A Competition for Creatives by Creatives

The American Advertising Awards is the advertising industry's largest and most representative competition, attracting over 40,000 entries every year in local AAF Ad Club competitions. The mission of the American Advertising Awards is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising.

Origin was entrusted as design sponsor for the 2019 awards, located in Frederick, Maryland. With the collaboration of the 2019 committee, Origin teamed up with Copy & Convo to create a loud and immersive experience to cater to the rebellious spirit of creators from all backgrounds and industries.

SCOPE
Brand Identity
Art Direction
Social Media Strategy
Environmental Design
Wayfinding
Print Collateral
Merchandise

Design with a Rebel Yell

This isn’t the MTV Music Awards, it’s the American Advertising Awards. The theme for the 29th Awards was to roll out the red carpet for creatives and to position the awards show boldly and creatively. Gone are the days of a black and white suit with a stiff glass of chardonnay. We wanted the event to feel ALIVE through rebellious design choices, an explosion of neon duotones, and design that screamed maximalism. 2019 was an all access pass to self-expression. Creativity that rebelled against complacency, restrictions and client critique, and about the triumph of individuality, not just the pursuit of a trophy. We curated an eccentric playlist of upbeat tempo pop and edm music to keep the heartbeat of the event in check, and encouraged attendees to live out their Lady Gaga outfit fantasies through an unapologetic fashion-forward dress code.

Making a Ruckus

To make a creative ruckus, we disrupted people’s mailboxes, inboxes and social feeds. Where there was a touchpoint, we were there through custom foldout mailers, postcards, social media graphics, brochures, posters, and environmental signage. Attendees also were given custom-printed buttons to take home along with lenticular printed lanyards that changed colors with every angle.

Roll the Credits!
A special thank you to The American Advertising Federation of Greater Frederick for their partnership and The Downtown Community Room for providing a space for creatives to unleash our creative energy. A big high five to Jessica Patterson and Turner Photography, and 20 snaps for our printers J&M Printing, Imagination Center and Minuteman Press.