Columbus College of Art & Design student’s art gives face and flavor to 2010 Columbus Food & Wine Affair Created by cfwaadmin on 5/4/2011 2:29:48 PM
Now that he’s a recent (May 15) graduate from Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD), Chad Hughes muses that being an art student has set him on the path to what he wants to do. “My dream job is to work for a fashion magazine doing photography,” he shares. Then, he looks ahead and says, “But, eventually I want to be a stylist and then an art director. I like setting things up.” As it turns out, the 23-year-old who hails from Harrod, Ohio--near Lima--has enough talent to take him wherever his artistic dreams lead.
As a student, Hughes worked for CCAD’s Marketing and Communications Department designing school advertisements and planning its yearly fashion show. He put out press releases, took photos and was instrumental in publishing IMAGE, CCAD’s bi-annual magazine. He also has his own business, LifeBulb Design. Check out his website (www.lifebulbdesign.com) where much of his creativity is on display.
If this isn’t accomplishment enough, Hughes’ art recently made him the award winner of the art and poster contest held for the Columbus Food & Wine Affair Grand Tasting, easily the city’s biggest and most elegant food and wine event.
Now in its eighth year, the Columbus Food & Wine Affair has sponsored the art and poster contest for CCAD Senior Advertising and Graphic Design classes five times throughout the Affair’s history. Founders and coordinators of the event that welcomes 1,200 guests each year shared with each participating class the history of the competition and what elements of the Grand Tasting should be reflected. Students were also informed on how their design will be used, how the art must work both in black and white and in color, and the importance of representing food and wine equally and with an international and contemporary flavor.
Three CCAD classes took part with presentations provided by nearly 60 students using a variety of mediums: drawing, photography, graphic design or paint. When presented with the project, Hughes contemplated designing his presentation using computer graphics, but eventually decided on photography. “I’ve been taking photos a long time. Using photography, I could bring my design to life,” Hughes said. “Also, when I see things I can use for photo props, I save them. I have a lot of silverware and antique bottles to choose from.”
Hughes, who majored in advertising and graphic design and minored in photography and copy writing, shot the winning design that features wine bottles and forks in a sunburst formation on the floor of his Dublin home. From there, his presentation quickly evolved and instead of using the four weeks designated for the project, he was finished in 10 days—well under the wire for the December 1 deadline.
Hughes’ talent—and bottle collection--paid off. While enjoying his 2009 Christmas break, he learned his presentation and artwork had impressed the judges and would be showcased as the art and poster for the 2010 Columbus Food & Wine Affair.
Hughes said he was shocked when he got the news. “I thought the judges might be looking for something more illustrative. When they chose photography, I was surprised.” Hughes’ winning artwork will be displayed through all elements of the event, and he will receive an award of $625. CCAD receives $1250 toward its scholarship fund. Second place and a $400 prize went to student Kaleah Horton. Honorable mentions with awards of $75 each went to Kaylynn Arnold, Corey Lucius and Jodie Erickson.
CCAD Adjunct Instructor David Schirtzinger had students from two of his classes (including Hughes) involved with the project. He is not surprised Chad’s work drew the praise of the judges. “Chad is a very energetic individual. He has endless energy,” Schirtzinger says. “This was a particularly challenging project—to come up with a sellable idea for something with so many different stakeholders. For Chad to do this is a spectacular achievement. I am very proud of him.”
Schirtzinger says the project is a favorite for both him and the students. “I like it because it’s Columbus based and the event is for the greater good of Columbus. It’s on-mission for everyone involved—for the Central Ohio Restaurant Association who brings in the participating restaurants, the city overall, and for CCAD.”
Schirtzinger adds that the project is “the perfect convergence of common interest.” He explains that while many of the projects they get may be enjoyable, they’re not always representative of what students may be doing in the real world. “The Columbus Food & Wine Affair art and poster competition is both real and fun.” He adds, “One of the beautiful things about this project is students deal with the client directly and get a feel for the competitive environment in which they’ll work.”
The Columbus Food & Wine Affair Grand Tasting is set for 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., Friday, September 24, 2010, at the Franklin Park Conservatory. Tickets are $125. For details and to purchase tickets, log on to www.foodandwineaffair.com.
