Knoxville’s 45th Annual ADDY Awards

A few weeks ago I sat in this exact spot & questioned myself, “Should I really do this? Am I going to get my hopes up?” I was trying to psych myself up to enter a brochure I designed, “2009-2010 AACA Arts Guide,” into the local ADDYs competition. I don’t know about you, but I am always a bit hesitant to enter competitions. This was certainly the case. Although I thought (& many others) my design was really nice, I wondered how it would pan out against the big-time agencies. I kept padding my thoughts in the chance that I would get my hopes up, “I am foremost a photographer then designer,” I assured myself.

Well… I did end up entering (with the very kind logistical help of Susie Norris of Orange Apple Branding) & to my delight I received a letter in the mail indicating “Congratulations! Your organization has produced award-winning advertising…” I followed-up with a loud “Yeah baby!!” & a fully-extended fist pump that made the older couple walking by my studio quite happy! Awkward!

Fast-forward to this past Saturday evening, February 20. Joy & I were excited to attend the 2010 Addys Awards Gala at the Knoxville Crowne-Plaza. We were stoked about it being a “black-tie” gala & the opportunity to be out on the town without the boys. Btw… Joy was looking as beautiful as ever… absolutely great!

Mom caught this pic just before we left for the gala.

We arrived at the gala & immediately ran into our great friend & the uber-talented, Franny Priestley, a designer with the accomplished Pyxl team. She is so talented!! We walked the gallery displaying the award-winning pieces & ran into my friends, Chris & Bridget Hornsby, of Hornsby Brand Design. They have scores of design industry awards & produce some of the best work around… a real pleasure to be around. Also, I must give a shout-out to another friend, Jackie Newman. Jackie is finishing up her degree in Design & works at Orange Apple Branding. She is a constant source of smiles, laughs, & great conversation… view her design portfolio at Jackie Newman Designs.

It was a fun night! We kind of felt like we were at a mini-Grammys. The jazz band was smokin’, food was excellent, & the company was enjoyable! Not to mention, we won our first design award. It was a great reminder for me to continue to pursue my dreams & to surround myself around others who a better than me… who encourage my growth… who pursue excellence in what they do! Cheers to the Knox Addys!! Hope to see you again next year!