If we were going for sheer weight of numbers, Nike would be the obvious choice as it has more pieces of work in The Annual than any other brand. As a commissioner of standout creative work, Nike has set the standards for many years and comes a very close runner-up for our Client of the Year. Nokia too, despite its commercial struggles, has bought some memorable work. But our award goes to a ‘client' of a very different nature.

Over the years, the music industry has been a great patron of visual communications but opportunities, and money, have dried up in the face of the digital download. However, for the few bands and labels still committed to innovative and imaginative work, there are now more opportunities to exploit than ever. In the past 12 months, Arcade Fire has led the way with its multifarious promotional projects for The Suburbs. So we are giving our Client of the Year award to them in the hope that their example will ensure that the music industry continues to be a forum for visual as well as aural creativity.