From left to right: Martin Rodriguez, Michelle Bailey, and Hannah Selvey.
Of the eight graphic design students who won Gold and Silver ADDY® awards at the local competition on March 9, three have gone on to win honors at the regional level of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) District #14, northern California and Nevada.
Graphic Communications majors Michelle Bailey, Martin Rodriguez, and Hannah Selvey also graduated with their Associate of Applied Science Degree from Truckee Meadows Community College on May 11.
Bailey was awarded gold certificates for “Wai’anapanapa Travel” poster, and for “Chinese Pangolin” logo at the local competition sponsored by AAF Reno.
“My two entries that won gold at the Reno ADDY’s achieved silver at the District #14 level,” Bailey said. “I did enter them into the nationals, and we find out the winners in June.”
Fellow graphic design student Rodriguez won local gold for his poster, “Drifting in Despair” and he achieved a silver ADDY with his design at regionals.
Selvey won four district medals; including three silver ADDYs for “Chugach State Park Poster,” “Graphic Communications website,” and “Frank N. Bender Logistics Management logo.”
“I also won a gold ADDY for my ‘Slice Salon’ website,” she said. “Everything except my logo is competing at nationals right now.”
National ADDY Awards
AAF will hold the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) in Chicago on June 7–8. About 2,000 college students are competing in the event, according to the AAF website. The national competition is part of the AAF’s ADMERICA conference on advertising. The American Advertising Awards Reception and Show takes place the evening of Friday, June 8.
Career Inspiration
“The awards have helped improve my portfolio and resume, which can be viewed online,” Bailey said. “They definitely have helped me feel more confident with the work I do and hopefully will help me start a great career in the graphic design industry.”
Selvey agrees that the ADDYs enhance professional growth.
“Receiving an ADDY award was such a confidence booster,” she said. “I've always had a passion for graphic design, but now I truly believe this is what I'm meant to do.”
Rodriguez said the award may expand career options.
“This award really opened up my whole world in the graphic design industry,” he said. “I had a couple of industry experts approach me to talk about my project. I’m glad someone recognized my award and I’m proud of the recognition it’s provided for me.”
Careers in Graphic Communications
The graphics program at TMCC is built on performance-based instruction; students assemble a portfolio of work as they learn design principles, the critiquing process, and software techniques.
More information about the graphics program at TMCC can be found on the Graphic Communications website, or by calling 775-673-7291.