CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - Jan 16, 2014) - Brandimage, a leading global consultancy of brand equity architects and designers of brand meaning who create brands that drive brand performance, announced that its Chicago office has been distinguished by GDUSA (Graphic Design USA) with two 2013 American Graphic Design Awards recognizing outstanding new work and design excellence.

For five decades, Graphic Design USA has sponsored national design competitions that spotlight areas of excellence and opportunity for creative professionals. The American Graphic Design Awards is considered one of the most inclusive graphic design competitions in the country. It honors outstanding new work and design excellence in 24 categories from print and packaging to internet and interactive design.

Rob Swan, vice president, executive creative director of Brandimage's Chicago office, said, "Design is one of the most critical and effective ways for brands to be perceived as truly, meaningfully unique and better... to convert consumer desire into trust at the all important point of decision -- the shelf."

Swan added, "A meaningful brand is more than a product... it's a story. Brands that have clearly defined and easily intuited purpose beyond rational benefits tell consistent stories that connect with us on a more human level. They invite us to become part of their story, they mean something. GDUSA recognizes the power of packaging design to break through the clutter and meaningfully connect with people -- not just as consumers, but as human beings."

Swan concluded, "I'm very proud that we have worked so well with our clients to create not only brand-owned packaging stories, but also brand-owned assets and equity building strategies that empower brands to tell stories well beyond packaging. It's all about getting noticed, getting chosen, and making her shopping list."

In the Packaging category, Brandimage was awarded Certificates of Excellence for:

Nature Valley Protein, Brand Owner: General Mills

Yoplait, Brand Owner: General Mills

To view all 2013 American Graphic Design Awards winners, click the following Web site address:
http://gdusa.com/contests/agda13/winners

Brandimage is a global consultancy of brand equity architects and designers. Brandimage creates brands that drive brand performance. Brandimage is part of the brand development group of SGK. For more information visit: http://www.brand-image.com.