February 2009
After reviewing 127 original entries from 24 countries based on the merits for aesthetics, impact and originality, Design 21 has come up with the winner for its ‘Wood, Paper, Checkmark’ competition.
Representatives of FSC-US and The Nature Conservancy made the final call and the winner will receive $5,000 in prize money.
Another $5,000 is to be shared between the "Most Popular" design–decided by an online voting poll–and Design 21 Advisory Board members' "Judges' Picks."
According to an FSC representative, "The exercise of judging gave FSC and its conservation partners much to consider as we work to increase market awareness of FSC and consumer intent to purchase."
Campaign: "FSC Campaign"
Author: Damian O'Hara & Christophe Roger
Country: France
Proposed URL: www.buygoodwood.org
The winning design, and recipient of $5,000, for the Wood, Paper, Checkmark! competition was awarded to designers Damian O'Haraand Christophe Roger.
Commenting on their decision to enter the competition, O'Hara said, "Working in design you rarely get the feeling that your work makes a difference to the world at large. With this brief there was a chance to get a message out there that could make a difference and that in itself is a great reward."
Their "FSC Campaign" was chosen by representatives from FSC-US and The Nature Conservancy including: Michael Conroy, an economist, author, certification expert, and member of the FSC-US board; Corey Brinkema, current president of FSC-US; Martha Hodgkins, senior advisor to The Nature Conservancy's Forest Trade Program; Matt Mattox, senior strategic planner of The Martin Agency; and Robert M. Perkowitz, founder and president of the environmental non-profit organization ecoAmerica. According to the judges,
"We selected this campaign for its direct simplicity, warm and humorous tone, and how it allows FSC to reference such large topics as climate change, indigenous people's rights and wildlife protection."
Adding, "This is a very smart and clever campaign with a clean, understated design that we believe will be very appealing to the 'conservation-engaged' audience that will be the target."
Campaign: "Know Forestry"
Author: 1187 Creative (Zak Ouart, Ben Ouart, Steven Darby, Russ Gruber, Lindsey Cox)
Country: United States
Proposed URL: www.KnowForestry.com
Some of the best designs are generated when the artist takes a personal interest in the project.
Such is the case with U.S. artist collective1187 Creative who states, "The culture of our small city in Southern Illinois is very focused on sustainability and appreciation of natural resources. We are surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest, so we have all come to enjoy and respect these places. This is why we jumped at the chance to participate in this competition."
Jennifer Leonard, design researcher, writer and strategist at IDEO, selected their "Know Forestry" campaign because of it's dramatic and engaging visuals paired with a strong, clear, and compelling message.
According to Leonard, "I know something's a good design when my eyes widen and I immediately feel excitement." "Know Forestry" was also chosen by the collective's peers as the "Most Popular" campaign via an online voting poll.
Campaign: "Protect the Earth: Approved Campaign"
Author: Carlos Pion
Country: United States
Proposed URL: www.protectheforest.com
DESIGN 21 Advisory Board member, experienced Brand Consultant, and Founder of David Design, David Carlson was also selected to pick his favorite design.
Drawn to the clear and direct message of the prominent FSC stamp over the image of a forest in "Protect the Earth: Approved Campaign," he chose American designer Carlos Pion as a finalist.
As Carlson explains, "You could almost hear the 'stamp sound' from when FSC approves good forestry. I'm sure it will be able to create awareness of the FSC label and show people that buying certified products will protect nature, forest, and wildlife."
Campaign: "The Eco-Shopping Campaign"
Author: Isabel Sanchez
Country: United States
Proposed URL: www.ecoshopping.org
The final "D21 Judges' Pick" is Isabel Sanchez from the United States for her urban and consumer-focused design, "The Eco-Shopping Campaign."
According to Sanchez, who based her design on the issue of making thoughtful choices, "The print ads show a bar code forest, which implies the fact that there is a way to shop that is good for both the consumer and the environment."
Niti Bhan, a strategic design planning consultant and co-founder of the Emerging Futures Lab, and Halim Choueiry, designer, educator, and vice president of ICOGRADA, mutually picked this design as their favorite.
As Bhan notes, "This campaign is simple, stark and eye catching - I believe it would stand out and capture the attention of the reader, thus creating awareness that something like FSC-certification exists."
Choueiry adds, "the black and white also reflect a sort of sustainability."
Besides the winners, six other entries were also awarded an Honorable Mention.
The Design 21 ‘Wood, Paper, Checkmark’ competition was developed to utilize creativity to promote sustainability. Wood, as one of the most precious naturally occurring resource, is fast depleting as deforestation claims 32 million acres of woodlands every year, upsetting people, wildlife and eco systems around the world. The Design 21: Social Design Network teamed with The Nature Conservancy and the US chapter of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC-US) for this competition.
This news message is supported by The Bazaar, a marketplace to buy and sell creative objects. Earn more revenue by selling your prints, downloadable images, or custom products. Set up your store today and stand a chance to have your products featured on DesignTAXI, towards millions of lovers of creative content!
