News
March 5, 2015
LOUIE Awards finalists released; winners to be announced during National Stationery Show in May
The Greeting Card Association (GCA) announced the finalists Thursday, March 5, of its 27th Annual LOUIE Awards, which recognize the best of the best in the more than $7 billion greeting card and social expression industry.
“We are thrilled with the caliber of entries and delighted that so many new companies submitted their entries to this year’s LOUIE Awards,” said Tina Benavides, LOUIE Awards chair and vice president of Cards, Creative Division at American Greetings. “We offer our thanks to the 15 outstanding judges, representing companies from across the country, who dedicated their time and expertise to carefully evaluate each card for its originality, impact, design excellence, sendability and value.”
More than 200 companies from throughout the world submitted nearly 1,100 entries in 58 categories, including “Rising Star,” which recognizes emerging excellence in companies that have been in operation for three years or less and recognize the diversity and appeal of greeting cards and the entire industry. The six “Rising Star” finalists are: Easy Tiger, The Dog Studio, Warren Tales, FINCH & HARE, Paper Bandit Press, and Paper Pop Cards.
— View the LOUIE Awards finalists
All finalists’ cards will be displayed at the LOUIE Awards Exhibit in the Crystal Palace of the Javits Center in New York City May 17-20, where attendees of the National Stationery Show, and consumers can view the artistry and design excellence of these cards. The GCA will announce the winners at the LOUIE Awards Gala, the “Roaring LOUIEs,” at the Edison Ballroom on May 17.
In their evaluation of all entries, judges used five criteria:
1. Originality: Does the card take a unique approach to design, concept or execution?
2. Impact: Does the card have emotional impact?
3. Design Excellence: Is the overall look of this card visually appealing? Did the designer make good choices in typography and artwork arrangement?
4. Sendability: Is the card likely to be bought and sent for the occasion or purpose specified by the category? Is its format and design functional?
5. Value: Is this card priced appropriately based on the overall quality of the product?
For more information on the LOUIEs, visit www.greetingcard.org.
