SUBMISSIONS NOW LIVE FOR THE 2026 AWARD SEASON!
Deadline extended!
Submissions close Jan. 30
at 11:59pm ET
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE AWARD SHOW: FEB 27, 2026
AAF West Michigan is proud to host the upcoming 2026 American Advertising Awards, the preeminent industry award designed to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in our local community.
The American Advertising Awards is the advertising industry's largest and most representative competition, attracting more than 25,000 entries every year. The mission of the American Advertising Awards is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising. Conducted annually by the AAF, the local tier of the American Advertising Awards is the first of a three-tier, national competition. Concurrently, across the country, local entrants vie to receive an ADDY Award—recognition as the very best in their markets, with winning submissions having the chance to compete at district and even on the national stage.
It’s essential to remember that the American Advertising Awards is not just a local competition.
It’s an opportunity for your work to be recognized on a national stage if your work wins and is forwarded on to the district, regional, and national competition. It's more than a celebration; it’s a chance to stand in the spotlight and make an impression that could resonate across the industry.
2026 Judges
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Carlos Flores
Founder, Creative Director
Forager TV x Whitepaper Studio
Carlos Flores is a Creative Director and filmmaker whose work spans film, advertising, and music videos. He is the co-founder of Forager, a New York–based creative studio and post-production collective recognized for film-forward work grounded in craft, narrative, and visual clarity.Carlos has led projects for global brands including Nike, Apple, HBO, and Vogue, as well as music and performance films for artists such as Selena Gomez and Sia. His work, along with projects produced by his companies, has received nominations and awards recognition across major industry platforms, including the VMAs, Emmys, and the Academy Awards.
With a career built hands-on through editing and color, Carlos brings a holistic perspective to creative leadership, guiding projects from early creative development through final execution. He is also a founding partner of Whitepaper, a filmmaker-led studio focused on rethinking film financing and supporting independent storytelling.
Carlos is an active member of the Television Academy and is driven by originality, collaboration, and elevating bold ideas through disciplined execution.
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Paige Bauman
Group Creative Director
Agency EA
Paige Bauman is a graphic designer and brand strategist based in Houston. She specializes in brand identities, presentation design, web design and environmental design/production.
Paige currently serves as Group Creative Director for Agency EA where she manages a group of inter-disciplined creatives. Prior to Agency EA, Paige developed her skills for large-scale print and digital advertising working with Leo Burnett and Arc Worldwide.
She's produced work for prominent brands such as Hilton, Coca-Cola, ElevenLabs, McDonalds, Samsung and Intuit. -
Jason Levkulich
Fractional CMO, Creative Director
Contact
Jason Levkulich began his career as a photojournalist, with his first professional assignment capturing Frank Sinatra on stage in 1991. That early immersion in storytelling, composition, and cultural relevance shaped a career defined by creative discernment and strategic clarity.While continuing to photograph iconic artists including Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, Ringo Starr, Soundgarden, and Jack White, Jason expanded his work into marketing. Over the past 28 years, he has served as a marketing leader and Fractional Chief Marketing Officer for startups, SaaS companies, professional services firms, and $100M technology brands—guiding brand strategy, messaging, and creative direction.
In addition to his executive marketing work, Jason supports select entertainment and artist‑driven projects, including ongoing marketing and creative collaboration with 80s pop legend Tiffany.
Jason has been named one of Middle Tennessee’s Top CMOs by the Nashville Business Journal and has led campaigns recognized with Gold and Silver ADDY Awards, PR Daily’s “Best Marketing Video,” and M‑Files’ “Best Marketing Program in North and Latin America.”
Known for evaluating creative work through both an artistic and strategic lens, Jason brings a disciplined eye for concept, craft, and effectiveness. At his core, he remains a storyteller—focused on work that is clear, intentional, and built to resonate.
GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS
silver LEVEL SPONSORS
bronze LEVEL SPONSORS
2025 GOLD WINNERS
Selected Category / Entrant Company / Entry Name / Client Company Name / Outside Agency Name
Integrated Media Campaign Next Creative Co. Next Creative Co. Brand Refresh Next Creative Co.
Advertising Industry Self-Promotion Online/Interactive/ Virtual Reality Lydia Writes GoodLydia Writes Good Website Lydia Writes Good
Integrated Brand Identity Campaign Extra Credit Projects Destination Collection Campaign Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Integrated Brand Identity Campaign Grey Matter Group Lucky Bucket Brand The Lucky Bucket
Integrated Brand Identity Campaign Goodfellows Creative What Makes It So Great Great Lakes Tinned Fish
Integrated Brand Identity Campaign Mix Creative Group Visbeen Architects Rebrand Visbeen Architects
Integrated Branded Content Campaign Grey Matter Group Found in translation. Scriptura
Copywriting Chop & Hue Holiday Plates SpartanNash Company
Copywriting Lydia Writes Good Lydia Writes Good Website Lydia Writes Good
Cinematography—Single DropDrop Alfonse Borysewicz Templeton Religion Trust Think Theory
Cinematography—Single Taproot Pictures GMC - Echoing Expertise GMC Leo Burnett
Cinematography—Single Taproot Pictures Foxy's Foxy's Leotards
Cinematography—Single Chop & Hue Make Magic Wahl Clipper Corporation
Cinematography—Single Gorilla Pictures Pine Rest Pediatric Center Gorilla BrandHaven
Animation, Special Effects or Motion Graphics Chop & Hue Wahl Kuno Clipper Wahl Clipper Corporation
Animation, Special Effects or Motion Graphics RHINO Northern Nut Smugglers Origin Story Northern Nut Smugglers
Animation, Special Effects or Motion Graphics Chop & Hue Wahl Pro 5-Star Vapor™ Wahl Clipper Corporation
Animation, Special Effects or Motion Graphics Chop & Hue Wahl 5 Star Vapor Motor Wahl Clipper Corporation
Animation, Special Effects or Motion Graphics Brick House Interactive FANUC America Happy Holidays 2024 FANUC America
Video Editing DropDrop Alfonse Borysewicz Templeton Religion Trust Think Theory
Video Editing Chop & Hue Wahl Pro 5-Star Vapor // Momentum Wahl Professional
Sound Design—Single Chop & Hue Wahl Kuno Clipper Wahl Clipper Corporation
Sound Design—Single Kzoom Crunch is Everything Nunhems USA
Logo Design Boileau & Co. Kite Logo & Brand Kite Energy
Art Direction—Single Chop & Hue Make Magic Wahl Clipper Corporation
Film/Video/Sound Branded Content, :60 Seconds or Less RHINO Jersey Giant - Make Me A Giant Jersey Giant
Film/Video/Sound Branded Content, More Than :60 Seconds Brick House Interactive FANUC America Happy Holidays 2024 FANUC America
Branded Content & Entertainment - Non-Broadcast Extra Credit Projects History of Flight in West Michigan Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Internet Commercial RHINO Michigan Enjoyer - Michigan Man Michigan Enjoyer Will the Agency
Internet Commercial DropDrop Alfonse Borysewicz Templeton Religion Trust Think Theory
Internet Commercial Chop & Hue Wahl Pro 5-Star Vapor // Momentum Wahl Professional
Internet Commercial Chop & Hue Make Magic Wahl Clipper Corporation
Internet Commercial Gorilla Pictures Corewell Cancer Gala Gorilla BRG
Internet Commercial Gorilla Pictures Stryker - Westland Gorilla
Internet Commercial Gorilla Pictures Amway Hero: Connie Gorilla
Internet Commercial Gorilla Pictures Amway Hero: Rochelle Gorilla
Internet Commercial BrandHaven Long Live Childhood Pine Rest
Internet Commercial Lambert by LLYC CFPB True Crime Podcast Junkie Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards
Internet Commercial Campaign Lambert by LLYC CFP Board 2024 Campaign Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards
Webisode Series Lambert by LLYC WindowPRO: Beyond the Window WindowPRO
Audio/Video Sales Presentation Gorilla Pictures Gorilla 2023 Recap Gorilla
Local Television Commercial :30 Seconds Extra Credit Projects Been Everywhere Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Regional/National Television Commercial Chop & Hue Holiday Plates SpartanNash Company
Social Media, Single Execution Lambert by LLYC Dragon's Milk D&D Collab Teaser New Holland Brewing
Social Media, Campaign Lambert by LLYC Dragons Milk + D&D New Holland Brewing
Consumer Website Extra Credit Projects Muskegon Museum of Art Website Muskegon Museum of Art
Consumer Website Launch Kit Great Lakes Tinned Fish - Website Great Lakes Tinned Fish
Consumer Website Mix Creative Group Visbeen Architects Website Visbeen Architects
Large Venue—Single Extra Credit Projects Arena Stair Wrap Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Out-of-Home Campaign Adams Outdoor Advertising Read Together Campaign Read Charlotte
Political Non-Broadcast & Online Video - Single Change Media Group Her Room Floridians Protecting Freedom
Public Service Online Film, Video & Sound BrandHaven Long Live Childhood Pine Rest Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health
Out-Of-Home Extra Credit Projects Plastic Doesn’t Give A Fork EARTHDAY.ORG, Out of Home Advertising Association of America
Single Occurrence Extra Credit Projects Covering Grand Rapids Guerrilla Cherry Health
Packaging Lambert by LLYC Limited Edition Dice Tower D20 Brew New Holland Brewing
2025 GOLD WINNERS - students
Selected Category / Advisor Name / Entrant Name / Entrant Organization / Entry Name
Animation or Special Effects Christopher Fox Trevor McDaniel Calvin University Backslash Motion Graphics
Book Design John Koziatek Koree Bemiss Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University I Wonder Why I Over Wonder
Book Design Christopher Fox Rodrigo Alipio Calvin University Grid Love
Campaign Christopher Fox Taylor Sanborn Calvin University Urban Herbs Hop Garden
Campaign Joan Sechrist Emilee Holzwarth Kendall College of Art and Design Schwinn Brand Refresh
Campaign Christopher Fox Brynna Morren Calvin University The Spoon Cocktail & Dessert Lounge
Campaign Christopher Fox Elise DeWeerd Calvin University Thicket Destination Venue
Campaign Alison Popp Alison Popp Ferris State University Lowell Arts Brand Identity 2024
Campaign Alison Popp Amber Hadley Ferris State University Midnight Oil
Campaign Robin Spring Helena Wilson Grand Valley State University GVSU NSAC' 24 | Tide Campaign
Campaign Alison Popp Alison Popp Ferris State University Blacktopia
Campaign Alison Popp Alison Popp Ferris State University Blacktopia
Direct Marketing Christopher Fox Jake Monroe Calvin University Self-Promotional Playing Card Deck
Illustration – Single Joan Sechrist Laura Funes Kendall College of Art and Design Details. Details. Details
Logo Design Alison Popp Amber Hadley Ferris State University Midnight Oil
Magazine Design Christopher Fox Noah Lammers Calvin University Dialogue Creative Journal
Magazine Design Christopher Fox Emily Griffin Calvin University Dialogue Creative Journal 57.1
Packaging Christopher Fox Jake Monroe Calvin University Self-Promotional Playing Card Deck
Single Occurrence or Installation Alison Popp Alison Popp Ferris State University Blacktopia
2025 silver WINNERS - professional
Selected Category / Advisor Name / Entrant Name / Entrant Organization / Entry Name
Advertising Industry Self-Promotion Film, Video & Sound Chop & Hue Chop & Hue at 10 Chop & Hue
Advertising Industry Self-Promotion Online/Interactive/ Virtual Reality Concept A Creative Studio Concept A Creative Studio Site Concept A Creative Studio
Advertising Industry Self-Promotion Out-Of-Home Adams Outdoor Advertising Maggie Smith Tribute Adams Outdoor Advertising
Animation, Special Effects or Motion Graphics DropDrop FWF Recruitment Video FWF
Animation, Special Effects or Motion Graphics Chop & Hue Wahl Cordless Peanut LI Trimmer Wahl Clipper Corporation
Art Direction—Campaign Lambert by LLYC Walleye Run New Holland Brewing
Art Direction—Single Chop & Hue Holiday Plates SpartanNash Company
Audio/Video Sales Presentation Boileau & Co. Whirlpool Downdraft Ventilation Whirlpool Corporation
Banner Ad Lambert by LLYC Dragon's Milk D&D Takeover New Holland Brewing
Branded Content & Entertainment for Television Boileau & Co. The Spoon Anywhere The Spoon: Breakfast & Lunch
Campaign Extra Credit Projects Holiday Verses Mel Trotter Ministries
Campaign Taproot Pictures Bissell Brand Campaign Bissell DEPT
Campaign Lydia Writes Good Furniture City Creamery Packaging Furniture City Creamery
Campaign Goodfellows Creative Great Lakes Tinned Fish Great Lakes Tinned Fish
Card, Invitation or Announcement Extra Credit Projects Around the World Invitation Van Andel Institute
Card, Invitation or Announcement - Campaign Extra Credit Projects GRReat Billboard Hunt Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Cinematography—Campaign Taproot Pictures Bissell Brand Campaign Bissell DEPT
Cinematography—Single DropDrop Unitus | Big Footprints Unitus JDA Worldwide
Cinematography—Single Chop & Hue Wahl Pro 5-Star Vapor // Momentum Wahl Professional
Cinematography—Single RHINO Culligan - Making of a Master Piece Culligan
Consumer Website Concept A Creative Studio Saugatuck/Douglas Site Saugatuck Douglas Convention and Visitors Bureau
Consumer Website Lambert by LLYC Zahn Builders - Live Link Zahn Builders
Event Lydia Writes Good Midwest House SXSW 2024 Venue Midwest House
Film/Video/Sound Branded Content, :60 Seconds or Less Next Creative Co. JR Automation JR Automation
Film/Video/Sound Branded Content, More Than :60 Seconds Grey Matter Group The Knowledge Poets Give Us Templeton Religion Trust
Film/Video/Sound Branded Content, More Than :60 Seconds Grey Matter Group Moral Understanding at the Movies Templeton Religion Trust
Film/Video/Sound Branded Content, More Than :60 Seconds Grey Matter Group How Critical Language Lets Us See Templeton Religion Trust
Guerrilla Marketing Extra Credit Projects Florida Flamingo Flock Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Integrated Advertising Campaign - Regional/National - Consumer ddm marketing + communications Cancer Won't Wait BAMF Health
Integrated Brand Identity Campaign Mix Creative Group Steenstra's Rebrand Steenstra's
Integrated Brand Identity Campaign Grey Matter Group DART Brand Mobile GR
Integrated Brand Identity Campaign Mix Creative Group Zion Startup Branding Zion Strategic Consulting
Integrated Branded Content Campaign Extra Credit Projects 2024 Fall Drink Promotion Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Integrated Branded Content Campaign Grey Matter Group I once was... Crossroads Prison Ministries
Internet Commercial DropDrop Unitus | Big Footprints Unitus JDA Worldwide
Internet Commercial Taproot Pictures GMC - Echoing Expertise General Motors Leo Burnett
Internet Commercial Gorilla Pictures Outlook Surgical | The Versa 1 Gorilla
Internet Commercial Gorilla Pictures Traceability - Science Gorilla
Internet Commercial Gorilla Pictures Stryker: Power To Save Gorilla
Internet Commercial Campaign Taproot Pictures GMC - Echoing Expertise General Motors Leo Burnett
Internet Commercial Campaign Chop & Hue Wahl Pro 5-Star Vapor // Momentum Wahl Professional
Local Radio Commercial :30 Seconds or Less Extra Credit Projects Nonstop Peace of Mind Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Magazine Design Concept A Creative Studio Saugatuck/Douglas Discovery Guide Saugatuck Douglas Convention and Visitors Bureau
Microsite Lambert by LLYC Dragons Milk + D&D Microsite New Holland Brewing
Outdoor Board Extra Credit Projects Spring Break Flamingo Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Outdoor Board Campaign Extra Credit Projects Summer Tourism Campaign Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Packaging Lydia Writes Good Furniture City Creamery Pints Furniture City Creamery
Political Non-Broadcast & Online Video - Single Change Media Group Wrong Profession Better Pennsylvania
Political Non-Broadcast & Online Video - Single Change Media Group Make Hay Iron Workers Union
Poster BluFish - A Branding Agency 2024 Marshall Blues Festival Marshall DDA
Public Service Online Film, Video & Sound Voyage Pictures Wedgwood "Ashley's Story" Wedgwood Christian Services
Regional/National Television Commercial Gorilla Pictures MEDC - You Can in Michigan Gorilla Lambert
Regional/National Television Commercial Gorilla Pictures Auto-Owners: Bad News Business Gorilla
Regional/National Television Commercial Gorilla Pictures Auto-Owners: Jimmy Backs Off Gorilla
Regional/National Television Commercial Gorilla Pictures Auto-Owners: Bad News Auto Gorilla
Social Media, Campaign 82 Productions LLC Biggby Coffee Biggby Coffee
Social Media, Campaign Lydia Writes Good Midwest House 2024 Social Midwest House
Sound Design—Campaign Taproot Pictures GMC - Echoing Expertise GMC Leo Burnett
Sound Design—Single DropDrop FWF Recruitment Video FWF
Sound Design—Single Chop & Hue R/G7 Goalie Pads | Warrior Goalie Warrior Sports
Sound Design—Single Chop & Hue Wahl Pro 5-Star Vapor // Momentum Wahl Professional
Video Editing Chop & Hue R/G7 Tech | Warrior Goalie Warrior Sports
Video Editing Chop & Hue Make Magic Wahl Clipper Corporation
Voiceover Taproot Pictures GMC - Echoing Expertise General Motors Leo Burnett
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