Area students prepare for Creative Smackdown

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.- Creative Smackdown, a statewide advertising, Web design, and graphic design competition for students, will be held on October 29, at 7 p.m., in Loosemore Auditorium, 401 W. Fulton, on Grand Valley State University's Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

Founded by Grand Valley professor Frank Blossom, Creative Smackdown allows students the opportunity to network, win scholarships, and have their work critiqued by industry professionals. Following presentations to a panel of 22 professionals, the top three winners will each receive a monetary prize as well as scholarships to The Polishing Center.

"Dozens of students are mixed in with dozens of the best professionals in the local creative services industry, and baked in the oven at 350 degrees for approximately two minutes of presentation and critique per person," said one judge Marty Lenger, creative services manager for Gordon Food Service. "You never know what's going to come out once the timer goes off!"

Several new elements will be added to the competition this year, including a special question and answer session with the judges. A booklet of all participants' resumes and business cards will also be produced and provided to the judges.

"Creative Smackdown was such a good experience for me because I was able to receive feedback from professionals in the industry," said Erica McCary, winner of the 2008 Creative Smackdown for her print ad for Faygo. "I would recommend the Smackdown to anyone who has a great concept, a great design, and a willingness to put themselves out there."

Students must register before Tuesday, October 20. For more details, visit the Creative Smackdown Web site at www.creativesmackdown.com, or e-mail Frank Blossom at [email protected].