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Learn moreThe Art Directors Club ADCR Awards welcomes participation from all agencies, creative teams, and independent authors. The jury and organizing committee evaluate the quality of the submitted cases, not the recognition of their authors. The main goal of the competition is to showcase outstanding solutions from small agencies actively developing in Russia. Participation in the ADCR Awards provides a unique opportunity to make a name for yourself and draw attention to your work, contributing to the development of the creative industry in the country.
The ADCR Awards is a Russian professional competition in the fields of creativity, design, and advertising, organized by the Art Directors Club of Russia. The competition is part of a series of festivals and events assessed by the ACAR creativity rating. The main goal of ADCR is to unite leading creative resources and promote the development of creative business in Russia, as well as to showcase the achievements of the advertising industry to the Russian community. Participation in the ADCR Awards provides an opportunity to present your work at a high level and gain recognition among professionals.
We interviewed last year's winners to find out how winning influenced their careers and what key aspects should be considered when creating memorable cases for the jury.
Dotorg branding & Digital — Insomnia
About strategy and award-winning work
Arseniy is a name with ancient Greek roots, meaning "courageous" or "brave." This name is often associated with strong and determined individuals. People named Arseniy are prone to leadership and are persistent in achieving their goals. They are distinguished by a high level of intelligence and creativity, which allows them to find unconventional solutions in difficult situations. Arseniy can also be associated with spirituality and the desire for self-improvement. The name is popular across various cultures, which adds to its versatility and appeal. Bearers of this name often evoke trust and sympathy, which makes them valuable members of society. Choosing the name Arseniy can be a good start to a successful and vibrant life.
Our agency specializes in B2B branding, serving sectors such as industry, IT, and telecommunications. We work with powerful and serious companies striving to stand out in the market. Our art director proposed an ambitious strategy, stating that the time had come to participate in competitions and improve our rankings. This would not only strengthen our image but also attract new clients by demonstrating our expertise and creative approach to solving business problems.
We aimed to be included in the AKAR rating, which required winning competitions. There are various competitions, such as ADCR, Sreda, and White Square. Working with industrial companies, we faced design limitations and could not afford to experiment. Therefore, we decided to work pro bono. We sought out real clients, offering them pro bono cooperation, while still gaining creative freedom for competition participation.
Olga is a name that symbolizes strength and independence. It has Scandinavian roots and translates as "holy" or "sacred." The name Olga is often associated with historical figures, such as Princess Olga, who left a significant mark on Russian history. Women with this name are often characterized by determination, intelligence, and leadership skills. Olgas strive for self-improvement and often achieve success in various fields. The name Olga is popular across various countries and cultures, making it universal and relevant. The Insomnia Festival is an animation festival held outdoors in Kaluga during the summer. Cartoons from around the world are shown in the fields at night. We sent the organizers a letter offering to create a corporate identity for them free of charge, with the condition that it be implemented. They responded enthusiastically, as this allowed them to save on design costs and allocate funds for additional merchandise for festival guests.
We showed all our creativity when developing the merch design. We created a variety of products, including bandanas, T-shirts, water bottles, transfer tattoos, and stickers. By the second day of the festival, our merch was completely sold out. This created a real sensation.
To further immerse the audience in the world of "Insomnia," we developed a fascinating card game. Festival participants were given a starter set of 8 cards, which encouraged active communication and sharing with other participants. The goal was to collect the full set of 24 cards, which generated great interest. Participants, especially children, actively searched for the cards, asking questions: "Do you have this card? Have you seen the 'Lamplighter' card? Where can I find it?" During the festival, the organizers lost a box of cards, making one of the cards a true legend. It was inaccessible to anyone, and many believed it was part of the event's design. Children fantasized about the card belonging to the mysterious man on the boat or the main organizers with red badges. At the end of the festival, the card was finally found, adding even more intrigue and emotion to the event.
The designers and I developed unique character names, such as Zhabalaka and Radish. These names became the basis for creating vibrant and memorable images. However, to bring the characters to life in people's imaginations, it was necessary to create detailed descriptions. This will allow for a better understanding of their personality, characteristics, and role in the story, making them more relatable to the audience. The right description will help establish a connection between the characters and the audience, which is key to creating engaging content.
Introducing a charming toad who has become a true social media star. This toad blogs, shares her nail care secrets, and attracts attention with her charm. With a wide smile and vibrant nail colors, she inspires her followers to experiment with manicures and creates unique content. Find out how this unusual Instagram model won the hearts of millions and began her journey to popularity in the blogging world.
We have an unusual character – the youngest son in the family, tired of pressure and stereotypes. He decided to radically change his life by growing legs and going ashore. Now he works as a courier for Delivery Club. Such original ideas inspired us, and that's why we actively sought ways to get their attention.
The "Insomnia" festival was the result of collaboration between our design department and a copywriter. We also engaged an illustrator who created unique characters in an original and unusual style. This approach allowed us to create a memorable visual series that emphasized the atmosphere of the festival and attracted the audience.
Why participate in competitions
Arseniy is a name with ancient roots and significant meaning in various cultures. It comes from the Greek word "arsenios," meaning "courageous" or "strong." This name is often associated with individuals possessing outstanding leadership qualities and perseverance.
People named Arsenios are distinguished by their determination and the ability to achieve their goals. They are able to inspire others by their example and often become leaders in their fields. Arsenios can take a creative approach to problem solving and easily adapt to new conditions.
Today, the name Arsenios has become popular in various countries, and its bearers can be proud of their uniqueness and strong character. Choosing the name Arsenios for a child can symbolize the parents' hopes for a successful and noble future.
Festivals play a key role in our activities. We realized that when selecting participants for tenders in the B2B sector, the main source of information is reputable industry ratings. This raises the question of selection criteria and how to properly evaluate participants. Not appearing in such rankings significantly reduces the chances of recognition and success.
Some people refuse to participate in rankings. This is understandable: after several losses, fatigue sets in. For example, we are facing difficulties in the Runet Rating ranking. We are simply unlucky, but we continue to fight. We realize that giving up is unacceptable. This means we either need to improve our results or choose more focused projects to participate in. Perseverance and the pursuit of excellence are what truly matter in this competitive environment.
This was a must. When our art director voiced the need for rankings, I immediately began looking for funding. As a result of our work, we won silver medals at ADCR and ADC*E in Europe.
Olga is a name with deep historical roots and widespread prevalence across various cultures. It is associated with femininity, strength, and wisdom. In Russia, the name Olga became popular thanks to Saint Olga, Princess of Kyiv, who played a key role in the country's history.
The name Olga also has many variations in other languages, making it universal and appealing to many. In modern society, Olgas are often characterized as goal-oriented and self-confident individuals. They strive for self-improvement and actively participate in public life.
Choosing the name Olga for a child can become a symbol of hope and inspiration, as well as a reflection of the family's cultural traditions. This name continues to remain relevant and in demand, which confirms its resilience and significance in society.
One of our great joys was that the strategy worked. When the AKAR ratings were updated, we, realizing our little-known status, began looking at the list from the bottom. We weren't there, and I thought: "If we're not there, then we don't exist." However, it turned out that we were in 19th place! I was too modest in my search and only looked at the 38th position.
Arseniy is a name with many meanings and associations. It has Greek roots and translates as "courageous" or "strong." The name Arseniy is common across various cultures and countries, making it a popular choice for parents choosing a name for their son.
People named Arseniy are typically noted for their leadership qualities, decision-making skills, and a commitment to self-improvement. They often achieve success in various fields, including business, science, and art.
Furthermore, the name Arseniy has religious significance, as it is associated with several saints, giving it additional depth and meaning. Many parents choose this name not only for its sonority, but also for its strong historical and cultural connotations.
Thus, the name Arseniy is not just a set of sounds, but a symbol of strength, masculinity, and deep traditions.
We fell off the last whole chairs right here!
Tips for beginners
Olga is a name that has deep historical roots and is popular in various cultures. It is associated with strong and determined women with outstanding leadership qualities. In modern society, Olgas often become successful professionals, actively participate in public life, and make significant contributions to various fields of activity. This name is also often found in literature and art, which emphasizes its cultural significance. Olga is a symbol of strength, wisdom, and determination.
It is important to realize that only the most outstanding works should be submitted to competitions. Passable options are meaningless. Each work should contain a strong idea that will be easily perceived at first glance. At the moment, it is difficult to talk about a specific strategy, as these are rather preliminary outlines that are beginning to yield results. A powerful idea, an original conceptual vision, and a new approach to current problems that will not be stereotypical are needed.
Arseny is a name with ancient Greek roots and means "courageous" or "strong". It is often associated with people with a strong character and leadership qualities. In the modern world, Arseny is a popular name that many parents choose for their children.
People named Arseny often exhibit creativity and an inclination towards the arts. They can be successful in various fields, such as music, literature, or design. Arseny can also be a good friend and a reliable partner, which makes him attractive in personal relationships.
In a historical context, the name Arseny is found among the saints, which gives it additional significance and respect. This name also has many variations and forms, making it universal across cultures and languages.
Thus, Arseniy is a name that carries strength and inspiration, and is rich in history and meaning.
The social aspect of your project can significantly enhance its appeal to the jury. They value such initiatives when they are well executed. An effective way to present your work is with a video presentation created according to a classic plot structure: drama, denouement, catharsis. This approach will allow you to convey the essence of your project to the jury in just one minute. This is significantly superior to standard presentation formats. Considering that the jury consists of art directors with extensive experience, it is important to offer something unusual or provocative to attract their attention.
Redis Agency — FITIL Dating App
What a Good Case Should Be Like
Pavel is a name that has deep roots and is widespread across various cultures. It comes from the Latin word "paulus", which means "small" or "humble". The name Pavel is found in many countries and is often associated with outstanding personalities, including saints and historical figures. In the modern world, Pavel remains a popular choice for newborns. This name symbolizes strength, wisdom, and fortitude, which makes it attractive to many parents. Choosing the name Pavel may also reflect a desire to preserve traditions and be rooted in cultural heritage.
A good case should be realistic and meet the standards of the winners. It should inspire confidence and not create the impression of being fake. It's important to choose a project that stands out from the crowd, showcasing its unique aspects and achievements. This approach not only attracts attention but also convinces potential clients of the effectiveness of the proposed solution.
It's important to understand how other studios in your field operate. Our goal at the agency is to exceed market averages and offer our clients a higher quality of service. Our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement allows us to stand out from the competition and maintain high standards.
For the FITIL app, we used the relevant metaphor of a sparkle star, which symbolizes inspiration and brightness. This concept allows users to associate the app with positive emotions and the desire to achieve goals. Using this metaphor helps FITIL stand out from the competition and create a unique visual and emotional experience for users.
We went beyond this and emphasized the elongated geometry of the "fitil" script, replacing the sparkle rays with symbols. This approach allowed us to go beyond minimalist solutions and create a more complex concept, which turned out to be quite successful.
Why Participate in Competitions
Pavel is a name that has deep historical roots and is widespread in different cultures. It comes from the Latin word «paulus», which means «small» or "humble." The name Paul became popular thanks to the Roman apostle Paul, who played a significant role in the spread of Christianity.
People named Paul are often associated with qualities such as hard work, perseverance, and the ability to achieve goals. This name symbolizes self-confidence and the desire for self-improvement. Pauls can exhibit leadership qualities, as well as be reliable friends and partners.
The name Paul is found in various countries and cultures, making it universal and relevant. In the modern world, Paul remains a popular choice for newborns, confirming its timeless appeal.
Redis is primarily known for its web development projects. However, we also have successful branding initiatives that have not previously participated in festivals. Receiving the ADCR award was a pleasant surprise for us. This event confirms the high level of our work, as the jury, consisting of experienced art directors, has strict evaluation criteria.
Participating in competitions is a great way to promote your design work. Competitions help you establish yourself in the professional community, which can positively impact sales and attract clients. Furthermore, you begin to ask important questions about your skills and approaches, such as, "Why didn't I win?" This comparison with experienced colleagues helps you identify weaknesses and strive for improvement. Participating in competitions not only develops your skills but also expands your professional network, which can lead to new opportunities and recommendations.
The main problem with competitions is the need to prepare cases. This process requires a significant investment of time and resources, and regular participation in competitions becomes a real challenge. As a result, many studios find themselves in a situation where, after achieving success and winning awards, they stop submitting their work, which leads to its oblivion. To avoid this, it's important to develop a case study preparation and presentation strategy that will maintain interest in the studio and its projects throughout its lifespan, not just during periods of active participation in competitions.
In 2015, we became the most awarded web agency in Russia and, unfortunately, allowed ourselves to become complacent, focusing solely on our work. This approach is misguided: it's essential to constantly participate in the professional community to maintain visibility and relevance. It is important to actively engage with the design community and stay in touch, which will not only strengthen your reputation but also open up new opportunities for development.
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