The aim of the competition is to encourage designers to consider paper as an important aspect of design. Just as the use of colour, balance, photography and illustration is part of the design process, paper is another tactile tool at the designer's disposal. The choice of stock, various effects of printing techniques and finishes are almost limitless. The opportunities to use different types of paper stock, each with a specific role and purpose, can be refreshing and interesting.
The talented trio of Eben Keun, Ilan Green and Hannah Hughes won the big prize for an ATKV brochure entry named ‘Uitkomkans / ‘n Plek Waar Harte Sing'.
“We are passionate about paper and consider it a key communication element when designing. The printers and paper engineers that help bring our sometimes challenging design visions to life, are extraordinary. It is very encouraging that the industry recognizes small agencies,” said Keun.
Antalis has been serving the South African print industry for over 100 years. The competition is a way in which it supports growth of the South African graphic design industry that has enthusiastically participated in the competition for an uninterrupted 22 years.
“It inspires thinking, ideas, paper and beautiful presentation. We are very impressed with the quality of entry this year. It rewards originality and design excellence with a particular focus on the creative use of paper,” said Antalis marketing manager, Caroline Coughlan.
Antalis Art of Design 2008 received 514 entries from across South Africa, including 68 student submissions from 11 tertiary graphic design institutions.
The categories for the 2008 awards were: Corporate Identity, Annual Reports, Brochure 1, Brochure 2, Cards, Digital and Student Corporate Identity and other. In the Student category, the first place received R5000, second place R2000 and a merit prize of R1000 was awarded.
Antalis marketing director David James said that the company valued its involvement with the industry through Art of Design and confirmed an ongoing commitment for the future.
A judging panel of nine was nominated by the industry hailing from different corners of South Africa. This year's independent industry judges were Lorraine du Plessis from Studio 5, Anita Prendergast of Motiv CT, Richard Hart of Disturbance, Renay Kneale of Brainwave Communications, Bronwen Bridgeford of Tequila, Boni Mthiyane of Note This and Carla Kreuser of Jupiter Drawing Room CT.
The awards evening was hosted by former Miss South Africa Joanne Strauss on 13 August 2008 at Michelangelo Hotel, Johannesburg.
