D&AD vs YCN

 D&AD Annual 12'

(Design, structure, tone of voice and format)

Corporate
Clean and Structured
Very visual
Little depth about concept or adaptation of briefs
Only half a page (max 1 page) per project, no double page structure
Very systematic and clear use of grid system
Thick matte stock
Lighthearted and playful in places (cover/ preface).
Takes a serious tone with a playful edge ("Old Blood making way for New Blood")

Focus on commercial design, client lead work for brands and institutions.


YCN Annual 12'

(Design, structure, tone of voice and format)

Understated compared to D&AD
Student focused
Form follows function

Allows you to be more playful- opportunity to be experimental without the restraints of budgets etc.


Similarities between Competition Winners:

Nothing is open to interpretation, a concise concept derived from simplicity seems to work best.
All work placed, photographed and positioned in setting. Very professional in presentation and production. D&AD explore real commercial responses, whereas YCN can be more hypothetical.

Winners create a transferable concept or design, which can stand the test of time. Winners are not selected from one off pieces of work, no matter how ascetically pleasing. Idea and concept driven, all immaculately presented and photographed- simple, clear, concise.