"If design is forming the right message to the right audience, then the AAF Chili CookOff Invite is a wonderful example of design. I'm a sucker for design executions that use the medium as part of the communication and using a toilet paper roll as an invite to a chili cook-off may seem sophomoric at first, but as a card-carrying member of the audience (American Advertising Federation), I can say with all inclusion, the concept is spot on (pun not intended... OK, yes it was.)"

"I'm usually drawn to slick (some might say over-produced) designs so I was surprised at how much this promo piece resonated with me. The photos had a spontaneous organic feel to them, as did the type, but it all looked purposeful and compelling. The use of newsprint really clinched it. It seemed intentional and gave the images an urgency and candid quality. I believe the design would have imploded if the piece had been printed on high-end stock. The purpose of the piece was to make nice between the "gang" and the community. The accessibility of the design and paper did just that.

What I like about this piece was it is truly a piece of traditional graphic design. I am not sure if the shapes and placement of them means anything, or if it secretly spells out a message through shape and color

I am drawn to its graphic simplicity and color which is why it also works so well as signage. The graphic alphabet is colorful, bold and easy to read.

To me the message it is communicating is that I am going to see something fresh at this festival. People sometimes find film festivals intimidating, filmy people waiting in line talking about technique dressed in black. This approach is inviting and inclusive.

I mean the whole thing just sings with life and hope and spark and love and strength in the face of adversity. Makeme wantto have my own bio photo re-taken with a baby pig

Dokobots consistently fun branding, aesthetic, and attention to detail stood out at this year’s AIGA Cleveland Design Show. From the iPhone app to the marketing materials, Dokobots creates an engaging atmosphere of playful aliens. The app blends an ingenious use of location based technology with game based fun. I am happy to call Dokobots, my judges choice.