Castrol mural for D&AD Annual 2009

Every year over 25 000 entries are submitted from internationally leading advertising agencies, design groups, in-house studios, and architectural practices, as well as film and post-production companies from over 58 nations. The D&AD Awards offer the creative community the opportunity to be judged by its harshest critics - its peers.

The highest benchmark

“While the caché and stature of many award shows have been debated and have fluctuated, D&AD has consistently been regarded as the highest benchmark and measure of creativity and design. So it's a fantastic acknowledgement of our creative ability. We are very proud,” said Gavin Levinsohn, Ogilvy Cape Town's MD.

He says Castrol Magnatec is an “intelligent” motor oil that is formulated to seek out the engine parts that need it most. Hence, “We depicted an engine as a surreal illustrated world through which the oil navigates a path to reach its destination. Along its epic journey, the oil encounters a fantastical array of personified engine parts that either lure the oil in or chase it away,” says Levinsohn.

The intricate illustration gives passing rush-hour motorists something new to look at every time they drive past. The work was collaboration between Castrol, Ogilvy Cape Town and Am I Collective.