My winning design project promoted the Parlophone roster of music artists. The brief focused on outdoor summer music festivals and events to drive music sales. Before graduating, I went up on stage to receive my 1st prize D&AD Global Student Award for ‘the most outstanding open brief’. 36 nations entered the 2006 competition; 26 per cent of entries from outside the UK. From 3,000 entries, there were only 23 first prizes awarded. It was the highlight of my final year to receive industry recognition and gain an opportunity to meet people in the industry.

With my design submission, I sent this text:

“What better way to encourage engagement on their music artists amongst a forest of festival leaflets, than with wearable ‘Ad-Masks’? Not only talking points and good old festival fun, there are other reasons to put on your iconographic ‘happy biodegradable celebrity faces’! Get your wacky friends to text 80118, our Festival Greenroom, and in return we’ll send you a free mobile phone screen-saver, video or real-tone from a line-up artist of your choice. Best pics get an on-screen airing between bands, so support your music icons and get yer masks on!”

Comments from the judges:

“A perfect brief for students, the winners were really easy ideas to implement and also really humorous, fun things you’d want to do.”

– Kate Clough

“The brief was a great opportunity for students as it was something they could relate to. The winner is clear and precise with simplicity of idea and could be easily manufactured. First, second and commended entries all understood the gig lifestyle.”

– Joanne Griffiths

“…The winners are both simple ideas, well executed produced and presented, easy to implement and also not just generic ‘branding’ exercises but instead feature the artists, which was a key part of the brief.”

– Clare O’Brien

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