Coming to a Talon Room Near You…
TL;DR
CROPPED is AMA Lincoln’s live design competition, wrapped in a community event with real marketing impact. Whether you’re in it for the creativity, the cocktails or just want to watch someone stress over font choices in real time (we see you!), you won’t want to miss it. Get your tickets today!
Ticket: Includes event entry, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, time to catch up with your friends/colleagues, and a drink ticket
AMA Lincoln’s most thrilling live graphic design competition is back! Modeled after the hit show, Chopped, this “you just had to be there” event puts five graphic designers on the cropping block. They’ll battle it out with Adobe instead of avocados through three rounds of mystery design parameters – all in front of a live audience. CROPPED is part high-pressure design showdown, part networking mixer and 100% creative chaos (in the best way).
After each round, guest judges choose the top designers to advance. Those in the bottom will be…cue the dramatic music…cropped. And what’s on the line for the designers? Bragging rights, of course, and the coveted $1,000 cash prize.
CROPPED isn’t just a contest. It’s a fun celebration of Lincoln’s marketing and design community. Attendees get an up-close-and-personal view of the creative process while having plenty of time for networking with peers. So why should you go?
- It’s fast-paced and fun. – Come for the live designing and judging, stay for the dramatic decisions and witty banter.
- It’s a networking gold mine. – Where else will you find this much creative energy in one room?
- It’s for a good cause. – CROPPED helps a small business get real, usable collateral.
- There’s food. And drinks. (And really good vibes.)
The collateral created by the winning designer goes to a local small business. This year’s business is Lincoln Literacy. In addition to the winning design suite, they’ll also receive $500 to support their business. Lincoln Literacy is a nonprofit organization that has provided free language and skills literacy classes to immigrants, refugees, English-language learners and native Nebraskans throughout the Lincoln area since its founding as the Lincoln Literacy Council in 1972. The organization was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1993.
Meet the Designers
Mallory Grundman
Haberfeld
I am graduating from UNL this year with a bachelor’s in fine arts, focused in graphic design. My favorite part of the design process is coming up with ideas and, of course, picking color palettes. My design background dates back to 2015 when I told my mom I wanted to paint my room orange, she had doubts, but paired with teal decorations I pulled it off. Ever since then, I have taken art and/or design classes every year of my educational career. While a lot of my time consists of designing, I also enjoy painting, cooking and gardening.
Jacob Kelly
Eleanor Creative
Jacob Kelly is a Designer at Eleanor Creative and a graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he earned his BFA in Graphic Design. At Eleanor, Jacob works across a range of projects — from branding and campaigns to social media — with a focus on production design and creating cohesive, thoughtful visuals across platforms. Outside of work, his practice is rooted in the fine arts, drawing on his background in sculpture and drawing to explore form, texture, and storytelling through physical materials.
Sammy Konecky
Jacht Ad Agency
Hello!! I’m Sammy Konecky, a Nebraska native from Omaha and a senior studying Graphic Design and Advertising at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. I’m currently the Art Director at Jacht Ad Agency, where I lead other students in their creative direction after starting out as a graphic designer making work for local Nebraska brands. I also intern with UNL Career Services, developing marketing for campus events and career fairs. I’m passionate about creative problem-solving and love using design to turn ideas into meaningful, visually engaging stories! I am thrilled to compete and I’m looking forward to this opportunity to grow!
Alice Richter
Relentless Merch
Alice is the creative force behind the bold, custom T-shirt designs at Relentless Merch, a screen-printing shop in Lincoln. Known for her eye-catching graphics and fresh style, she brings a unique edge to every project. When she’s not designing, Alice is probably building epic virtual worlds in “The Sims 4”, always looking for new ways to let her creativity loose.
Jane Wanek
Nelnet
I am Jane Wanek! I am currently living in Lincoln, Nebraska and working as the Associate Graphic Designer at Nelnet Business Services. I consider myself a graphic designer, illustrator, and a creative enthusiast. I am passionate about collaborating with individuals and businesses to make design dreams come to life! I am super excited to compete in CROPPED! I am looking forward to some friendly competition, taking a step out of my comfort zone, and having some creative fun! Woohoo!