After 11 year's of running The Annual we've picked up a few key pointers on how to craft a winning awards entry. Below is the Top 10 tips from ourselves, previous judges and winners on how to create the perfect submission.
1. Tell A Story
An effective way to present your entry is by creating a narrative around your work by telling the story behind your submission. Give your entry a begining, middle and an end to take the jury on a journey.
Image credit- Trago Studio Ltd (Bronze Winner)
2. Be Honest
Every brief has its challenges. A frank explanation about what these were and how you overcame them gives insight into your creative process and gives the judges an understanding of your final execution.
3. Idea Is King
No matter how good an execution, work lives and dies on the strength of the idea behind it. Discuss your process and give insight into how you came up with the final overarching idea and how it shines through every aspect of your entry.
Image Credit- Interbrand London (Silver Winner)
4. Categories Matter
Before entering read the category descriptions online or in the Entry Pack. If you feel a project spans over two categories, entering in both will give you a better chance of success. If unsure we are here to help.
5. Amplify Your Results
Judges value the effectiveness of your execution. Did your work achieve what it set out to do? Did you meet or exceed the criteria in the brief? If you did, then make sure this is highlighted in your submission.
6. Get Evidence
Include with your entry evidence of your claims. Stats on how effective a campaign was helps judges contextualise your work. Client testimonials or insight from interested parties can also be powerfully persuasive.
7. Get Some Help
A second set of eyes and ears is never a bad idea. Get someone to take a look over your entry before you submit. Ask them to make sure they can understand your submission, easily. You won't have the luxury of sitting down with the judges to explain.
Image Credit- Mad River (Gold Winner)
8. Be Conscise
Pay attention to the word count. Judges will have to read countless entries. Be "punchy" in your entry, use concise copy and make sure that you are only mentioning things in your entry that truly add value to your submission.
9. Gather The Right Assets
Gather the best supporting materials to make sure your work stands out. Not everyone can spend time and money on a case study video. If you don't then make sure that your content is visually slick and adds to the story.
10. We're Here To Help
We want to see everyone who enters into The Annual to have a rewarding experience, the more our community wins the better! If you have any questions about the process, categories or need guidance, we are here to help.
Submissions Close - 25th April
Late Submissions Close - 23rd May
Need some help with your submission? Get in touch with one of our award experts!
