APA continues to push creative boundaries

An Association of Publishing Agencies product story

Edited by the Marketingweek Marketplace editorial team Jun 4, 2008

Design and creative industry figureheads have paid tribute to creativity within the customer publishing industry following the judging of the second annual APA Creative Awards.

The colloquially named "Olives" were launched last year by the APA to challenge members to continue to push creative boundaries in their work, irrespective of medium - print, digital or broadcast.

APA received 300 entries, more than double that of last year, and tickets are selling quickly for the informal awards presentation gala to be held on 8 July 2008 at The Kensington Roof Gardens.

Jeremy Leslie, Executive Creative Director, John Brown, said: "The customer publishing industry has held its creative credentials too close to its chest for too long.

"People will be really surprised by the breadth of work on these shortlists.

"The industry is no longer the exclusive preserve of editorial specialists but has begun to spread its creative wings and move into other areas.

"Websites, books, brochures and specialist educational tools are all included alongside strong examples of photography, illustration, typography and page design", Julia Hutchison, COO for the APA, said: "Last year we were overwhelmed by the industry's appetite for this second set of APA awards.

"This year, we thought we would be prepared, but with over double the number of entries, we were once again left speechless.

"The enthusiasm pays testament to the buoyancy of the market and the fact that we are continuing to grow, despite the onset of economic uncertainty".

Emily Fovargue, Head of Publishing at Royal Mail, added: "The shortlisted titles span across a range of different sectors, reflecting the multiplicity of the modern customer publishing market.

"Clearly, customer magazines are delivering for brands and organisations have realised that a creative core to the publication is a key factor in improving engagement with readers and ultimately, driving the success of the title and delivering for the parent brand".

The full list of shortlisted titles is available from the APA website.