The Annual 2021 winners have been revealed over summer, with some of the most exciting professionals in the history of Creativepool. Who are these amazing people and why do they represent the best of the best in the realm of creativity?
It isn't the first time we see Ryan Brown taking part in The Annual, and his submitted work has always been of excellent quality. Ryan was shortlisted in 2019 and 2020, but, not content with that result, he returned in 2021 with a much powerful project for Adobe to impress both the community and our judges. With his Adobe Dimensions Live Type work, the London-based senior designer was able to secure a coveted Bronze in 3D and a People's Choice award in Typography.
In this Annual 2021 Spotlight, we are learning more about Ryan and his overall experience with the Creativepool community.
Tell us about your winning submissions! What do you think impressed the judges?
I think it was the simplicity of the idea, and the sentiment of the message at a time when a lot of people were thinking hard about how we were living our lives up until that point. At that time so many of us had began to ask questions about our lifestyles, vocations and wellbeing, that it inadvertently captured a moment.
On a practical level, I think the level of detail and quality that was achieved by the software we were promoting was a surprise to anyone thinking that 3D software was complicated and overwhelming.
What felt unique about taking part in The Annual?
I’ve always enjoyed the engagement of the wider audience with the People’s Choice Awards, and being able to promote outside of the CreativePool channels. The provision of feedback from the judges regardless of whether you are a winning submission, is also a really nice touch, and not one I’ve had from other Award submissions.
If you could name one reason that made you choose to enter this year, what would it be?
Honestly, my free entry as a member! Haha!
I was proud of the work, it had been really well received by the client, their audience, and on my other channels, so I decided to submit and see what happens!
The cost of submission into other categories (I entered in both Typography and 3D) is set at a really affordable price point, so I thought I’d see how I would fare against other more established 3D artists, and I’m really glad I did!
How do you plan to display your award?
I have shelves above my desk with a whole range of posters, toys and pictures that inspire me… I think the awards will look great amongst them!
Will you enter again in 2022? If so, what are your hopes?
Of course! I’ve entered three years in a row and have really enjoyed being part of the community.
I have been working on a large brand creation piece for a tech start-up over the last year, and have had the opportunity to bring my new-found love for 3D together with my passion for branding, so I am excited to share it with the world, and showcase it here.
Personally, I also hope you continue to send the framed covers for nominees - this was a really nice addition to the whole experience!
What advice would you share with other agencies and individuals looking to grab an award?
Just enter! If you’re a member you have a free entry, so what have you got to lose?! It’s a great opportunity to showcase some of the work you’re most proud of, or that has inspired you over the last twelve months, and in my experience, regardless of whether you win, you always make contacts and find inspiring projects along the way!
How does winning awards such as The Annual impact your business?
I wouldn’t say it has changed my business too much, but it’s a legitimate opportunity for shameless self-promotion for someone who is not very comfortable with self-promotion!
This year’s winners are a testament to the power of creativity in hardship. How did Covid restrictions influence your winning projects and how did you approach these new challenges?
I was first approached about this project having just finished my 36 Days of Type experiment, which I used as an opportunity to really learn Adobe Dimension. By the time we had agreed the concept and there was a working beta version of the features, we were in full-lockdown and I was furloughed from my day job, looking after my two daughters whilst my wife worked.
So when the kids had gone to bed or were having some down time, I was able to focus exclusively on this brief. This really allowed me to challenge myself by exploring different concepts and experiment with lighting, materials and composition. I was definitely able to “grow” and “evolve” for having been involved with this project!
What are your hopes for the industry in 2022 and beyond?
I’ve already seen two of my most admired agencies - who have always appeared to value the wellbeing of their team and culture - try different models of when to be together and when to wfh, in collaboration with the whole team. You can see from the work they’ve produced in the past, and the work they continue to produce, that they know that an engaged team, is the formula for creating outstanding work.
Agencies are realising that creating a high-performance working culture is so much more than having a PlayStation and fussball table!
What is your most exciting project in the next year?
This year has been a busy and exciting one as I have been responsible for the branding and strategy for a tech startup, launching next year. It’s such a fast-moving industry, and the product is constantly evolving, but it’s been a great opportunity to learn new skills and push things I’ve been excited to try for sometime.
I’m really proud of what we’ve created so far, and excited by what where we will be at launch, so I’ll be putting that forward for next year’s Annual!