CCHS grad displays blueprint for victory

A Lynchburg College junior won two national silver advertising awards during a ceremony in Roanoke in March for his creative designs.

Brandon Hunter, a 2004 Culpeper County High School graduate, received a 2009 Western Virginia ADDY (short for advertising) Award for his Knakal’s Bakery logo and an award for a political campaign poster.

“It’s a big deal to win these,” said Brandon, who submitted three designs. “It was really a good feeling. I wasn’t expecting to win two.”

The 23-year-old graphics design major chose the historic establishment to give the business a more modern look.

“The sign on the street is most likely dating back to the time of opening,” said Brandon. “Around Knakal’s, businesses are sprouting up with beautiful signs, logos, and window decorations.

Because of this, I decided to give Knakal’s Bakery a brand new image: Clean, contemporary, yet honest to its roots.”

Knakal’s co-owners Dwayne and Beth Whitt manage the downtown shop on East Davis Street where they sell freshly baked breads, doughnuts, cakes and cookies.

Dwayne’s parents purchased the business from Joseph Knakal in 1977. According to Beth, the downtown bakery first opened in 1935.

The existing logo consists of a tiny red brick replica of the store with a red box about it.

The downtown bakery is actually in a white brick building. Brandon’s design incorporates larger print for the name of the business with a whisk above the letter ‘l.’

“The Knakal’s Bakery logo is an embodiment of a traditional bakery sign. The whisk integrated into the letterform creates a unification between the older traditional bakery signs and the more contemporary type-based logos,” he said.

Brandon created the designs for his Graphics II class.

As part of his project, Brandon also produced a brochure, stationary and an advertising package with his updated Knakal’s logo on it and gave a copy to the Whitts.

“He did an excellent job,” said Beth, flipping through the portfolio in her downtown shop Thursday. “We’re just thrilled he chose us. We are glad we are a focus for him. He has good ideas and he should go far with his career.”

The Whitts have no plans to change the logo at this time.

“But who knows what the future may bring,” she said. “We may call him for future ideas.”

After earning his bachelor’s degree at Lynchburg College, Brandon wants to obtain a master’s degree in fine arts in design and visual communications.

The ADDY competition recognizes all forms of advertising welcoming more than 60,000 entries on an annual basis.

Getting to know Brandon Hunter
Age: 23
Family: Parents, Cathy and Alan; sisters: Sarah Hitt, 24, and Lindsey Hunter, 18.
Education: A junior at Lynchburg College, a 2004 CCHS graduate
Hobbies: Photography and reading