LIA Judging: Final Day

It’s been an inspiring week. We’ve done a ruthless edit and the cream has risen to the top. The “did-I-wish-I’d-done-it-myself?” question was an ideal lens to view the work through. Was it fresh? Did it look at the brand or category in a new way? Glad to see the elevation in the craft of writing and art direction this year. Equally glad that the fabled politics in judging rooms remained, indeed, a fable. In the end, bravery has been recognized. And the bar has been set higher for all.

Tune in November 5th to see the lucky winners. ~ KH

Karen with Jury President Jeremy Craigen (Global CCO of Innocean)

Jury room deliberations

Jury room deliberations

The under 30s LIAisions observe judging

LIA Judging: Day Two

Today we are judging our shortlist on a scale of one to ten. We are down to less than 30% of the original 700 entries, so only the best of the best will survive.

I have seen some extraordinary billboards, including one that conducts lightening. I’ve marvelled at the clever work from global giants like McDonalds and Burger King – the perpetual prankster. I’ve seen the sad recurring theme that reflects the global unholy trinity of sports, booze and domestic violence. I’ve been fascinated at the spotlight on graffiti and its evolving role in our culture.

Creative LIAisions sessions - an incredible course for the under 30s.

The Judge’s Room - this is where the magic happens

Sharing notes with fellow Canadian Judge Tom Eymundson of Pirate TORONTO from the radio jury

Judge’s cocktail reception

Judge’s cocktail reception

Judge’s cocktail reception

Only in Vegas: beer opener lighters!

Tomorrow we will arm wrestle over medals. Yes, “medaling”, is now a verb. It promises to be a great session because we’ve got a strong jury with solid global representation. We have a clutch of medals going home to a few lucky winners. By early November, you’ll know who. ~ KH

LIA Judging: Day One

It’s Day One of judging the London International Awards here in sunny Las Vegas. Seven hundred entries, eight hours and two grande Americanos later I can safely say that creativity is in good shape. Being a Judge gives you an ideal bird’s eye view. I am seeing a refreshingly bold use of art direction this year. Typography and illustration have also roared back into rightful places of honour. Dominant submission social themes include the plastic choking our oceans, as well as the need for muzzling the NRA. I’ve seen powerful work tackling issues such as child brides. ~ KH

Karen gets a headshot

Fellow Canadian and Judge Helen Pak (CCO + President GREY Toronto)

Innocean Worldwide Global CCO and Jury President Jeremy Craigen at the morning briefing

She might be in Vegas, but this has been Karen’s view for the past 8 hours

Mandatory judging gear? Scarf! The judging room is cold, but the creative work is hot.

After 700+ entries…Karen is done!

As a judge, here is a helpful hint to those who submit work for consideration: Brevity is not only the soul of wit, it’s the soul of having your work stand out. As well, too many case studies are suffering from Theme Music Fatigue. I think I’ve been hearing the same five music tracks for a decade now. Free advice? Change them up.

Onto Day Two. Can’t wait.

2018 London International Awards Judging

Karen is in Las Vegas this week to take part in judging of the 2018 London International Awards. Along with a jury presided over by Innocean Worldwide Global CCO Jeremy Craigen, Karen is currently sequestered at Wynn Encore from October 2-5 selecting the best of the best in Ambient, Print, Poster, Billboard and Verbal.

The Winners & Finalists will be announced on November 5th.

Puerto Rico, NYC, Calgary, Edmonton

Fresh from her yearly pilgrimage to Cannes Lions, Karen has on the road with Decoding Cannes, an in-depth analysis of global trends in creativity, culture and technology. As a Cannes Advisory Board member and with her career as a decorated Creative Director she brings an utterly unique point-of-view to the work.

Coming up:
September 11: Go Daddy on behalf of The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
Sept. 17: Fuse Marketing/CIBC (The Spoke Club, Toronto)
Sept. 19: Ford/GTB/Wavemaker on behalf of The Globe and Mail (Toronto) 

Oct. 17: Puerto Rico's Marketing Week at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino. She’ll be presenting her insights to over 400 marketing and advertising professionals  

Late October: University Hospital Foundation on behalf of Fountain Tire (Edmonton) 

Stay tuned:  Karen will be heading out west this fall to speak in Edmonton and Vancouver. As well, she’ll be here at home to Corus Entertainment. To book Karen for your offsite, or conference get in touch.