Adobe Design Achievers: Winning Insight

With Behance as a proud sponsor of this year's Adobe Design Achievement Awards, we were lucky enough to have three of last year's award winning participants talk about their experiences with us -- and judging by these glowing reports, the ADAAs have more than a bright, exciting future ahead.

Axel Brötje took home 2007's top honors in the Animation category with Fische und Schiffe.  He entered on the advice of his professor, and to satiate the yearning for feedback that other creatives too often discount the value of. "I really appreciate other people's opinions. It's often helped me to get an honest point of view from another person. That's why my main motivation was for other people to see my work and give me feedback. A professor of mine told me to send my film to competitions after my presentation at the university. That's what I did. It is really hard to stand out with something. Fortunately there is the Internet. With portals like Youtube and Myspace, you can reach much more people with your work."

Jörg Block, whose Research Calendar of the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences 2008 won him first place in the Digital Illustration category, maintains focus on his studies -- for the moment. Using this time to develop his unique style will undoubtedly benefit him in his professional endeavors later on. "I initially dedicated myself to artistic basics and to freeform graphic arts and painting. Now I combine this influence with my previous experience from graphic design. I try to create opposite illustrations and visualisations for different matters, ideally with a little bit of humour. I think the participation at the ADAAs and other competitions was a good step. As a reference, and because of the self-affirmation, and the contacts to other creatives."

Cristian Zuzunaga felt compelled to enter the awards when he saw the promise of his entry, the Quadrat Menswear  Collection. Since his entry and subsequent finalist ranking in the ADAAs, Zuzunaga has found his work progressing exponentially. "At first [after parting ways with his partner, Peter Smith] it was hard to find a 'new' route so I let my work guide me. I ended up producing textiles with a strong and unique style which got me the right contacts and possibilities within Textile and Product Design sectors. I am setting up my company at the moment.  For now I am focusing on bespoke textiles to upholster high-end sofas such as Moroso. In the near future I want to be doing proper collections for existing companies and focus more in product design." For students entering future rounds of the awards, he offers this: "Don't let your ego or an immediate ambition to succeed rule you, as it takes more time than one wants or expects. One thing is talent and potential, and the other is to make it happen as one wishes."

Eligible students are invited to submit their entries for this year's awards here.