Applied Arts contests are judged by panels of highly regarded industry professionals and experts, in a rigorous process developed over our two decades of awards experience. Every entry is scored independently by each judge, based on creative merit, technical excellence and suitability for end use. Discussion is not permitted and judges must abstain from voting for their own work. All winners are reproduced in the country’s most glorious showcase of creative work, kept as a valuable reference by the Applied Arts readership of 46,000.

PANEL

Margaret Freitas Director of Print Production Draftfcb Toronto Bio Margaret has worked in this business on the agency side for over 30 years. The past 22 of them with Draftfcb – including Harrod & Mirlin before it merged with FCB. She is very passionate about her job - enjoys interacting with the young creative and account people and passing on her insights and knowledge of the print production process. She finds that new technologies and techniques make this business ever interesting and new learning can be gleaned everyday. When not power walking around the office she enjoys spending time with her Power Walking Group in Port Credit, training for the next half marathon. Close Bio   Murtuza Kitabi Director, Production Shikatani Lacroix Toronto Bio With 28 years of experience, Murtuza has gained a strong understanding of all aspects of design and print production. His impressive international resume includes a varied educational background with a B.A. in Arts and diplomas in Marketing & Advertising, Printing Technology and Graphic Design. At Shikatani Lacroix, he oversees a team of highly skilled production designers and strives to translate innovative concepts into effective printed pieces. Murtuza has been instrumental in the success of various projects related to packaging, retail and wayfinding design for both national and international clients such as Gay Lea, Johnson & Johnson, Kruger Products, Maple Leaf Foods, PepsiCo Canada, Second Cup, Petro-Canada, TD Canada Trust and Tetley. Close Bio James Graham Print Director GRIP Limited Toronto Bio A frequent speaker at the IDEAlliance series of conferences where he has spoken on “Creativity in Print” and “The Unique Nature of Outdoor Media”, James has over 20 years experience in the Print Industry. Having graduated with an Honours in Communications from the University of Toronto, James has worked for Saatchi & Saatchi, BBDO, DraftFCB and the Ontario Arts Council. In his current role as Print Director at GRIP Advertising, James is immersed in the duties of “intercommunipackastratapromotiser” -- executing print and managing projects while continually being inspired by the people around him, the ever-changing creative landscape and what is possible. James is an advocate of sans serif and his favourite color is PMS540. Close Bio

Sonya Popovich Production Manager The Works Design Communications Toronto Bio For more than two decades, Sonya has helped designers and clients unleash the power of print. Starting her career as a Kwik-Kopy Kowgirl, Sonya has a front-line understanding of virtually every aspect of print, paper and finishing. She can get the most out of every budget while still exploring all the possibilities in every production job. Close Bio Beth MacKinnon Director, Production Lowe Roche Toronto Bio Twenty years in, Beth may be a print producer at the core, but is so much more as a talent. She's played account person, broadcast producer, print producer and general "miracle worker" in a pinch. She's visually oriented and practical: the perfect combination of skills for someone in her position; and her artistic background gives her a valuable sensitivity to the vision of the art directors and designers she collaborates with. There just aren’t many people like her: folks who've been able to boil down complex process into beautiful & logical steps. Close Bio

CONTACT: Carrie Martin awards@appliedartsmag.com
or by phone, 416-510-0909, ext. 32 (outside Toronto: 1-800-646-0347.)