Tuscaloosa, Ala. – Students from Minerva, Advertising & Public Relations’ graduate portfolio program, won Silver at the national American Advertising Awards on June 2. The campaign, titled “Spotify Audiobooks – Sincerely,” marks the profile program’s first national win in five years.
“It’s wonderful when students win awards because it is a tangible and measurable outcome for all the hard work they put into a campaign,” said Mark Barry, assistant professor in the Advertising & Public Relations program and director of Minerva. “Minerva has a reputation for developing industry-ready creatives and awards like this help build upon that reputation.”
Morgan Egan wrote the campaign’s copy, and Amanda Bowring, Laney Davis and Carlisle Ballard served as art directors. The campaign features a series of posters and billboards that “speak” to passersby via audiobook titles. “Dear Art Majors,” says one, featuring the cover of Lori Sullivan’s Jobs That Won’t Disappoint Your Parents. “Dear Ye,” says another, brandishing Soozey Johnstone’s I Am the Problem.
In February, the campaign won a Gold ADDY in Tuscaloosa’s local American Advertising Awards. From there, the campaign won Silver in district competition and Silver at the national awards earlier this month.
“I am absolutely in love with being an art director,” said Bowring. “In a way, this award is confirmation that I am on the right path. It’s reassuring to know that other professionals appreciate my work, and I am very pleased that I got to share this experience with my amazing teammates.”
She continued, “Minerva is training strong creative thinkers, and I believe this award is proof of that. Minerva’s focus has always been on how to concept well. Since starting my career, I have seen how much that skill is valued.”
“Winning a national award in the field I love is an incredible honor,” said Davis. “It’s been a great remedy for any lingering imposter syndrome and a reminder that my ideas and work can go places. I hope it inspires other Minerva students and alumni to make great things in the future, which is what I plan to do!”
As far what comes next, Barry said, “we all get back to work on coming up with the next concept.”
The American Advertising Awards, conducted annually by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) is the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, attracting more than 25,000 entries every year. The three-tier competition starts at the local level, progresses to district and concludes at the national American Advertising Awards. This year’s national awards gala was held in St. Louis.
Minerva is a two-year portfolio program that offers students the opportunity to build a competitive creative portfolio while getting their undergraduate or graduate degree in advertising at The University of Alabama.
