Four new categories will debut at the 2016 National Print Awards, with entries opening mid-October and closing in January.
The new categories typography, illustration, corporate identity, and print and digital campaigns would bring the total to 29 unless some of last year’s are cut – though chairman of judges Luke Wooldridge says they will be ‘almost identical.
Organisers say the first three new categories are designed to recognise the graphic elements of a successful printed piece, while print and digital campaign looks at print as part of an overall multi-channel campaign
There is also a newly created Student Award judging unpublished concepts or printed self-promotional pieces by design students.
[Winners from the 2015 National Print Awards]
Entries for the awards will open mid-October and close on January 29, with judging held in the first week of February and the awards presented on May 20.
Jobs printed any time from January 1 this year are eligible and entrants must provide two samples of each piece.
NPA chairwoman Susan Heaney says the awards demonstrate that Australian printers are equal to, or better than, their counterparts anywhere in the world.
“Advertisers, marketers and manufacturers are well educated about the important role print plays in delivering real ROI on their communications – but in a competitive market, they demand excellence, innovation and effectiveness from their print,” she says.
“In the face of ever increasing competition, it is a remarkably effective way to demonstrate that your print meets the highest standards and will, therefore, help maximise the effectiveness and influence of your clients’ printed collateral as part of their campaigns and wider marketing strategies.”
Wooldridge says the new categories open ‘a range of new possibilities’ for designers, creatives and agencies – as well as printers who offer these services – to plan their increased involvement.
“There is no reason why all print businesses can’t start to identify and set aside potential winners from the six months of eligible work they already have under their belt,” he says.
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