News
Creative Services staff wins 2007 W3 Award
October 19, 2007
After working hard to meet clients’ needs, the Office of Creative Services staff isn’t afraid to treat itself to a little self promotion.
The International Academy of Visual Arts announced this week that the Indiana University Office of Creative Services won a W³ Award, which recognizes creative excellence on the Web. This year the Office of Creative Services Web site won a Silver award in the self-promotion category.
“As a fee-for-service unit, it’s critical for us to showcase the talents and abilities of our staff,” said Rebecca Salerno, associate director. “Receiving this award shows that we are on par with some of the top interactive agencies in the world.”
The Office of Creative Services launched its new Web site in June 2006; all staff members contributed to the creation of the site. A MoveableType blog allows staff members to share their creative and technical knowledge. The portfolio is built completely in Flash and showcases 30 print, electronic, and specialty projects through graphics and written descriptions. Google Maps on the Contact Us page helps clients find them.
“Our office Web site serves as a laboratory for testing new technologies and innovative ideas,” said Jane Below, information architect. “We are always exploring new technologies and creative ways we can integrate them into the IU public Web environment.”
The home page animation includes images of the staff and is based on a concept developed to announce the office’s new location. The concept first appeared in a printed postcard announcement, and then was moved to the Web. “Animating the elements from the printed piece allowed the individual elements to come to life,” said Dave Harper, interactive art director.
In its second year the W³ Awards received more than 2,700 entries from ad agencies, public relations firms, interactive agencies, in-house creative professionals, Web designers, graphic designers, and Web enthusiasts.
"We were incredibly impressed by the quality and creativity of this year’s entries. W3 winners continue to raise the bar in Web development and design, push the limits of Web advertising creative, and pioneer the use of Web video. We are thrilled to have reviewed such a diverse and respected pool of work" said Linda Day, the director of the IAVA. "On behalf of the entire Academy, we applaud our winners as they continue to advance Internet creativity and greatly contribute to the burgeoning online world."
The W³ entries are judged based on a standard of excellence as determined by the International Academy of Visual Arts, according to the category entered. Entries are scored on a ten-point scale by the judges. Winners of the Gold award in the self-promotion category include Razorfish, Lounge Lizard, and Mindflood Seduction.
The W³ Awards honors creative excellence on the Web and recognizes the creative and marketing professionals behind award-winning sites and marketing programs. In honoring outstanding Web sites, Web advertising, and Web marketing, The W³ Awards is the first major Web competition to be accessible to the biggest agencies, the smallest firms, and everyone in between. Small firms are as likely to win as Fortune 500 companies and international agencies.
After taking a moment to bask in the glow of our win, let us know what can we do for you.
