Students win design awards

Scott+Kessler%2C+AAF-Akron%2C+President+and+Jacob+Thompson%2C+of+The+University+of+Akron%2C+receiving+the+Student+Best+of+Show+award+for+his+Cleveland+Cyclewerks+branding+project.

Todd Biss Photography

Scott Kessler, AAF-Akron, President and Jacob Thompson, of The University of Akron, receiving the Student Best of Show award for his Cleveland Cyclewerks branding project.

By Sofia Syed, Arts & Life Editor

The Akron Chapter of the American Advertising Federation held its 70th annual American Advertising Awards at the Akron Civic Theater on Friday, Feb. 20.

The ADDY Awards is a three-tiered national competition and is considered to be the world’s largest advertising competition.

“The mission of the American Advertising Awards competition is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising,” said Scott Kessler of Zeto Creative, president of the AAF Akron Board.

The awards varied from a Gold Addy and a Silver Addy to Judges Choice, Best of Show, and Student Best of Show. There are 15 categories of awards that include sales promotion, direct marketing, collateral, interactive, broadcast and more.

Student Best of Show was awarded to Jacob Thompson from The University of Akron this year. He won a Gold ADDY award for his project with Cleveland Cyclewerks, an international motorcycle manufacturer.

“I think there was a lot of great work this year, but one of my favorite parts of the show is the student work,” Kessler said.

UA students Amanda Puleo, Delaney Baronwright, Jacob Thompson, and Brian Barr won Gold ADDY awards.

Several UA students also won Silver ADDY’s: Danielle Lowery, Sarah Williams, Brian Barr, Kayla Hull, and Amanda Puleo.

“The best part is being recognized in front of Akron area professionals and seeing designers you look up to congratulate you on your work,” said UA student and winner Brian Barr. “I was honored to win multiple awards and the more times professionals see you on stage and recognize your face, the better.”

Other winners included WhiteSpace Creative with six awards, 427 Design, Todd Biss Photography, and Kent State University.

Also, in recognition of the ADDY Awards 70th anniversary, the City of Akron proclaimed that Feb. 20 is AAF Akron Day.

The AAF uses the proceeds from ticket sales for internships, public service, consumer awareness, and advertising education.

To see a complete list of winners and to learn more information about the ADDY Awards visit their website: www.aafakron.com.