Claire Bridges, founder of Now Go Create and Cannes Lions MBA course leader, brings fresh perspective to the only creative awards judged by journalists. The Epica Awards, the only global creative prize judged by journalists, is now open for entries, with the early bird period running until August 31.

Bridges is an author, podcaster and a former course leader of the Cannes Lions MBA. She was also one of the first female creative directors in the PR industry. She founded Now Go Create to provide consultancy, advice and training that help individuals and organisations develop their creative powers. Its clients include Netflix, Disney, Pret A Manger and the UN.

Alongside her consultancy work, she hosts the Now Go Create podcast, interviewing leading creative thinkers and sharing practical tools. She is also the author of the book, In Your Creative Element, a formula for creative success in business.

Her background is in corporate and consumer PR. At Cohn & Wolfe she was creative and insight director, one of the first female creative directors in the PR industry. She has also served on the Cannes PR Jury and the Eurobest Young Lions jury, and was a course leader for the Cannes Lions Creative MBA.

She commented, “Journalists have to be able to spot what stands out, what’s making headlines, what’s going to connect culturally. Does it tell a compelling story? And is it relevant beyond the world of advertising? They bring a broader and potentially more objective lens to judging creative work. Unlike those embedded in the industry, they’re less likely to be influenced by internal politics, rivalries, or prevailing trends.”

Find a full interview with Bridges here.

Entries are open until October 11. The early bird period, with no company registration fee, runs until August 31. An online ceremony will be held on December 12.

Find everything you need to know to enter here.