PRINT Awards – Call for Entries 2026 (Student Category)
The PRINT Awards competition is now open for submissions. This international competition recognizes exceptional work in visual communication, including branding, typography, editorial design, packaging, digital design, illustration, experiential graphics, motion graphics, and student work from across the globe. Students in the UTRGV Visual Communication Design Program are encouraged to participate and gain recognition on an international platform.
Submission Datelines
Early Bird Entries:
November 11, 2025-December 11, 2026
$210 (Professional)
$90 (Student)
Regular Entries:
December 12, 2025–January 22, 2026
$285 (Professional)
$90 (Student)
Late Entries:
January 23, 2026-February 24, 2026
$350 (Professional)
$90 (Student)
Final Entries:
February 25, 2026–March 24, 2026
$405 (Professional)
$90 (Student)
Winners will be announced June 2026
Support
If you have any questions on the entry process, please contact the organizers via email to email
And please reference the FAQ page on our website.
• You may edit your entry after submitting until the entry deadline.
• Please make sure all of your personal details are entered accurately, including contact details, as this will be used in the awards presentation if selected as a finalist. We will email you about the results of the competition, so please indicate the best email address for this communication.
• You are eligible to enter your work in more than one category, as long as the work submitted meets the criteria. There is a fee for each category submission.
• If you want to submit this entry in multiple categories, before you check out, simply click on the three dots to the left of your entry and click ”copy”. Just change the category and resubmit. All category submissions will be listed for you at check out.
• Entry fees may be paid by credit card only and must be paid online at time of submission. If your submissions have not been paid for at close of deadline they may not be included for judging.
About the PRINT Awards
The PRINT Awards continue the long legacy of the former PRINT Regional Design Awards. This competition celebrates outstanding creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship in contemporary design. The awards showcase designers who bring strong concepts, visual clarity, experimental techniques, and impactful storytelling to their work.
The Print Awards competition is judged by creative directors, industry leaders, typographers, design educators, agency owners, and award-winning designers. Selected works are featured in PRINT’s digital platform and often highlighted in professional publications and international design discussions.
Who Can Enter
- Students enrolled in design programs
- Individual student designers
- Student project teams collaborating on coursework
- Recent graduates (depending on category guidelines)
- Faculty-supervised student projects are accepted
Students may enter both individual and team projects as long as the work was created while enrolled in school.
Eligible Categories for Students
Students may submit work to any category that best fits their project. Common student-friendly categories include:
- Branding and Identity Design
- Logo and Symbol Design
- Typography and Lettering
- Editorial and Book Design
- Magazine Layout and Publication Design
- Packaging Design
- Poster Design
- Digital Product or UI Design
- Motion Graphics or Short Animation
- Social Impact Design
- Illustration
- Advertising Design
- Environmental and Experiential Graphics
- Self-initiated Studio Projects
- Comprehensive Student Portfolio
If you are unsure which category your project fits, Print Awards staff generally allows flexible placement. You may email their support for category guidance.
What to Submit
Your entry should include the following:
- Final project files or display images
High-resolution images (JPG, PNG, or PDF) that clearly represent your design. For motion graphics, video links are accepted. - Short written description
A brief explanation of your concept, target audience, research, and design goals. - Course information (optional)
- Course name and number
- Semester completed
- Instructor name
- Process images (optional but recommended)
Sketches, early drafts, mockups, or concept development stages help judges understand your thinking. - Student information
Your name, school information, and contact email.
Selection and Judging Criteria
Entries will be reviewed based on:
- Concept strength
- Visual clarity and design excellence
- Typography quality
- Innovation and experimentation
- Craftsmanship and attention to detail
- Relevance to the selected category
- Presentation quality (how clearly the work is shown)
Student entries are judged separately from professional categories, which gives students a fair opportunity to stand out.
Awards and Recognition
Selected winners may receive:
- Digital badges for portfolio or LinkedIn
- Features on PRINT’s official website
- Online exhibition of winning work
- Recognition through PRINT’s newsletter and social channels
- International exposure to creative directors, agency leaders, and art directors
Winning a PRINT Award significantly strengthens a student portfolio and is recognized by employers, graduate programs, and international design communities.
Why UTRGV VCD Students Should Participate
Participation in international competitions is important for expanding your professional visibility. The PRINT Awards offer a respected platform that recognizes strong conceptual thinking and high-level craft.
Winning or receiving recognition from PRINT can:
- Strengthen your resume, CV, and student portfolio
- Enhance your graduate school applications
- Increase visibility for internships and job opportunities
- Demonstrate excellence in design thinking and professional development
- Build confidence in your creative practice
If you win an award, please remember to include a dedicated section in your portfolio to showcase the award certificate, project images, and formal credits.
How to Submit
Students can submit directly on the PRINT Awards website. You will need to:
- Create an account
- Select a category
- Upload your project files
- Enter your project description
- Submit your payment
- Receive a confirmation email
Please review the category rules carefully before uploading.
Important Reminders for Students
- You may submit multiple projects.
- Work created for coursework is accepted.
- Group projects must credit all team members.
- If using school facilities or external resources, list them in your project description as needed.
- For video entries, Vimeo or YouTube links are accepted.
- Follow all formatting instructions on the PRINT Awards website.