You’ve gotta draw ‘em in. This category shines a spotlight on 2D and 3D illustration work that tells a strong visual story, demonstrates exceptional technique, and captures eyeballs with undeniable originality. In ink, pencil, crayon, pastel, puff-paint, glitter-glue, or digital—submissions should leave a mark on the judges.

The brand is strong. This category celebrates brand-building in all its squishy, ephemeral, emotional glory—prioritizing the kind of cohesion and creativity that makes us exclaim “that’s so on-brand.” Submissions may include logos, full identity systems, brand guidelines, and anything else that could be considered part of the overall visual language of an immediately recognizable and compelling brand.

Because standing on a corner with a megaphone is so 1990. This category honors marketing design that gets noticed and draws a crowd, whether it’s a marketing campaign, promotion, product launch, social media execution, or piece of “traditional” advertising (print, digital, or integrated). No matter the medium, the results should speak for themselves: a killer concept, memorable messaging, and visual impact that rivals that of our wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tubeman.

Paper the town. This category focuses on work you can touch with your literal, honest-to-goodness hands—posters, brochures, magazines, books, catalogs, invitations, editorial layouts, and other printed materials. We’re looking for dazzling typography, engaging layouts, high-quality craftsmanship, and the kind of thoughtful production details that make us remember why we fell in love with making stuff in the first place.

Shout from the shelftops. This category highlights innovation and ~*aesthetics*~ in product presentation, including packaging for consumer goods, food and beverages, cosmetics, and really anything else that you have to unwrap or open to use. Entries should come complete with everything you see here: form, function, shelf impact, sustainability, and alignment with brand identity.

CopOne Day Only!!!! (Or, y’know, longer than that.) This category celebrates immersive, spatial, and otherwise “IRL” experiences: exhibition design, retail environments, signage and wayfinding systems, installations, popups, and branded spaces. Entries should RSVP yes to creative environments, spatial storytelling, and user experiences that stop (foot) traffic.

We’re moving. This category recognizes dynamic work that puts beauty (and good design principles) in motion. We’re looking for scroll-stoppers like title sequences, explainer videos, animated branding, social content and more. Work will be considered on the narrative and technical strength of your wiggling words, dancing designs, and spry storytelling.

Remember dial-up? We do. This category celebrates those pioneering digital-first design, whether it’s websites, apps, UI/UX design, immersive experiences, digital campaigns, or something we haven’t even heard of yet. Drop a W in the chat for entries with exceptional usability, creativity, visual design, user engagement, and responsiveness across platforms.