Jacksonville, AL –Per the Director of Strategic Communications for JSU, Buffy Lockette, JSU art and design students continue to be the top performers at every year’s ADDY Awards organized by the Birmingham Advertising Federation – winning 13 of 15 awards by 2023.
The American Advertising Awards competition, home of the ADDY award, is the advertising industry’s most representative competition, which has over 40,000 entries across the country. Every year graphic design students from central and north Alabama submit their most impressive designs for consideration to Birmingham Ad Fed for consideration.
“We are extremely proud of our college students, who regularly receive prizes for their work and design on a regional national, international and regional levels,” said Bryce Lafferty as interim director of the Department of Art and Design. “A special thanks to the faculty of graphic design members – Jamie Runnells, Chad Anderson, Christian Dunn and Seth Johnson for creating a space where students can compete, excel and excel. I personally am amazed by Conner, Riley, Tara, Alden and Caycie’s design work, and honored to be able to represent JSU as well as in the Department of Art and Design.”
Conner Gayda who is currently pursuing an Master of Fine Arts, received an award called the Judges Special Award – which is typically awarded to professionals in the field of design. Conner Gayda also received the award for Best in Show from students. The multi-disciplinary designer is focused on typography, visual identity and motion. He also focuses on UI/UX, motion and motion. He is originally born in Tyrone, Ga., the designer received the BFA Graphic Design at Samford University in 2021 before attending master’s programs at JSU.
“This summer I’m working for the design studio with a prestigious award, Tatum Design, in Birmingham,” Gadya said. “Despite Tatum’s tiny operational capacity of just eight employees Tatum’s work has been recognized worldwide through design publications such as Communication Arts, PRINT Magazine, Graphis, and the American Advertising Awards. I’m looking forward to being there during the summer, and get the opportunity to work with some of my design idols.”
Below is the comprehensive listing of JSU ADDY winners. Silver, Bronze and Gold awards are given in every category, at both the professional and student level. Silver and Gold winners can compete at the regional ADDYs If they are the award is given there, they will be able to go to compete in the national competition.
Judges Special Award
Conner Gayda Conner Gayda Waverly Font Design Category: Elements of advertising, typeface Design
The Best Show Show: Students
Conner Gayda Conner Gayda APEX Graphics Package
Categories: Elements of advertising film, Video and Sound Animation or Special Effects
Conner Gayda Conner Gayda Waverly Font Design
Elements of Advertising, Typeface Design
Gold Awards:
Conner Gayda — Satchel Font
Typeface category Design
Conner Gayda Conner Gayda Waverly Font Design
Typeface Category Design
Tara Holbrooks“Stay Fresh” Infographic Products
Category: Illustration – Campaign
Conner Gayda Conner Gayda APEX Graphics Package
Category of Animation or Special Effects
Silver Awards:
Riley Abston the Sign of The Four Book Design
Category Book Design
Tara Holbrooks – Sweet – Recipe & Baking App
Category Application (Mobile or Web-based)
Alden Guinn – Coffee Bud Tap & Go Kiosk
Category App (Mobile or Web-based)
Alden Guinn – Coffee Bud
Category: Logo Design
Alden Guinn The Marching Southerners
Category: Logo Design
Tara Holbrooks – Bookmark Publishing Co.
Category: Illustration/Campaign
Caycie Trotter – Moonberry Farms
Category Campaign
Check out all the winners in the The ADDY Winner Book.
