RIT design students shine at Rochester advertising awards

Creative projects ranging from motion designs to comprehensive ad campaigns produced by RIT School of Design students took center stage on the Rochester advertising industry’s biggest night of the year. 

Six graphic design and new media design students were honored in the student portion of the local American Advertising Awards, organized by American Advertising Federation Greater Rochester. The event recognizes excellence in local advertising campaigns and the highest creative standards in the industry. RIT's “ADDY” awards included Gold and Silver designations, student scholarship recipients, and judges' special recognition honors.

Submissions were facilitated by the graphic design program and several faculty. The award-winning projects were completed in fall semester courses taught by Associate Professor Carol Fillip and Associate Professor Austin Shaw. Associate Professor Keli DiRisio, graphic design undergraduate program director, attended the ceremony with the students while Assistant Professor William Colgrove helped submit the student work for consideration.

The RIT honorees were:

Sevinch Abdullayeva ’26 (graphic design)

‌

Sevinch Abdullayeva

One application of a PSA ad centered on the experiences of, and sacrifices made by, U.S. veterans.

“The weight of my medal” — learn more about the campaign

Class: Advertising Design, taught by Carol Fillip

Gold, Cross Platform category; Judges Special Recognition 

"It meant reassurance," Abdullayeva said of the award. "Being recognized gave me confidence in the path I am taking, and I think I needed that before graduating."

Tulip Bailey ’26 (graphic design)

“The Bitter Side of Chocolate”

Class: Advertising Design, taught by Carol Fillip

Gold, Film, Video and Sound category

Emmet Blanchette ’26 (graphic design)

“Year of the Horse: Chinese New Year"

Class: Motion Design III, taught by Austin Shaw

Silver, Elements of Advertising category 

Enzo Del Carmen ’27 (new media design)

“Night at the Museum: Title Sequence”

Class: New Media Design Motion Graphics, taught by Austin Shaw

Gold, Elements of Advertising category; second place, Student Scholarship

Sadie Goldberg ’26 (new media design)

“Lemony Snicket: Title Sequence”

Class: New Media Design Motion Graphics, taught by Austin Shaw 

Gold, Elements of Advertising category

Miguel Villaman-Torres ’26 (graphic design)

“The Nightmare Before Christmas”

Class: Motion Design III, taught by Austin Shaw

Gold, Elements of Advertising category; first place, Student Scholarship