating subtle yet effective dielines and mastering precise paper scoring and folding highlighted the importance of craftsmanship in design.鈥�

鈥淚've acquired invaluable skills from exceptionally talented individuals at USM,鈥� Daley continued. 鈥淣ot only have our professors provided us with the necessary expertise to adeptly navigate various software, but my peers have also contributed to my learning experience. Each interaction offers an opportunity to acquire new skills, and daily feedback from everyone I engaged with has helped refine and enhance my abilities. Most importantly, the sense of community and camaraderie we've cultivated here makes it feel like a second family.鈥�

The USM AAF-MS Gulf Coast ADDY Award winners include:

Xavier Daley (from Hattiesburg, Miss.):

JUDGE'S CHOICE

Category: Packaging

Project: The Veggie Van Packaging

 

Autum Graves (from Hattiesburg, Miss.):

1 SILVER

Category: Integrated Brand Identity Campaign

Project: Good Earth Organics Campaign

 

Karson Gunn (from Raymond, Miss.):

2 GOLD

Category: Television Advertising

Project: TV Intro

Category: Packaging

Project: Medialuna Packaging

 

1 GOLD, 1 SILVER, 1 BEST OF SHOW

Categories: Poster, Integrated Brand Identity Campaign

Project: Rumble Campaign Poster Series

 

1 SILVER

Category: Poster

Project: They're Not Under The Bed Poster

 

1 SILVER, JUDGE'S CHOICE

Category: Website

Project: Green House Website

 

Anderson Nixon (from Hattiesburg, Miss.):

1 SILVER

Category: Poster

Project: Don't Smother Your Mother

 

Laura Patino (from Ocean Springs, Miss.):

1 GOLD, 1 SILVER

Categories: Logo Design, Packaging

Project: Panthos Food Truck

 

Josie Russell (from Mount Olive, Miss.):

1 GOLD

Category: Special Event Materials

Project: Luminol Society Invitation Set

 

1 SILVER

Category: Television Advertising

Project: What Big Teeth TV Intro

 

Caitlyn Schintzius (from Gulfport,Miss.):

1 GOLD

Category: Cinematograph

Project: Eternal Night - Introduction Video

 

Alexia Walley (from Columbia, Miss.):

2 SILVER

Category: Consumer Campaign

Project: Take Control of Your Body

Category: Special Event Materials

Project: Gore Girls

 

1 JUDGE'S CHOICE

Category: Cover/Editorial Spread or Feature 鈥� Series

Project: With the Band

 

Learn more about the 51逗奶 Miss Art and Design program.