September 21, 2007 Venezuelan design entrepreneur wins international award
(British Council Press Release) - "Sigal Cohen, a multi-media and graphic designer from Venezuela, has seen off competition from nine others from around the world to win the prestigious British Council's International Young Design Entrepreneur of the Year 2007 in association with 100% Design.
The panel of judges were impressed by her approach saying, "Sigal is a highly skilled motion-graphics designer in her own right. She privileged the jury with another deeply edifying presentation about the unique cultural gifts of her country which she is hell-bent on expressing'".
The award, a unique piece by the acclaimed graphic design studio, Wood McGrath, was presented to by Thorsten van Elten, the successful independent furniture and accessories design retailer and manufacturer, who was also part of the judging panel. Sigal will also receive a financial prize of £7,500 to be spent on a project with the British Council, and a stand at 100% Design 2008, London's contemporary design exhibition.
Sigal is an independent visual communicator and multimedia graphic designer. After graduating from college in 2002, she founded Oruga Films, her own Design and Communication Agency. Oruga Films works in a wide range of design areas, from 2D animation, compositing, basic programming, printed designs, and webpage design. Four years after its inception, Oruga has become one of the top 5 design companies in Venezuela, developing motion graphics, print and web design projects for important clients such as Cable TV channels all over Latin America.
The company recently won two bronze medals at the 2006 BDA World Gold Awards. The International Young Design Entrepreneur of the Year Award is part of a programme of British Council awards aimed at the creative industries. It recognizes the importance of creative entrepreneurs in the creation of a sustainable and competitive creative economy.
About The International Young Design Entrepreneur of the Year Award
The International Young Designer of the Year Award is a collaboration between the British Council and 100% Design. It was launched to celebrate the entrepreneurial and leadership ability of a young person (age 25-35) working in the Design in their country.
The award's aim is to strengthen creative leadership, networking and capacity building in the international design industry, particularly in developing and transitional economies. 100 % Design provides a fertile ground for international networking and the award offers the finalists the opportunity to build contacts with, and an understanding of, the UK design industry. The programme is the first of its kind in the world.
The award is judged this year by Emily Campbell, Head of Design, British Council; Alice Brown, Head of Sales, 100% Design; Nick Barley, Director, The Lighthouse; Thorsten van Elten, Founder, thorsten van elten; and Paula Dib, Founder/Partner, Trans.forma Design; IYDEY 2006 winner (Brazil).
Link: http://creativeconomy.org.uk/iydey/
About Sigal Cohen
Sigal Cohen is Art Director of the motion graphics studio Oruga Films, producing high quality visuals for commercial purposes. At Oruga Films Sigal and her partner work integrating typography, illustration and photography, blending tradition and the vernacular with urban and international references to create bold and colourful visual works.
Sigal Cohen was selected to represent Venezuela at IYDEY 2007 because of the fresh and professional approach of her work, she represents the new generation of innovative young Venezuelan designers.
Link: http://creativeconomy.org.uk/iydey/finalist/finalist_9.html
