Students qualify for national design competition

  Wednesday, April 9, 2014 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Two Pittsburg State graphic design majors are about to have their creativity tested against some of the top design students in the country.

Seniors Matthew Heflin, Oswego; and Kenzi Jordan, Lee's Summit, Mo.; have qualified for national competition in the American Advertising Awards, an annual competition sponsored by the American Advertising Federation. Both qualified for nationals after placing high at the AAA District 9 competition. The 9th District of the American Advertising Federation represents the affiliate advertising clubs and federations of the AAF in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska.

Heflin’s packaging design of Brew Chew, a product he describes as “an after-beverage gum,” won Student Gold and Best of Show at district competition.

“I was incredibly shocked to learn I won gold and best of show,” he said. “I enjoyed the work I put into the design, and I had hoped to place high locally. To qualify for nationals is something I never imagined. I’m thrilled to be in this position.”

Jordan’s design of “Party Animals Merlot” earned the Student Silver award at the district competition.

“I’m stoked about qualifying for nationals,” she said. “We put so much thought and time into these designs, and it’s a great feeling to have your work recognized in this way.”

Most national winners will be announced in late April. However, gold and silver award winners won’t be announced until the AAF national conference in late May.