Neenah Paper has announced the “Perfect 10” finalists and grand-prize winner of the CLASSIC Papers Treasure Contest, a competition celebrating design projects featuring Neenah CLASSIC Papers. The premium paper manufacturer yesterday surprised James O’Connor of O’Connor Design of Glen Ellyn, Ill., with his grand prize—a brand new Ford Mustang. Each of the remaining finalists will receive $500 for their entries.

The CLASSIC Papers Treasure Contest kicked off last October to mark the enhancement of the Neenah CLASSIC Papers brands, including CLASSIC CREST, CLASSIC Linen, CLASSIC COLUMNS and CLASSIC Laid Papers. Recognizing the importance of efficiency for designers, Neenah Paper made updates to these brands that would simplify the paper selection process. Changes included consistent color options and green certification across all four CLASSIC brands, additional digital printing paper offerings and new Stipple and Eggshell finishes.

Many prominent designers and printers from across the country entered their CLASSIC Papers projects from Oct. 3, 2011 to April 30, 2012. Entries included a variety of works, including business identity packages, brochures, direct mail pieces, posters, invitations, packaging, signage, annual reports and other printed collateral.

“We wanted to encourage designers and printers to really experience the benefits of the CLASSIC brands refresh and this contest provided the perfect incentive,” said Kathy Kemps, senior brand manager for Neenah Paper. “We were moved by the creativity of our finalists and hope this contest continues to inspire designers and printers to explore the updated CLASSIC Papers and the efficiencies the new platform provides.”

The designs were judged on three criteria: creativity, use of paper and technique (such as printing, embossing, foil stamping or die cutting). Design Army, the award-winning graphic design firm that created the new paper swatchbooks for the CLASSIC refresh, selected O’Connor from the 10 finalists to receive the grand prize.

Neenah Paper employees surprised O’Connor on Aug. 9 at a luncheon in Wheaton, Ill. O’Connor was previously told he was one of the 10 finalists receiving $500 for his entry, but instead he arrived to find the Ford Mustang waiting for him.

"My very first car was a '67 Mustang and I still have dreams about that car,” O’Connor said. “The dream is always the same – I go out to my garage, and there it is! I’m so excited to have won the contest and have the chance to make that dream a reality once again."

The winners of CLASSIC Papers Treasure Contest are:

Grand Prize

• James O’Connor – designer, O’Connor Design, Glen Ellyn, Ill.

Finalists

• Jeff Bowman – owner and creative director, Bowman Creative, Garner, N.C.
• Stacy Fox – designer, Prism Design, Houston, Texas
• Steve Hallac – principal, Atelier Isabey, New York, N.Y.
• Shawn Harrington – principal, Asterisk Group, Austin, Texas
• Mary Hastings – president, Hastings Design Corp., Roanoke, Va.
• Chris Kuhl – vice president of sales, Trio Printing Company, St. Louis, Mo.
• Dayala Levenson – president, Aslan Graphics, San Francisco, Calif.
• Camille Long – studio manager, The Matchbox Studio, Dallas, Texas
• Philip Mitri – creative director, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Mich.