Communication Arts invites you to enter the most prestigious competition for creativity in graphic design, the Communication Arts Design Competition.

Any design project printed, published or aired for the first time from May 2025 through May 2026 is eligible.

Selected by a jury of leading design professionals, the winning entries will be distributed worldwide in the Communication Arts Design Annual, in print and digital editions, and on commarts.com, assuring important exposure to the creators of this outstanding work.

Each winning entrant will receive a personalized Award of Excellence, milled from solid aluminum, and award certificates issued for firms, individuals and clients. CA’s Award of Excellence is one of the most-coveted awards in the industry. If chosen, winning places you in the highest ranks of your profession.

Up to five Best-in-Show winners will receive a special trophy, plus extended editorial coverage in the Annual.

For 67 years, Communication Arts has honored the craft of talented illustrators and photographers from around the world. In support of these hardworking artists, Communication Arts will not be accepting AI text-to-image generated submissions in our Design competition.

The 2026 Design competition includes 26 different categories.

The regular deadline for submissions is 8 May 2026.

Communication Arts Design Competition 2026 – Entry Fees

Fees start at $45 per entry and vary depending on the competition category and the type of work. Entry fees are lower for students.

Entries submitted after 8 May 2026 require a $10 per entry late fee.