Advertising students make competitive mark at One Show Client Pitch Competition
A team of four first-year advertising students from Appalachian State University’s Hickory campus competed in one of the most prestigious advertising competitions in the world, The One Show.
The annual One Show College Competition, a tradition dating back to 1975, receives more than 900 entries from around the world in the categories of print, design, TV, innovative marketing and interactive media. The 2009 One Show College Competition challenged students to create an advertising campaign and/or design corporate branding for an unestablished brand: Long’s Horseradish, a family-owned company from Lancaster, Pa.
David James of Morganton, Richard Carlton and Carlton Henderson of Lincolnton, and Christopher Sisk of Hickory, all juniors at Appalachian State University, combined their talents to create a campaign as part of a first-year advertising course taught by lecturer Laura Brittain. Brittain assigned the project to the four-man team as part of their semester curriculum. The team’s project earned them a spot as finalists in the “Client Pitch” competition.
Thanks to donations from the Appalachian State University Department of Communication Alumni Council, the students and Brittain traveled to New York City for the competition.
While in the city, the students attended a portfolio review, which featured members from major agencies around the world. Students were able to talk with some of the freshest and most knowledgeable minds in the advertising business. Each student also got their personal portfolios reviewed. They received tips, feedback and constructive criticism that gave them insight on what it takes to be successful in the advertising world. While at the portfolio review, the students also viewed the work of their peers.
“Seeing what my peers, who have the same aspirations as I have currently, are doing broadened my prospective, and gave me a new outlook on how to be successful in the real world,” said Henderson.
The One Show Client Pitch Competition got underway Thursday, May 7, and featured presentations from colleges from all around the world. Most of the student teams were graduate level or doctorate level.
“Standing in anticipation with the best of the best from around the world was an awesome experience, and made me realize that we have the capability and potential to make a lasting impression in the advertising industry,” said James.
Although the competition only named a first place winner, The Bergh’s School of Communication, the coordinator told the Appalachian team that during judging they were one of three teams being considered for the first place win. The other two schools that the judges were considering are graduate programs and have been competing in the One Show for many years.
Visit http://www.oneclub.org/oc/education/clientpitch/ for more information about the competition. For more information about the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University, visit www.asucom.appstate.edu.