Creative Smackdown brings together students and top professionals in advertising and design for an evening of creativity, education, networking and appraisal. Each student will get 60 seconds to present one piece of work to an advertising or design creative director in a small group setting. Each creative director will select finalists from their group and present them on stage to the audience. Simulating a workplace creative review, they will discuss and critique the merits of each finalist.
Cameras will capture the pieces and show close-ups to the audience on a large screen. Audience members and creative judges will then vote to narrow the finalists to three entrants, with a final secret vote by judges for the their top choice. First prize is $500, second prize is $300 and $100 each for third and fourth prize. Scholarships to The Polishing Center and internships with Palazzolo Design will also be awarded.
Area design and advertising instructors are invited to bring their classes to observe the process and be participating audience members. Students from Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, Central Michigan University, Ferris State University, Kendall College of Art and Design, and Baker College are currently registered to present at the event.
To reserve a critique spot, students must register with Frank Blossom at [email protected]. Blossom, of The Polishing Center, is an adjunct professor at Grand Valley and one of the evening's critiquing professionals.
Participating in Creative Smackdown are top creative directors from area agencies including Hanon-McKendry, Jager Group, Justice & Monroe, Bird Design, Palazzolo Design Studio, The Highland Group, Ad Club of West Michigan and more. This august group of creative directors has won every major national creative award and been recognized in Advertising Age, Print, Communication Arts, HOW Magazine, Graphis and numerous other advertising and design publications.
