The project has not gone without controversy or incident. However, from a purely visual perspective, which is greatly intensified the backdrop, it's hard to argue that it’s not an absolutely amazing feat of engineering and design.

Building blocks over the Hoover Dam

2009

Full disclosure, yes, this post is a shameless self-promotion where we practically break an arm to pat ourselves on the back. Well kind of. It's also about what we collectively think the real meaning of a design award is.

Traditionally, Lundmark Advertising + Design has not participated in design contest based on the school of thought that our clients and their consumers were the only "judges" that really mattered. In part this is true, however, in part is it not also false? Does the phrase, "you don't know what you don't know" apply here? Could we learn more, become better by sharing our work with a larger group of "judges"?

As a member of the marketing, advertising and design community we have come to the conclusion that we owe it to our clients and ourselves to compare and contrast our work to others. Collectively, we can advance our craft through thoughtful collaboration.

Therefore, for the first time in a long time we gathered a few examples of our work, completed lengthily entry forms and wrote a check to collaborate with our peers. And, we are humbled and excited to report three American Graphic Design Awards from Graphic Design USA. Thanks! As long as we keep winning, we'll keep submitting entries (joking).