Winning a Clio means being part of advertising history.

In many ways, that Clios signpost the start of FCB/SIX’s journey into global-calibre awards. It was 2017, the agency was a little over a year old, and our project, “The Call That Comes After” for Drug Free Kids won a Bronze Clio in Direct: Digital/Mobile.

The campaign hadn’t been doing well at other shows. So we were elated. But even more, we were validated. The work was was kind of technical and complicated, and the case study wasn’t perfect. But that Clios jury saw through all that to recognize what we think is still a pretty strong idea and execution.

It was encouraging and emboldening. In the three years since then, we’ve been fortunate to win 12 more Clios, including 6 Golds. But that first Clio – a Bronze – really changed the game for us. We’ll never forget the feeling.

I believe the Clios have a very special meaning for those striving to do outstanding creative work. It feels less like a competition and more like a true celebration of creative excellence.

The Clios have managed to stay relevant through time by sticking to a very simple premise: celebrating the very best work of the year. It might seem like an ordinary feat for an award show, but those in the advertising industry know it is anything but. It's an award that has both a connection to our past and a commitment to the future of our industry.

There’s something very special about winning a Clio. It’s less about what it might mean to others, but rather about what it feels like to hold it in your hands. It’s about being proud of the work we are doing together as an industry. And becoming a part of an honorable tradition.

I'm now hungrier than ever to win some more statues and inspire the next generation of Clio Award dreamers.