Communication Arts competitions open to college design students

For college design students, these are the major CA competitions to watch. All accept student entries, usually as Student Work or with student pricing, and are open internationally.

1. Design Competition
   • Focus: Graphic design in all forms – branding, posters, packaging, publications, digital, etc. Communication Arts+2Communication Arts+2
   • Student angle: Lower entry fees for students and a Student Work category within the overall design categories.
   • Good for: Communication design, print, identity, systems, information design, environmental graphics.
2. Advertising Competition
   • Focus: Advertising creativity across print, digital, video, integrated campaigns. Communication Arts+2Communication Arts+2
   • Student angle: Fees are explicitly lower for students. Many schools enter campaign work from classes like Advertising Design or Integrated Campaigns.
   • Good for: Art direction, copywriting, integrated campaigns, branded content.
3. Interactive Competition
   • Focus: Interactive media and UX UI, including websites, apps, installations, and other digital experiences. Communication Arts+2Communication Arts+2
   • Student angle: Follows the same model as other CA competitions, with student entry options.
   • Good for: Web design, app design, interactive storytelling, motion-driven UX, digital products.
4. Typography Competition
   • Focus: Typography in design and advertising, plus new typefaces, calligraphy, and hand lettering. Communication Arts+1
   • Student angle: There is a Student Work category and specific Student Category FAQs. Communication Arts
   • Good for: Type-driven posters, editorial design, type systems, custom type, lettering.
5. Illustration Competition
   • Focus: Illustration in editorial, advertising, publishing, motion, self promotion, etc. Communication Arts+1
   • Student angle: Explicit Student Work category with discounted student fees. Student work cannot be cross entered in other categories if you choose Student Work. Communication Arts
   • Good for: Illustration heavy design, narrative and conceptual illustration, motion illustration.

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Young Ones Student Awards – The One Club for Creativity

• Includes the One Show, ADC, Type Directors Club student competitions, plus a portfolio competition. Young Ones

Applied Arts Student Awards

• Prestigious North American student awards covering design, illustration, photography, and digital media. Graphic Competitions

AIGA competitions and initiatives

• Various competitions and campaigns that sometimes include student categories or emerging designer opportunities. AIGA

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Unfortunately, UTRGV is only able to support top-quality student work for the annual ADDY Awards selected by faculty, and there is no additional funding available for other competitions. I highly recommend that you consider submitting your work to DSVC, PRINT, or other more affordable student competitions such as the Communication Arts annual contests.