Creative Smackdown

Creative students prepare for the Smackdown

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.– Creative Smackdown, a statewide advertising, web
design, and graphic design competition for students, will be held on
October 29, 2009 at Grand Valley State University’s (GVSU) Pew Campus. The
creative competition allows students the opportunity to network, win
scholarships, and have their work critiqued by industry professionals.


“Dozens of students are mixed in with dozens of the best professionals in
the local creative services industry, and baked in the oven at 350 degrees
for approximately two minutes of presentation and critique per person,”
says Creative Smackdown judge Marty Lenger, Creative Services Manager for
Gordon Food Services.  “You never know what’s going to come out ounce the
timer goes off!”


Founded by GVSU professor Frank Blossom, Creative Smackdown is designed for
students to present to a panel of 22 professionals.  Categories include
advertisement, graphic design, and web design, a new category this year.
The top three winners will each receive a monetary prize as well as
scholarships to The Polishing Center.


Several new elements will be added to the competition this year, including
a special question and answer session with the judges. A booklet of all
participants’ resumes and business cards will also be produced and provided
to the judges.


            “Creative Smackdown was such a good experience for me because I
was able to receive feedback from professionals in the industry,” said
Erica Loerop, winner of the 2008 Creative Smackdown for her print ad for
Faygo.  “I would recommend the Smackdown to anyone who has a great concept,
a great design, and the willingness to put themselves out there.”


            Creative Smackdown will take place on Thursday, October 29,
2009, at 7:00 p.m. in Loosemore Auditorium on GVSU’s Pew Campus in downtown
Grand Rapids, Mich.  Students must register before Tuesday, October 20.


For more low-down on the Smackdown, visit the Creative Smackdown web site
at www.creativesmackdown.com or email Frank Blossom at
frank@frankblossom.com