As the final entry deadline to enter the Prolific North Creative Awards approaches, we’ve pulled together a round-up of handy tips for crafting those winning entries thanks to the advice from some of the judging panel.
The Creative Awards, first launched in 2023 with the backing of creative experts, is back to showcase more of the region’s brightest and boldest creative individuals, teams and organisations across the North of England and Scotland.
As there’s still time to get your entries in before 22 April, here is what some of the judges will be looking for this year…
Sweta Pathak
An award-winning creative leader with more than 25 years of experience in the advertising & marketing industry, Sweta’s work has been recognised by: Cannes, D&AD, One Show, and Campaign Outdoor Hall of Fame. She also co-founded ‘Women Unltd’, a platform to inspire, empower and support aspiring female leaders in the Industry.
She shares what she’ll be looking out for this year, along with some savvy words of advice: “I’m looking forward to seeing some fresh thinking brought to life by equally good craft this year. A tip to the entrants – make sure your entries are labelled correctly supported by a short description and thumbnail of the work. Sometimes a case study is also helpful. Less is more so send in the piece of work that showcases the idea in the best way possible. Good luck!”
James Cross, Founder and CCO, Meanwhile
James Cross is the founder and CCO of Meanwhile, a creative agency based in Manchester. Prior to launching the agency, he won a BAFTA alongside Tim Jones (also a founder of Meanwhile) for the BBC’s Tokyo Olympics campaign, along with over 200 creative and effectiveness awards in their five-year stint at BBC Creative.
His biggest piece of advice for entrants is to make sure you submit work that you’re proud of: “Great creative work, and the kind of work that I get excited about, has to be both original in thought, and executed excellently. I think ideas that a team have taken and delivered way beyond what was probably expected by a client, is the stuff that wins for me every time.
“After all, nobody is looking out for what we do in this industry. We have to make them notice, make them care and that’s why it’s so important to strive for these standards, and hold them up as an example, through these awards. Everything we do has to be a worthwhile exchange of people’s time in order to resonate, and that includes the judges that are reviewing your entries!”
Kevin Hughes, Creative director, Drummond Central
Kevin Hughes is an award-winning creative leader with 20+ years of experience in the advertising and design industry. He has played a pivotal role in Drummond Central’s rise over the past decade, working with ambitious brands like Greggs, Triumph, Amazon Prime, Kit Kat.
As a returning judge, here’s what he’s looking forward to most this year:”Super excited to be judging this year’s awards again. For me, a standout entry should be smart, original, and impossible to ignore. I’ll be looking for work that makes me feel something, through a smile, a tear or even a little envy!
“The best entries are crystal clear in their thinking, with strong execution and solid evidence of impact. My advice? Tell a compelling story, make sure your entry is easy to follow, and don’t assume the work speaks for itself – context and results matter. Big up the North!”
Find out about the rest of the judges here.
Once all entries for 2025 have been received, our panel of independent, industry-leading experts will compile the shortlist, and ultimately, decide the winners. Make sure you enter before the final deadline on 22 April here!
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