Awards Judging
Having the honour of judging creative awards is something I take very seriously. It’s a responsibility to the industry, and to the talented people who create the work. Inspired by my experiences and insights from industry leaders, I’ve developed a rigorous approach when it comes to evaluating entries.
I have been invited back to judge D&AD and The Drum Awards a total of six times, including twice as Jury President for D&AD New Blood, judging the Black pencil.
When evaluating submissions for awards, I bring years of knowledge, expertise, and a well-defined process to the table. This ensures that every submission is given a fair and considered assessment in line with industry standards.
Experience
- D&AD New Blood Awards giffgaff Jury President 2024
- The Drum Content Awards Judge, 2022
- The Drum Content Awards Judge, 2021
- D&AD New Blood Awards Hasbro Jury President 2018
- D&AD New Blood DesignBridge Judge, 2016
- D&AD Mobile Marketing Judge, 2014
Philosophy
My approach to awards judging prioritises these factors:
- Bold: I look for ideas built upon innovative, well-articulated, big ideas that effectively address the brief with boldness.
- Original: I value work exceeding expectations, pushing boundaries with surprise and fresh perspectives. Something different.
- Emotional: Creative work that resonates emotionally and establishes a powerful connection with the audience.
- Strategic: Submissions must showcase clear alignment with the brand's identity, voice, and business needs.
- Memorable: Ideas need to haunt you, to stick in the mind long after you are looking at them. They need to be simple in order to do this.
- Well Crafted: Exceptional execution and polish are vital, ensuring work stands apart in a fiercely competitive landscape.
Process
I incorporate insights from leading awards bodies and respect the perspectives of industry figures to refine my approach. Here's how I break down my evaluation:
- Understanding: I carefully study the brief along with the submission to gain a solid context.
- Evaluation: I isolate the core idea, assessing its creativity, clarity, and relevance to the brief.
- Examination: I evaluate how the idea is realized with attention to aesthetics, craftsmanship, and overall effectiveness.
- Analysis: I consider the submission's potential to move its intended audience, evoke a response, and create lasting value.
- Context: I examine its alignment with the brand, the broader industry landscape, and target audience expectations.
Having said this, each Awards will have their own criteria, which I always carefully read and commit to.
My Commitment
I understand the weight of my role in evaluating creative work. It's a responsibility I take seriously and aim to execute with integrity and discernment. This dedication to fairness and informed decision-making ensures that award-winning work is truly deserving of recognition. I am also happy to commit the time required – I know sometimes this can take up a lot of time.
Let’s connect
If you are looking for an experienced creative awards judge, please send through an enquiry with the form at the bottom of the page. Thanks.
About
Chomoi Picho-Owiny is an internationally awarded digital, social and integrated freelance creative director in London. He helps clients and studios navigate the evolving generative AI landscape, the chaos of social, and complex customer experiences, to build brands that perform, and matter in culture.
Chomoi Picho-Owiny
Creative Direction
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There is only one word for Chomoi. PHENOMENAL. A dream to work with.
Lucy Witts
A passionate and articulate creative director. He was a great inspiration to the team.
Mandy Chan
A highly skilled and passionate creative director. A valuable mentor for me.
Fernando Lobina
Chomoi is a true inspiration. I will take so much away from working alongside someone with such an abundance of experience.
Amber Howe
An inspiring mentor, and I'd jump at the chance to work with him again.
Eleanor Nugent
Insightful, passionate and a genuine creative talent
Maggie Lonergan
A rare breed of Creative Director.
Hitesh Supeda
He's simply an inspiring professional and a great leader. He always strives to reach creativity excellence with a smile on.
Sara Simoncini
Extremely consultative and collaborative, his ideas were visionary and out of the box.
Pawan Udernani
Highly conceptual and always hands on, Chomoi has been a storm of inspiration in every project I've worked with him.
Daisoo Lee
Chomoi has the ability to come up with original innovative ideas quicker than any other creative director I have worked with.
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