Field Notes Inside an Integrated Communications Agency

I sipped my glass of wine and leaned back in my chair this past Friday night at the 2008 Addys, marveling at the sheer amount of talent floating around in Bay 7 of the American Tobacco Campus. As creative professionals from all over the triangle gathered to celebrate the effort that went into their agency’s work this past year, I reflected on what it means to be a big player in this industry. 

Sure the award ceremony was long and certain individuals had started playing dominos with their awards or sketching out future designs, but I found myself tuned in to one thing in particular.  As each award was called for Capstrat, I observed my fellow Capstratters as our work was displayed on the big screen.  I watched our team’s reactions, realizing that these awards were not about adding another plaque to the trophy case in the lobby.

Silver Award for:
    The Wint’ Before Opening
    Collateral Material, Special Event Card

Silver Award for:
    Winners Circle Animation for GSK Glaxo
    Elements of Advertising, Animation or Special Effects (Video, Film)


Silver Award for:
    Quintiles Transformation
    Elements of Advertising, Special Effects Film or Video


Silver Award for:
    Quitline, Phone Call Away
    Public Service, Print, Magazine

Bronze Award for:
    Quintiles Silver Thread Books
    Collateral Material, Brochure, Campaign

The 2008 Triangle Area Addy Awards were last Friday night and there was something for everyone. Video, interactive, print, branding, advertising and PR people all had opportunities to walk up and grab some crystal awards. And the food was good too.

But to me the best part about the Addys is that you simultaneously participate as an individual, as a company, and as part of the larger creative community. People cheer because they themselves, or their company, or their friends in the larger design community get props for doing good work.

All that love brings a richness to the community. Add to that an open beer and wine bar and you get a fun evening to remember.

PS. McKinney, the areas largest firm didn't participate. While they might feel like they are beyond local competition, they are missing out on an opportuniuty to have fun and connect with their peers. Too bad for them.

Read about the awards in the News and Observer.

I had lots of fun at the 2008 Triangle Area Addy Awards in Durham last Friday night. Thanks to all the people that worked to make it a success. But I'd like to offer up some comments to the Ad Club for the 2009 show.

Make it shorter. Three hours is just too long. By the end people were getting bored. And it's not fair to the award winners at the end to have a bored, tired audience.

Give fewer prizes. Limit the number of golds and silvers that you give out. It'll heighten the meaning of each award and make it shorter at the same time.

Limit the number of times that you can enter one project. It's not fun to see the same company win five awards for the same project. 

I had the good fortune to spend last weekend in Memphis judging the 7th district Addy Awards. I came away with interesting insight and new friends. Here’s the rundown:

Fellow judges: Bobby Jones from Hydra Studio, Renee Miller from The Miller Group and Frank Anselmo from BBDO. All top notch creative talent and all great to hang with.

The judging: Two full spirit-breaking days with intermissions for random goofiness and a trip to Graceland.

The work: Overall good with a few stand outs that caught the judges’ attention. I saw the biggest spectrum in Interactive and Television.

What was best of show? Wait and see. I’ll tell you the judges didn’t have an easy choice and put A LOT of thought into it. I guarantee it’ll be a pleasant surprise.

Who won the most? We didn’t know the entrant’s names and couldn’t say even if we did. Our mission was to select work that would inspire fellow creatives.

Best food: Hands down, Corky’s Barbecue. It was wet, it was dry and it was all good. They fight about this stuff in Memphis.

Biggest disappointment: Not getting a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich at Sun Studio Café. Runner up: For the third time being run off after attempting to sit in the Jungle Room’s furry chairs.

Highlight of Graceland tour: Hopping aboard Lisa Marie (The jet, not the daughter). That flying love palace was huge and pimpin’.

Thanks to Susan and the volunteers at the 7th district Addys in Memphis. I really enjoyed being there, seeing your work and hanging out with you, Renee, Bobby and Frank. Gotta run. The ‘nana sandwich is done.