How do you measure the quality of creative work? The answer to that question is usually expressed somewhere along a continuum between results and awards as if they were mutually exclusive. It is true that awards are often won without respect to effectiveness. It’s also true that many of the criteria that determine whether a creative product is award-winning are also entirely relevant to the impact – and the response – that product can generate.

Bowen Creative has won awards. We have also been awarded the trust of our clients. That’s an award that goes beyond an analysis of design or copy to include issues such as responsiveness to deadlines and budget requirements and a respect for the client’s best interests. The extent to which we exceed client expectations may be a category more wordy than “Best of Show.” But as a summary judgment of quality, it may also be more meaningful.