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FAQ

Is it free to apply?
Yes.

When do applications open?
8 February until 22 February 2023

How long do you have to submit your application?
Two weeks

How do I apply?
Refer to this page for application information - here

What will I be judged on?
You will only be judged on your ideas! No professional artist or photoshop skills are required. You're welcome to trace required images as part of your submission.

I’m confused about question 1?
This question allows you to show the judges your personality. Have fun with it. 

I’m confused about question 2?
The first step is to find a bad ad in a magazine, newspaper, online, billboard etc. Rip it out or take a picture of it and print it out. Keep the ad in it’s original size and stick it onto an A4 sheet of paper (colour ads are fine) and take a picture of it so you have it as a JPG. Step two, create a better ad. Your ad must be black and white.

To determine the proposition in your ad (the version that you think needs improving), think about what the message inferred in the ad is. This may not be the headline, but think about what the ad is trying to say about the product or service featured. Use this as the same message you convey in your idea for the improved ad. For example, an ad for fries may have a headline that says “cheap as chips”. The proposition – or meaning – inferred in this ad is that these fries are cheap. This then becomes the message your amended ad or creative needs to include.

I’m confused about question 3 and 4?
Question 3 and 4 highlight a single-minded proposition. A single-minded proposition sums up the most important thing you can say about the brand or product. Keep this top of mind when you're coming up with ideas.

Here are some tips on how to crack a brief:

Get "hands-on" or very familiar with the product/service - review the website, hold the product etc. Think about your experience as a customer, did you identify any unique selling points?

  • Talk with people that are the product/services’ target market - what do they think of the product/service. Show them your ideas and get a gauge on what they think?
  • Look at the product/service category - what are their competitors doing well? What are they doing that's not so great?
  • Take a look at past AWARD School winners' portfolios here
  • Take some inspiration from AWARD (online), D&AD and ONE SHOW annuals. Most of these books are available at TAFE or university libraries, or speciality bookstores.
    www.awardonline.com/awards/award-annuals     
    www.clios.com/awards/winners
    www.dandad.org     
    www.deckofbrilliance.com
  • If you get a creative block, go for a run, do something you enjoy and then come back to it tomorrow. The best ideas can come at the most unexpected time.

What's the difference between the goal and proposition?
Goal means what the ad ultimately wants to achieve, whether it’s to make people think a certain way or do a certain task. Proposition is what the ad wants to say.

Can I use a pencil?
Yes, but your final work should be drawn over with a black Sharpie or marker and scanned/photographed so it’s a JPG. Remember, no professional art skills are required and tracing of all images is fine. This course is all about the idea - you will be judged on your ideas, not your creative execution.

Should my answers be landscape or portrait and what size - A4 / A3?
It’s your choice, landscape or portrait, but make sure your work uploads the correct way up. All judging will be held online so it’s best to keep this in mind and present work as A4 size. Written work (i.e. question 1 - if you choose to write rather than draw your response) can be typed on A4 and then saved as a JPG. All answers are restricted to a maximum of one page (except question two, which will entail two JPGs - the 'bad' ad - or the ad that needs improvement - and your scamp, or improved version).

What's the difference between the state-based programs and the online program?
All the state-based programs feature in-person interaction via selected lectures, tutorials, mid-program events and graduation nights. The online program is all delivered virtually and includes pre-recorded lectures and GoogleHangout tutorials - even a virtual graduation event. 

Can I apply in more than one state/program?
No, you can only apply in one state/territory/program. 

I am an international student, can I still apply?
For the purposes of meeting the Department of Home Affairs requirements, AWARD School cannot accept enrolments from international applicants on student visas.

I currently have 12 months+ experience as an art director or copywriter in an advertising agency. Can I still apply for AWARD School? 
Of course you can, but your eligibility for a Top 10 position will be under review. Refer to full T&C's here. 

I've already done AWARD School, can I do it again?
Yes you can.

Can I apply for an Indigenous Scholarship?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Scholarship, you must identify as of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent on the application form. If your application is accepted, on merit, you will automatically be considered for an Indigenous scholarship and a scholarship interview will take place prior to final acceptance. Up to six AWARD School Indigenous scholarships will be issued and applicants must not currently work in the advertising industry. Please refer to the fact sheet here.

I will be away on the submission deadline, can I get an extension?
No extension will be provided. However, you can submit early.

I’ve already booked a holiday and it means I’ll miss a lecture and/or a tutorial during the AWARD School course. Can I still attend AWARD School?
Yes, but it's strongly advised you view/attend all lectures and tutorials to get the most out of the course. We suggest you talk to the Advertising Council and your tutors as soon as you start the course. 

When do I need to pay and can you offer payment plans for the AWARD School fee?
The AWARD School fee is due as soon as possible to secure your placement via credit card/debit card only. The deadline for payment is mid-March 2023. Unfortunately, we do not offer payment plans.

Can I submit my application before the deadline?
Yes

When will I be notified if I've been successful / unsuccessful?
All applicants will receive email notification by early March 2023

Still have questions?

NSW / Qld / SA/NT / Online Program - simone@adcouncil.org.au
Vic - amy@adcouncil.org.au
WA - melissa@adcouncil.org.au