Are Design Awards Worth It? | Ep 179

Need packaging, talk to Evelio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/ Wanna work with Robot-Food? https://www.robot-food.com Simon Forster is the founder of Robot Food, a design and branding agency known for its disruptive and innovative approach. With a background in art and a history rooted in punk and skate culture, Simon has cultivated a reputation for questioning the status quo and pushing creative boundaries. His journey began with running a surfskate brand funded by Joey Ramone, marking the beginning of his love affair with branding. Today, Simon and his team at Robot Food are dedicated to creating impactful and standout strategies for their clients. Support our sponsors: Factory Direct Packaging Manufacturing: https://www.idpdirect.com Manage your packaging specifications: https://www.specright.com Sustainable packaging that dissolves in water: https://www.smartsolve.com Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode, Simon Forster of Robot Food sits down with Evelio Mattos to discuss the controversial subject of design awards. Simon shares his critical views on the relevance and necessity of such accolades in the industry, outlining how awards can sometimes compromise the integrity of the work and may not ultimately benefit design agencies. The conversation touches on the cost implications and the often-overlooked downside of getting trapped in a cycle of constantly chasing awards. Simon's punk-rock ethos and commitment to authentic, disruptive design shine throughout the discussion, challenging the conventional wisdom around what it means to be successful in the design world. Simon highlights the hefty financial burden of entering design awards and questions their true value to clients. He explains that his agency's growth and reputation have been built on delivering results rather than chasing recognition through awards. Simon emphasizes that clients prioritize results such as increased sales and brand impact over industry accolades. With a background that includes leading a skate brand funded by Joey Ramone, Simon blends his punk roots with his professional journey to foster a unique and rebellious approach at Robot Food, encouraging brands to stand out rather than conform. Key Takeaways: The Cost of Awards: Design awards come with significant entry fees and additional costs if you win, which can be a heavy burden for startups. Client Priorities: Clients are more interested in tangible business results rather than whether an agency has won awards. Disruptive Design: Success in design comes from questioning the norm and creating emotionally and visually disruptive work. Agency Culture: A rebellious, questioning attitude within an agency can foster innovation and lead to standout work. Alternative Recognition: Rather than seeking awards, Simon advocates for cutting through the noise by delivering exceptional client outcomes. Dive into the full episode to explore these insights and more, as Simon Forster shares his candid perspectives on the design industry, the true value of awards, and the importance of staying disruptive. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from our podcast series! Leave a review: https://www.packagingunboxd.com