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
Karson Gunn
Students from the Graphic Design area in The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Art and Design program were honored at the American Advertising Federation Mississippi Gulf Coast (AAF-MS Gulf Coast) Awards in several categories including the Best of Show — the highest honor celebrating excellence in advertising campaigns.
The American Advertising Awards, also known as the ADDYs, is the advertising industry’s 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’s collective award count includes: 6 Gold and 9 Silver ADDYs, 3 Judge’s Choice Award, and a Best of Show. USM’s Art and Design program is housed in the School of Performing and Visual Arts.
“These prestigious ADDY awards affirm the outstanding quality and creativity embodied in the design work of our USM students,” said Jacob Cotton, associate professor of design. “The 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’s 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 “Rumble Campaign” crafted to generate awareness of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
“It 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,” said Gunn. “For my poster series, I created an IBS awareness campaign with a comical, light-hearted feel to help combat the stigma surrounding IBS.”
Alexia Walley
“Throughout my time at USM, I have learned how to problem solve and think more creatively,” Gunn added. “Professor 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.”
Alexia Walley, a native of Columbia, Miss., garnered two ADDYs, along with a Judge’s Choice award for a trade journal titled "With the Band."
“I was able to step out of my comfort zone when designing my trade journal, considering I am typically more of an illustrator,” said Walley. “The 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.”
“I feel fully prepared to enter the industry post-graduation, thanks to the invaluable support of my professors,” Walley added. “Professors 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.”
Laura Patino
Laura Patino, a native of Ocean Springs, Miss., garnered two ADDYs for the branding and packaging designs of “Panthos Food Truck.”
Sharing insights into the creative process, Patino stated “I 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."
“USM has prepared me for success in so many ways,” Patino added. “Since the Graphic Design program is smaller, I’ve 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.”
Xavier Daley, a native of Hattiesburg, Miss., garnered a Judge’s Choice award for the packaging of “The Veggie Van.”
“We spend countless hours refining designs in the George Hurst Building, which underscore the high standards we uphold at USM,” said Daley. “The award not only boosts my confidence but propels me to continually push the boundaries of my design abilities, fostering perpetual growth.”
“The meticulous attention to detail and countless iterations aimed at achieving perfection were vital during the crafting process,” Daley added. “Overcoming challenges like creating subtle yet effective dielines and mastering precise paper scoring and folding highlighted the importance of craftsmanship in design.”
“I've acquired invaluable skills from exceptionally talented individuals at USM,” Daley continued. “Not 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.”
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 – Series
Project: With the Band
Learn more about the Southern Miss Art and Design program.