ICMAD Announces 2020 Young Designers' Finalists

The Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors (ICMAD) Association has announced the finalists of the 2020 Young Designers Awards Competition. They were selected from among more than 400 college-level students studying graphic and package design from 23 schools.

This annual competition, first established in 1999, recognizes the best design students through their creativity and ingenuity in designing an original cosmetic package, representative of the industry.

An awards event celebrating their work was held in Manhattan Beach, California, on Feb. 18, 2020.

2020 Young Designers Competition finalists:

• Sage Meyer, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, CO
• Anthony Nardo, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, Lancaster, PA
• Benjamin Haver, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, CO
• Jillian Broughton, Laguna College of Art + Design, Laguna Beach, CA
• Austin Draving, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, CO

Packaging for this year’s competition was donated by East Hill Industries, Inc. Professors were provided instructions for incorporating the competition and project into their classroom curriculum or as an extracurricular activity.

'Package design plays an absolutely crucial role in the beauty business where approximately 2/3 of purchase decisions are made at the store shelf.'

A panel of judges, selected for their expertise in packaging, design and marketing, selected finalists and winners. This year’s judges were brand developers Angel del Solar, managing director and co-founder, 18.21 Man Made, LLC; David del Solar, director of operations and product development/co-founder, 18.21 Man Made, LLC; along with indie brand owners Sean Pelton, president and founder of Sassy Lips; Sabrina Xi, director of marketing development, Sassy Lips; as well as packaging experts Anthony Le Minoux, managing director, Quadpack America; and Chris James, president, East Hill Industries.

“Package design plays an absolutely crucial role in the beauty business where approximately 2/3 of purchase decisions are made at the store shelf, and social media gives brands an opportunity to drive consumer demand by showcasing beautiful packaging,” ICMAD chairman Chris Hobson said. “ICMAD is pleased to recognize this next generation of designers and provide them an opportunity to showcase their talent.”

“ICMAD’s mission is to support independent cosmetics businesses,” ICMAD president Ken Marenus, Ph.D., said. “Our members achieve extraordinary results and their spirit is the force underlying the Young Designers competition, as we look to encourage creativity and innovation in all aspects of the beauty industry.”