Students from the Graphic Design area in The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Art and Design program were honored at the American Advertising Federation Mississippi Gulf Coast (AAF-MS Gulf Coast) Awards in several categories including the Best of Show — the highest honor celebrating excellence in advertising campaigns.
Alexia Walley, a native of Columbia, Miss., garnered two ADDYs, along with a Judge’s Choice award for a trade journal titled "With the Band."
The American Advertising Awards, also known as the ADDYs, is the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, attracting more than 25,000 entries every year in local AAF Ad Club competitions. Conducted annually by the AAF, the chapter awards are the first of a three-tier, national competition.
This year’s collective award count includes: 6 Gold and 9 Silver ADDYs, 3 Judge’s Choice Award, and a Best of Show. USM’s Art and Design program is housed in the School of Performing and Visual Arts.
“I was able to step out of my comfort zone when designing my trade journal, considering I am typically more of an illustrator,” said Walley. “The 70s and 80s were a huge inspiration for me when it came to my design, as I wanted the journal to feel punk and alternative while maintaining proper grid systems and publication techniques.”
“I feel fully prepared to enter the industry post-graduation, thanks to the invaluable support of my professors,” Walley added. “Professors John Mark Lawler and Jacob Cotton have not only challenged me in design but have also imparted fundamental life skills, reshaping my approach to daily living.”
Alexia Walley won 3 awards, 2 silver for the category: Consumer Campaign with her project: Take Control of Your Body. And category: Special Event Materials with her project: Gore Girls. As well as 1 Judges choice award for the category: Cover/Editorial Spread or Feature – Series with her project: With the Band.
