The One Membership for Creativity is introducing its largest change to The One Present in many years: a brand new competitors devoted solely to impartial companies, design companies, manufacturing homes, and creators.
The One Present Indies, launching inside The One Present 2026, will present impartial retailers a devoted house to compete on a world stage with out going head-to-head with holding firm networks that may afford to flood the competitors with entries.
Kevin Swanepoel, CEO of The One Membership for Creativity, advised ADWEEK the thought emerged after observing a surge of impartial companies following holding firm consolidation: “Plenty of the individuals who had been at large networks have damaged away and began their very own Indies. So, I wished to make it possible for The One Membership honors these people, too.”
Swanepoel additionally famous that most of the trade’s most impactful concepts are rising from smaller, impartial retailers based by creatives who left large networks to focus purely on doing nice work.
To maintain the competitors equitable, companies can submit a most of 10 entries, with every bit of labor entered into not more than three classes. Entry charges are 20% decrease than common One Present submissions. Swanepoel additionally famous that the Indies self-discipline will restrict the variety of classes requiring case movies to cut back manufacturing prices for smaller companies. “It’s in regards to the work, the work, and the work,” he mentioned.
The Indies jury might be composed fully of prime creatives from impartial companies. “I wished it to be judged by the indie judges as a result of they really perceive the hardships of hustling and beginning up a younger company,” Swanepoel defined. “If any person has had the vast majority of their profession at an enormous holding firm or inside an enormous community, they don’t totally perceive what it takes to really begin up an company. It’s a special mindset.”
Along with Gold, Silver and Bronze Pencils, a Crystal Pencil—similar to a Grand Prix—might be awarded to the Better of Indies winner.
For Swanepoel, success in 12 months one would imply seeing new gamers on stage.
“Success would actually be seeing some companies that don’t often enter, which are small, standing on the most important stage in New York, receiving [awards] and being acknowledged,” he mentioned. “A few of the finest work has been executed by these small, impartial companies. And it’s as much as us to showcase this. The world must see this nice work.”
