If you had asked me two months ago, "Amy, do you think you'll ever win an award for design?" The answer would have been a resounding "No." It's not that I don't think I can design well, it's that my style of design is nothing unique - nothing special. I am surrounded by students who have a more vivid imagination than I, and I'm okay with that! The world needs designers who are solid and can effectively communicate a message.
That's why I was so shocked when I was invited to the 2013 ADDY Awards Gala.
Attending this event was a fantastic opportunity for me, and not just because I scored an award. I carpooled to the event with the department chair for graphic design, my Photoshop professor, and two of my fellow students. This was the most rewarding part of the evening because we discussed searching for jobs, thinking creatively, and influencing our culture in a positive way through visual communication. I was very encouraged by their advice and our conversation.
The Gala itself was exciting because we got to walk around and see all of the entries that were posted around the large hall. It was inspiring to see the trends that are going on in the world of graphic design. After that, there was a slideshow presentation of the entries and the awards that were won, and then we picked up our certificates, took a group picture, and headed home.
It was exhilarating to be completely surrounded by graphic designers and advertising executives. It's like they were making me a better designer simply through osmosis! I'm so glad that I got to participate!
Amy
