Peer Esteem
Appointments
(2010). Acting Joint-President. Wellington Potters Association. Wellington.
I was appointed to the role of Acting Joint-President for the Wellington Potters Association. This association of over 250 ceramic artists was founded in 1958 by ceramicist, the late Dame Doreen Blumhardt ONZ, DCNZM, CBE. I was voted into position by members at the AGM.
Favourable Citations
(2010). Dr. Kevin Murray, Editor of the online journal requested permission to publish a photograph I created of an African artist. My image was published in the 2(3) edition for a thematic introduction of the African research topic. Dr. Murray is Adjunct Professor RMIT University, Research Fellow University of Melbourne and Adjunct Research Fellow Monash University. He was the Australian representative at World Craft Council and Director of Craft Victoria.
(2009). Special Air Service: Rhodesia. Durban: Dandy Agencies Publishing.
My map illustrations and photographic art direction were re-published in "Special Air Service: Rhodesia" (2009), a ground-breaking book on Rhodesians in the British Special Air Service (SAS). My designs were first published in a book I designed in 2001. View
(2008). Long Range Desert Group: Rhodesia. Durban: Dandy Agencies Publishing.
My map illustrations and photographic art direction were re-published in "Long Range Desert Group: Rhodesia" (2008), a ground-breaking book on Rhodesians in the British Long Range Desert Group, the forerunner to the Special Air Service (SAS). My designs were first published in a book I designed in 2001. View
(2005). International editor and journalist, Judy Olivier requested permission to publish three of my photographic images of rural Southwest France in a travel section cover-story which she authored. Judy Olivier (now deceased) is regarded as one of the most outstanding female journalists of her generation in South Africa. Olivier was an editor at "Fair Lady" magazine London for 20 years. Prior to that she was an editor at "Cape Times" South Africa.
Favourable Reviews
(2011). Trellidor [Advertising campaign]. Africa-wide.
Trellidor Marketing Director, Peter Rawson commended my work in a letter. Referring to the "Put us to the Test" communication campaign I created, He spoke of the remarkable success of the communication. In Trellidor's 30-year history this campaign was the most successful in increasing market share. Trellidor broke all sales records since the launch of the campaign. He also commended the unusual longevity of the campaign, it has been republished every year from 2006 - 2011.
(2010). Dr. Glenn Adamson, Head of Graduate Studies and Deputy Head of Research Department, Victoria & Albert Museum (London) and Co-editor of the peer-reviewed print edition of The Journal of Modern Craft, reviewed my article for the journal's online edition, "African pottery in South Africa: Life after the village". Dr. Adamson said this about my article, "it is sharp, well written and nuanced in its evaluation of a complex situation".
(2008). Nivea [Advertising campaigns]. South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya.
I received international acclaim for my work on Nivea advertising communications for Africa. The work was reviewed in a letter by Ann Christen Wagenmann, Beiersdorf Managing Director Group Africa. Wagenmann performed a senior role in the management of Nivea communications worldwide and had over 25 years experience at Beiersdorf in Germany and South Africa. Beiersdorf is over 100 years old and Nivea is the world's largest skincare brand.
(2008). Accu.2 Home Pregnancy Test [Logo design]. Identity Branding and Design Journal. Moscow.
A logo design I created for Accu.2 Home Pregnancy Tests featured in IDENTITY Branding and Design Journal's international design contest "Identity: Best of the Best 2008". Achieving Long-list in the category Logo and Trademark for FMCG. IDENTITY Journal, Russia is a leading international design resource. The selection committee comprised Andrey Mitin (Zebra design, Russia), Mamoun Sakkal (Sakkal Design, USA) and Ulrike Damm (Damm und Lindlar, Germany).
(2002). University of Natal: Courses. The Best of South African Advertising & Design (2nd ed.). Johannesburg: The Creative Circle.
My concepts and art direction for this outdoor advertising campaign was recognised amongst the best of South African work and published in this annual book. View
(2000). In a letter to Prof. Brenda Gourley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Natal, South Africa, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Human Sciences, Francesca Balladon commended my work on an outdoor communication campaign for the University as world-class. Prof. Gourley is now the Vice-Chancellor of the Open University, UK.
Other Peer Esteem
(2011) I was invited by the convener of Victoria University's PGSA monthly postgraduate research gathering to deliver an oral presentation on my own postgraduate research. My abstract was accepted for the presentation.
(2010). Steven Smith. An introduction to Southern African ceramics: Their marks, monograms & signatures. Cape Town: Kerrod.
I was recognised in this book along with ceramic experts across Southern Africa. My ceramic mark (logo) and a short biography was published. Cape Town. View
(2010). Steven Smith [Ceramic works]. Ceramicus 52nd Annual Exhibition. Wellington.
5 of my ceramic works were selected by a panel and guest ceramicist, Sue Newitt to be included in this exhibition. View
(2010) My abstract for the international ceramics conference, "The Big Smoke" was accepted by a peer review panel from a large number of submissions from countries from around the pacific. The 2011 conference was organised in conjunction with New Zealand Society of Potters, Auckland Studio Potters and Unitec New Zealand. My abstract was titled, "Traditional ceramic practice and the studio: An African perspective".
(2010) My abstract titled, "The cartoon as transmitter of ideology" was accepted by the conference committee at the, "Victoria University PGSA Conference 2010". The conference comprised 83 participants.
(2010) Two of my abstracts were accepted for the international symposium, "Re-thinking Advertising: histories, praxis and interpretations". The symposium was organised by The University of Melbourne's School of Historical Studies, Cultural History of Economies Research Hub (CHERHub). My abstracts were titled, "Future proofing the advertising student" and "Advertising students' contribution to a cross-cultural, interdisciplinary public initiative in South Africa".
(2009) My abstract for the international design conference, "Designing for Children with a focus on play and learn" was selected through a blind jury review process. The conference comprised 74 Oral presentations was organised by Industrial Design Centre, IIT and was supported by the Cumulus International Association. My abstract was titled, "Forewarned is forearmed: Speculation on why and how to design an advertising literacy programme aimed at children".
(2009) The Department of Convocation and Alumni Relations, Durban University of Technology, South Africa, invited me to be involved in their mentorship programme geared towards targeting young graduates and pairing them with mentors within their field of research and study. The task was particularly challenging due to the multicultural make up of post-graduates.
(2007) World-renown film director Giaco Angelini agreed to film and direct television commercials I devised for Seaton Delaval, South Africa. Angelini shot and directed 4 films for this campaign. My role was as sole Art Director. Angelini's films have been awarded at premier international award shows and include, 5 Cannes Lions (France), several Clio Awards (USA), the One Award (USA), and countless Loerie Awards (South Africa).
(2007) Legendary photographer Michael Meyersfeld agreed to photograph an image I devised for a Nivea advertisement. My role was as sole Art Director and creative leader. Meyersfeld's work is auctioned at Sotherby's. He has held 13 exhibitions, authored two books and won numerous awards; most recently the 2010 Gold and 2010 Best in Category awards at the AOP Awards London; and the 2009 Image of the Year at Sony PROFOTO Awards Johannesburg.
(1999-2001) I was invited as a member of the regular monthly and yearly judging panel of the Silver Quill Awards by Independent Newspapers, South Africa. This was the 15th year of the Silver Quill Awards.
(1999). Mercedes-Benz: The C-Class facelift. Communication Arts Journal, 41(7). California.
My art direction in this print advert was published in this international journal. View
(1999). Mercedes-Benz: The C-Class facelift [Magazine advertisement]. Communication Arts 40th Annual Exhibition. California.
This print advert, which features my art direction was selected for the 40th annual exhibition of this international journal. View
Awards
(1999) Award of Excellence - in the international competition, Communication Arts Journal "Advertising" 40th Annual Edition, California, USA - in the category "Consumer Magazine Ad". The award was for a magazine advertisement titled "Frigid Wife" for Mercedes-Benz, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director. The work was selected for the 40th annual exhibition of Communication Arts, and is now in its 53rd year.
(2001) Gold Medal Award - in the international competition, CASE Circle of Excellence Awards Program for Communications Programs, Washington - in the category "Advertising". The award was for an outdoor communication campaign for University of Natal, South Africa. The 2001 CASE Awards attracted 61 international entries from competing tertiary institutions including Yale and Cornell Universities.
(1997) Gold Award - in the international competition, AME International Advertising & Marketing Effectiveness Awards, New York, USA - in the category "Sporting Goods". The award was for a magazine advertisement titled "Get to the Start" for Reebok, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director.
(2001) Silver World Medal - in the international competition, The New York Festivals International Competition for Print Advertising, New York, USA - in the category "Outdoor Campaign". The award was for an outdoor communication campaign for University of Natal, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director.
(2000) Bronze World Medal - in the international competition, The New York Festivals International Competition for Print Advertising, New York, USA - in the category "Household & Pet Products". The award was for a magazine advertisement titled "Hole in the Wall" for Trellidor Security Gates, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director.
(2001) Gold Award - in the international competition, The Loerie Awards, Association of Marketers, Johannesburg, South Africa - in the category "Campaign, Advertising - Outdoor Campaign". The award was for an outdoor communication campaign for University of Natal, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director.
(2001) Silver Award - in the international competition, The Loerie Awards, Association of Marketers, Johannesburg, South Africa - in the category "Poster - Corporate and Public Services". The award was for an outdoor poster communication titled "Engineering" for the Faculty of Engineering for University of Natal, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director and Typographer.
(2001) Ad of the Month - in the competition, Silver Quill Awards, Independent Newspapers, South Africa. The award was for a press advertisement for the "Leadership Center", University of Natal, South Africa. My role was as Creative Director and Art Director. This year was the 15th year of the Silver Quill Awards.
(2001) Ad of the Month - in the competition, Silver Quill Awards, Independent Newspapers, South Africa. The award was for a press advertisement titled "Steering Wheel" for Mercedes-Benz, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director. This was the 15th year of the Silver Quill Awards.
(2001) Finalist Award - in the international competition, The Loerie Awards, Association of Marketers, Johannesburg, South Africa - in the category "Poster - Corporate and Public Services". The award was for a outdoor poster titled "Marine Studies" for University of Natal, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director.
(2000) Finalist Award - in the international competition, The London International Advertising Awards, London, UK - in the category "Print, Home Furnishings/Appliances". The award was for a magazine advertisement titled "Hole in the Wall" for Trellidor Security Gates, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director. This was the 15th annual iteration of The London International Advertising Awards. The awards are now in their 27th year.
(1999) Ad of the Month - in the competition, Silver Quill Awards, Independent Newspapers, South Africa. The award was for a magazine advertisement titled "X" for Trellidor Security Gates, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director.
(1999) Finalist Award - in the international competition, The Loerie Awards, Association of Marketers, Johannesburg, South Africa - in the category "Motor Cars". The award was for a television commercial titled "Quicksand" for Mercedes-Benz, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director.
(1999) Finalist Award - in the international competition, The London International Advertising Awards, London, UK - in the category "Print". The award was for a magazine advertisement titled "Frigid Wife" for Mercedes-Benz, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director. The awards are now in their 27th year.
(1998) Finalist Award - in the international competition, The New York Festivals International Competition for Print Advertising, New York, USA - in the category "Automotive Products". The award was for an outdoor advertisement titled "Sprinter" for Mercedes-Benz, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director.
(1998) Finalist Award - in the international competition, The New York Festivals International Competition for Print Advertising, New York, USA - in the category "Automotive Products". The award was for a magazine advertisement titled "Stick with Continental" for Continental Tyres, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director.
(1998) Finalist Award - in the international competition, The Loerie Awards, Association of Marketers, Johannesburg, South Africa - in the category "Motoring Accessories". The award was for a television commercial titled "Circles" for Continental Tyres, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director.
(1998) Finalist Award - in the international competition, The Loerie Awards, Association of Marketers, Johannesburg, South Africa - in the category "Motor Cars". The award was for a magazine advertisement titled "Suntan Oil" for Honda, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director.
(1998) Finalist Award - in the international competition, The London International Advertising Awards, London, UK - in the category "Television". The award was for a television commercial titled "Hairpin" for Honda, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director. The awards are now in their 27th year.
(1998) Finalist Award - in the international competition, The London International Advertising Awards, London, UK - in the category "Television". The award was for a television commercial titled "Elephants" for Plascon Paints, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director. The awards are now in their 27th year.
(1998) Finalist Award - in the international competition, The London International Advertising Awards, London, UK - in the category "Print". The award was for a magazine advertisement titled "Step on it" for Mercedes-Benz, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director. The awards are now in their 27th year.
(1997) Ad of the Month - in the competition, AAA Award, The Creative Directors Forum, Johannesburg, South Africa - in the category "Outdoor". The award was for an outdoor communication campaign titled "Warning" for Reebok, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director.
(1997) Finalist Award - in the international competition, The Loerie Awards, Association of Marketers, Johannesburg, South Africa - in the category "Motoring Accessories". The award was for a magazine advertisement titled "Stick with Continental" for Continental Tyres, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director.
(1997) Finalist Award - in the international competition, The London International Advertising Awards, London, UK - in the category "Print". The award was for a magazine advertisement titled "Stick with Continental" for Continental Tyres, South Africa. My role was as sole Art Director. The awards are now in their 27th year.
(1995) Finalist Award - in the international competition, The London International Advertising Awards, London, UK - in the category "Print, Direct Mail - Trade". The award was for a direct mail design campaign for the multi-national company Mondi Paper, South Africa. This was the 10th annual iteration of The London International Advertising Awards. The awards are now in their 27th year. My role was as sole Art Director and Illustrator.
(1993) I received the 1993 Heinemann-centaur Award for Commercial Design with a series of book illustrations. My illustrations using a reverse paint-back technique were used across a new set of school text book cover designs for South African secondary schools.
(1993) I was awarded the 1993 Whalley and Associates Integrated Marketing and Design Award for Excellence in Design. Whalley and Associates is a long-standing top communications company in South Africa.
(1993) I was awarded the Marcus Starfield Memorial Award for Commercial Design at Durban University of Technology.