Graphic design competitions and awards

I was recently asked for information on print design competitions. I decided to investigate, so here's what I found.

I can certainly state that the running of design competitions is a growth industry! In fact, every major design magazine and assocation seems to run competitons annually, and occasionally semi-annually. I've pulled together links to all the major design competions (please let me know if I've missed any).

Beginning with design and related associations offering yearly awards, we have: International Council of Graphic Design Associations (ICOGRADA), American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), Art Directors Clubs (ADC) in major US metropolitan areas, Society of Publication Designers (SPD), Society of Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD), Association Typographique Internationale (atypi), Australian Graphic Design Association, Design Council UK, Society of Typographic Aficionados, International Society of Typographic Designers.

Continuing with major design magazines, we see: Graphis, Communication Arts, Print, ID, eye, HOW, Folio sponsoring the Folio Show, CMYK Magazine, Graphic Design USA.

Moving along to industry associations, we find: Magazine Design Awards, Bookbuilders West, Bookbuilders of Boston, Western Publications Association, International Association of Business Communicators, Magazine Publishers Association, American Society of Magazine Editors, American Society of Business Publication Editors, Writing that Works Apex Awards.

I saved one of the best for last. One of the last resources I checked has one of the most complete set of contest listings: the Workbook resource calendar including advertising, photography, illustration as well as design.

Whew!