Already as it is, owning THE Pencil is a morale booster and an esteemed tool of recognised excellence. And to sit through many nights with a compilation of world’s greatest work just make you feel great about being in the creative industry. THE Yellow People never fail to open up a new dimension of perspective and ideas. THE Yellow Pencil never fails to elevate your career confidence. THE Yellow Book never fails to make you feel lousy about yourself with frequent chants of, “Geez… Why didn’t I think of that? Damn!”

THE Book D&AD Annual, or as what many would call it, ‘THE Book’, attracted 24,500 pieces of work submitted from 62 nations this year. Judged by over 300 eminent international creative practitioners, selected by their expertise, judge by discipline. And thus, only 745 were selectively considered good enough to be included in the annual. After which, less than 20% out of these chosen ones were nominated to receive THE Yellow Pencil – the pencil which signifies works that benchmark the absolute excellence in that specific category. THE Black Pencil, on the other hand, is the rarest and most significant tool that denotes a work that redefines a given medium.

THE Black Pencil This year, 2 exclusive black pencils were awarded. Leo Burnett Canada won the most outstanding Primary Brand Websites. The title of this creative website is, ‘Big Ideas Come out of Big Pencils’ "where a black pencil becomes your cursor leaving a trail as you explore the content docked to Leo’s signature with unique animated visual sequences introduce the work with Leo’s timeless quotes and speeches burst to life when rolling over an apple or star icon." These apparent elements have been unmistakeably or most common connection to perfection or excellence: pencil, star and apple...

The other black pencil was presented to The Guardian for the most outstanding Complete Newspapers. A unique format was set to unite the look of contemporary and freshness for the 21st century. "The design team explored new ways of communicating by interrogating the traditional story structure and embracing journalism with powerful use of images and information graphics." With a new face-lift and a black pencil sitting on their office, TAXI Design Network feels that The Guardian would definitely be the modern re-definition of an intelligent, cosmopolitan and trustworthy news UK newspaper.

THE theme THE theme for D&AD Global Awards this year is ‘Obsessed with Creativity.’ And to further celebrate their new regional outlook and Re-branding, D&AD looked for a creative team outside of London: Design Project, to design and conceptualise THE Book. “Their passion for the effective alloying of craft and implementation with idea of concept. Exactly what the awards and D&AD is all about. The resulting design, with its exacting attention to detail, both expresses this creative obsession and supports excellence of the work within,” Dick Powell, President of D&AD, said in his foreword.

THE Look THE annual this year was dapper up in a yellow suit – to enhance their corporate identity re-branding, which they have recently undergone. A golden embossed D&AD logo fronts the cover wrapped with a velvet felt yellow fabric, D&AD Annual 2006's content is under THE editorship of Lakshmi Bhaskaran, publishing management of Holly Hall and print production of Martin Lee. The origination, printing and branding went under the charge of Mondadori Printing in Italy.

THE Progress D&AD sees remarkable progress and optimistic changes in 2006, from their corporate branding to their annual. On top of the removal of the distinction between Non-English and English language, The Book introduces 8 distinct sectors: Broadcast, Print and Editorial, 3D Design, Direct, branding, Integrated and Ambient, and 3 brand new sub-sections: Gaming, Magazine and, Newspaper Design and Direct were added.

On top of THE best work that were presented on the annual, there were also 3 very interesting and realistic review articles on Design, Advertising and Digital written by Chuck Porter, Michael Wolff and Mark Cridge, which we personally enjoyed and wholly agree with the views of these design leaders.

THE President’s Award 2006 THE President’s Award 2006 was awarded to an iconic and famous name in the product design field, Phillippe Starck. Dick Powell commented on his greatness and genius, “Master of the unexpected but relevant solution, he professes to care little for what others think of his work, and positively revels in polarising opinions and fracturing expectations. This single-minded commitment, together with a heroic work ethic, has resulted in an environment and buildings. Work which cuts through existing thinking, shifts paradigms, and destabilises the status quo; work which makes us pause and reflect; work which expires. None of it could ever be called ordinary.”

THE Award Body "D&AD is an educational charity that represents THE global creative community practitioners, whether independent or in employment in agencies, business or museums and galleries throughout their careers. A not-for profit organisation donating all of its generated funds back into the creative community though its educational and inspirational programmes, D&AD recognises and supports creative excellence. D&AD Global Awards celebrates THE very best in design, advertising and creative communication, judged by the world’s leading creative practitioners."

And with this, on top of THE great creativity, interesting articles and exciting content in D&AD Annual 2006, TAXI Design Network cannot be more proud to let the world now that we are one of the fist few people in the world to get hold of this iconic annual. For the not-so-lucky out there, do not be despair. This annual is for sale.

THE awards. THE creativity. THE pencil. THE recognition. THE reputation. THE works we love:

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