2012 Adobe Design Achievement Awards
Adobe is honoring the best student and faculty by recognizing their achievements using technology and the creativity arts at the Adobe Design Achievement Awards. The competition showcases both individual and group projects from accredited higher education institutions that are using Adobe’s creative software. The talents showcased are from promising graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, animators, digital filmmakers, developers and computer artists.
You can visit the ADAA main web site here:
http://www.adobeawards.com/
Make sure you take some time to review the 2011 Finalists:
http://www.adaagallery.com/
All the skills that I teach in my classes and within the eBooks here under Wynn Press help teach the foundation to create some of these technical projects. What really separates these students from others isn’t just one thing, but a number of things:
1) An Idea
These projects are not just about creating a web site, a poster, or a video. These projects have meaning and passion behind them that allows the students to use their creative skills to connect the message with others. Both the technology and the creative arts push the message in more sophisticated ways then has been used in the past.
2) Dedication
None of these projects could be recreated overnight, let alone in a week. These projects took a lot of time in planning and in execution. It is important to realize that if you want to join similar students in next years competition, what changes will you need to make find the time to complete a project of this magnitude? Consider talking with your professors and see how you can build upon an idea within one of their classes. If you can dedicate smaller elements within specific course assignments, this may help you move quicker in the right direction.
3) Collaboration
Group dynamics can have a significant impact on an idea and the dedication to create something new. How can you take advantage of your classmates and faculty to help leverage the things you need to accomplish something great? Even if you do not work with a team, chances are good you have other interests or knowledge outside the creative arts that makes you unique. How can you blend two different areas of knowledge to create something great?
To help you gain an insight into the judge’s perspective of this years competition, watch this short video from the judging of the 2011 competition:
http://www.2011.adaagallery.com/
Hopefully, these projects will inspire you! How can you build off this and make your own mark in the world with the growing skills you are developing today? Do you have any ideas? Feel free to share them here? Maybe a few of you will connect and create next years winner!
robstathem
I think that many artists are influenced by other artists. For example, many jazz musicians today were influenced by the GREATS like Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, etc, etc. But, each brought their own style and signature.
I think that whatever type of artist you are, it’s important to find inspiration in your peers, or by other work. Let that work fuel your own imagination and creativity. I like to employ the “think outside the box” idea, and create something unique that catches the attention of others.
I’m also a believer of details…when designing, think about the details. It’s little things like a subtle drop shadow, a gloss/shine effect on a logo if appropriate, etc, etc. Your clients and employers will notice and appreciate the details!
Last but not least, trust your designer instincts when designing. If you put your heart and soul into a project, you’ll know and feel it. If it’s not working, it’s a good sign to step back and re-evaluate a more effective approach. Good research and planning will always result in success driven projects!
-Rob