Extra, Extra! Derek Fansler takes home 2016 Alumni Award for Excellence

CCAD alum Derek Fansler (Fine Arts, 1995) is the winner of Columbus College of Art & Design’s 2016 Joseph V. Canzani Alumni Award for Excellence. He’ll be honored this spring, when he will also spend time with current CCAD students.

Fansler, vice president and director of technology for Chicago-based advertising agency Energy BBDO, recently won a bronze Cannes Lion 2016 for his work on Wrigley Extra Gum’s “Give Extra, Get Extra” campaign. He also directed technology on Lay’s potato chips “Do Us A Flavor” integrated campaign, which received more than 15 million submissions over its three months and became one of the all-time most-used Facebook brand applications.

“Derek is a standout example of how creative-minded people can excel,” said CCAD President Dr. Melanie Corn. “His work ethic and his capacity for reinvention, from his early focus on fine arts to, ultimately, creative technology are a prime example of how flexible thinking and problem-solving abilities are ingrained in graduates of art and design programs such as CCAD’s.”

Fansler, who is married to fellow CCAD alum Kristen Erickson (Advertising & Graphic Design, 1995), says he’s grateful for the recognition and eager to return to his alma mater to connect with current CCAD students.

“I love working with students,” he said. “I taught for a few years while getting my MFA and I miss it.”

Fansler holds an MFA in Studio Arts from University of Illinois at Chicago. He co-founded and curated Chicago’s Suitable Gallery, showed at Chicago’s Donald Young Gallery and was asked to exhibit at Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

Fansler’s practice evolved from painting to web design, followed by work in rich media and game development. After starting his own development, UX, and technology consulting firm, Fansler joined global brand and consultancy firm Prophet as technical director, the position he held most immediately before joining BBDO.