Awarding graphic design excellenceThe 12th Art of Design biannual awards for graphic designers showing originality and design excellence with a particular focus on the creative use of paper were hosted recently by Antalis South Africa, its 24th year as the supporter of this event. The host was international cook and etiquette queen Maria Mojaji, inspiration for this year's theme - Maria's "Smörgåsbox." L to R: Caroline Coughlan, Paul Hinch, Vaneshree Govender, Shelley Atkinson, David James JudgesThis year the panel of nine judges, selected from the graphic design industry, viewed 750 entries in the seven commercial categories and 80 entries in the student category. Their decisions were based on a number of design criteria, including whether the design solved a problem and added value, its level of creativity, innovation or originality and level of impact - 'was there magic.' Further they evaluated the degree to which there was a convincing correlation between the design solution and whether the paper used brought the design to life. Lastly, the judges evaluated contributions based on design elements, determining if they were well crafted and supported by good print quality. The panel, headed up by Lorraine Du Plessis - Studio 5, included Eben Keun - Breinstorm Brand Architects, Shelly Atkinson - GRID Worldwide, Tania Barker - Ogilvy Cape Town, Johan Liebenberg - Ogilvy Durban, Christopher Gough Palmer - The New Black, Bronwen Rautenbach - Sunshinegun, Alexis Beckett - Network BBDO, and Andre De Waal - Trompelemonde. Grand Prix prizeThis year's Grand Prix Prize is the opportunity to design work for Antalis, including the theme and art work for the 2012 Art of Design competition, and a trip to New York valued at R50 000. The 2010 Grand Prix winner was Grid Worldwide with its entry Slow Corporate Identity. The 2010 Grand Prix printer award went to Mortimer Offset. The student category aims to provide students with unique tools encouraging them to learn the art of typography by using the unique font glyphs provided by Joshua Darden from New York. In this category, first place received a prize of R5000, second place R3000 and third place R2000. This year's student winner was Cally Tarin May from Greenside Design Centre. Winners
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