Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (FAMU SJGC) students shined brightly at the 2025 American Advertising Federation North Central Florida (AAF-NCFL) ADDY Awards Gala.
Held on Feb. 27, 2025, in Gainesville, the regional ADDY Awards recognize and reward a creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising and highlight the work of professionals and students across North Central Florida, including the Tallahassee, Gainesville and Ocala markets.
FAMU SJGC students brought home multiple awards for their outstanding contributions to graphic design, illustration, marketing, and photography, including Silver, Gold, and Best of Category ADDY awards.
“The exceptional performance of FAMU SJGC students at the 2025 American Advertising Federation North Central Florida ADDY Awards underscores our commitment to fostering creative talent and preparing students for success in the industry,” said SJGC Dean Mira Lowe. “We applaud our students’ dedication to their crafts and the professors who have supported them along the way.”
A Student Gold ADDY Award is presented in recognition of the highest level of creative excellence and is judged to be superior. Student entries that are also considered outstanding and worthy of recognition receive a Student Silver ADDY Award. Best of Category Awards are presented to the top entries within specific categories.
Below are the winning entries submitted by FAMU students, who won a collective 15 awards.
Gold ADDY Awards – Student Division
Category: Sales & Marketing, Collateral Material, Editorial Spread or Feature
- “Chromatica,” Luis Arriaga, creative director
Category: Out of Home & Ambient Media, Poster, Single
- “Game and Hustle,” Andrew Watson, graphic designer
- “Hideo,” Abeon Anderson, graphic designer
Category: Elements of Advertising, Logo Design
- “Mosh Mania Logo,” Janeen Meeks, illustrator
Silver ADDY Awards – Student Division
Category: Out of Home & Ambient Media, Poster, Single
- “Florida Book Bans Poster,” Zaevan Martin, graphic designer
- “Riot Riffs Festival Poster,” Zaevan Martin, graphic designer
- “Mosh Mania,” Janeen Meeks, illustrator
- “Black Stars Shine,” Brandon Brown, graphic designer
Category: Elements of Advertising, Visual, Logo Design
- “Lightning Bug,” Janeen Meeks, illustrator
Category: Elements of Advertising, Illustration, Single
- “Anonymous Burger Poster,” Layla Richardson, graphic designer
- “Mythical Wilds,” Janeen Meeks, illustrator
Category: Elements of Advertising, Still Photography, Color, Single
- “Look Forward,” Andrew Watson, graphic designer
Category: Elements of Advertising, Still Photography, Digitally Enhanced, Single
- “Chromatica,” Luis Angel Arriaga, creative director
Best of Category Awards – Student Division
Category: Out of Home & Ambient Media, Poster, Single
- “Hideo,” Abeon Anderson, graphic designer
Category: Elements of Advertising, Visual, Logo Design
- “Mosh Mania Logo,” Janeen Meeks, illustrator
The American Advertising Awards, conducted annually by the AAF, follow a three-tier competition structure. The first tier is the local competition, where entrants compete for ADDY Awards. Local winners advance to one of 15 district competitions, and district winners move on to the national stage. Gold-winning entries automatically progress to the next levels, while Silver winners may advance if certain requirements are met. Competing locally is the first step toward winning a national ADDY Award.
