USM Graphic Design Students Win Best of Show and Other Accolades at Gulf Coast ADDY Awards

Mon,
03/18/2024 – 09:36am | By: Ivonne Kawas

Karson Gunn, a native of Raymond, Miss., garnered eight ADDY awards along with a Best
of Show and a Judge’s Choice award for projects in categories such as the television
advertisement, product or service packaging design, poster campaign, integrated brand
identity campaign, and interactive website design.

The Best of Show is the highest accolade bestowed upon a project that epitomizes the
mission of the AAF competition and embodies the creative essence of excellence in
the art of advertising. In the case of the Best of Show, Gunn earned this distinction
for a compelling poster series titled “Rumble Campaign” crafted to generate awareness
of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

“It is such an honor to have won several awards at this year’s ADDY competition, including
the Best of Show. It was validating to see the hard work, creativity, and dedication
that I have poured into these projects over the past year be recognized,” said Gunn.
“For my poster series, I created an IBS awareness campaign with a comical, light-hearted
feel to help combat the stigma surrounding IBS.”

“Throughout my time at USM, I have learned how to problem solve and think more creatively,”
Gunn added. “Professor John Mark Lawler has helped me recognize my potential as a
creative by being an encouraging and insightful mentor. His dedication to fostering
a positive learning environment and to supporting our individual strengths while pushing
me beyond my comfort zone has been invaluable in shaping my growth as a designer.”

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.”

“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.”

Laura Patino, a native of Ocean Springs, Miss., garnered two ADDYs for the branding
and packaging designs of “Panthos Food Truck.”

Sharing insights into the creative process, Patino stated “I worked for several weeks
on developing the branding of the food truck, including the logo design. From there,
I started crafting the actual prototypes by creating dielines and hand-assembling
our packaging. This was definitely the most difficult part, learning to work with
different materials to create a clean final product.”

“USM has prepared me for success in so many ways,” Patino added. “Since the Graphic
Design program is smaller, I’ve been able to get more one-on-one time and build closer
relationships with my peers. Design is a social process that requires lots of input.
Professor Cotton has been a great mentor and has provided excellent academic and emotional
support for me and our cohort.”

Xavier Daley, a native of Hattiesburg, Miss., garnered a Judge’s Choice award for
the packaging of “The Veggie Van.”

“We spend countless hours refining designs in the George Hurst Building, which underscore
the high standards we uphold at USM,” said Daley. “The award not only boosts my confidence
but propels me to continually push the boundaries of my design abilities, fostering
perpetual growth.”

“The meticulous attention to detail and countless iterations aimed at achieving perfection
were vital during the crafting process,” Daley added. “Overcoming challenges like
creating subtle yet effective dielines and mastering precise paper scoring and folding
highlighted the importance of craftsmanship in design.”

“I’ve acquired invaluable skills from exceptionally talented individuals at USM,”
Daley continued. “Not only have our professors provided us with the necessary expertise
to adeptly navigate various software, but my peers have also contributed to my learning
experience. Each interaction offers an opportunity to acquire new skills, and daily
feedback from everyone I engaged with has helped refine and enhance my abilities.
Most importantly, the sense of community and camaraderie we’ve cultivated here makes
it feel like a second family.”

The USM AAF-MS Gulf Coast ADDY Award winners include:

Xavier Daley (from Hattiesburg, Miss.):

JUDGE’S CHOICE

Category: Packaging

Project: The Veggie Van Packaging

Autum Graves (from Hattiesburg, Miss.):

1 SILVER

Category: Integrated Brand Identity Campaign

Project: Good Earth Organics Campaign

Karson Gunn (from Raymond, Miss.):

2 GOLD

Category: Television Advertising

Project: TV Intro

Category: Packaging

Project: Medialuna Packaging

1 GOLD, 1 SILVER, 1 BEST OF SHOW

Categories: Poster, Integrated Brand Identity Campaign

Project: Rumble Campaign Poster Series

1 SILVER

Category: Poster

Project: They’re Not Under The Bed Poster

1 SILVER, JUDGE’S CHOICE

Category: Website

Project: Green House Website

Anderson Nixon (from Hattiesburg, Miss.):

1 SILVER

Category: Poster

Project: Don’t Smother Your Mother

Laura Patino (from Ocean Springs, Miss.):

1 GOLD, 1 SILVER

Categories: Logo Design, Packaging

Project: Panthos Food Truck

Josie Russell (from Mount Olive, Miss.):

1 GOLD

Category: Special Event Materials

Project: Luminol Society Invitation Set

1 SILVER

Category: Television Advertising

Project: What Big Teeth TV Intro

Caitlyn Schintzius (from Gulfport,Miss.):

1 GOLD

Category: Cinematograph

Project: Eternal Night – Introduction Video

Alexia Walley (from Columbia, Miss.):

2 SILVER

Category: Consumer Campaign

Project: Take Control of Your Body

Category: Special Event Materials

Project: Gore Girls

1 JUDGE’S CHOICE

Category: Cover/Editorial Spread or Feature – Series

Project: With the Band

Learn more about the Southern Miss Art and Design program.