For 40 years, Applied Arts Media has inspired, informed and celebrated the creative community. Through editorial coverage and the Applied Arts Awards, we showcase the ideas, craft and innovation shaping visual communications in Canada and beyond—and recognize the work that holds up.
Creative Excellence. Celebrated.
The Applied Arts celebrate creativity in visual communications. Since 1992, we've helped advertising agencies, design firms, photographers, illustrators, and emerging artists gain industry-wide exposure—building careers, collaborations, and community across Canada and beyond.
All Entries are judged by an Internationally recognized jury of award-winning professionals who are actively working in advertising and design.
Winning work is showcased: in Applied Arts magazine, online in the Winners Gallery and archive, and shared across social media.
Winning work is showcased in Applied Arts magazine, online Winners Gallery and archive and shared across our social channels.
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2027 Call for Entry
Launch: November 23, 2026
Deadline: January 29, 2027 -
2027 Call for Entry
Launch: November 23, 2026
Deadline: January 29, 2027 -
2027 Call for Entry
Launch: November 23, 2026
Deadline: March 12, 2027 -
2027 Call for Entry
Launch: November 23, 2026
Deadline: May 21, 2027 -
2027 Call for Entry
Launch: May 30, 2027
Deadline: July 30, 2027
Opportunities for every stage
- Young Professionals: Explore Young Blood categories—open to entrants with under five years of professional experience in advertising or design, and under three years for Photography and Illustration.
- Small-Community/Business Professionals: Exclusively for CANADIAN creators in smaller markets or single-establishments. Small Community categories weigh local resources and budgets during judging.
- Students: If you're currently in secondary, post-secondary or graduate studies, you're only eligible for the Student Awards, where entries are judged alongside peers at a similar level.
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News
Turning the table - Teko Mamaladze
October 15, 2026
We spend much of our lives trying to overcome our fears. But what if the answer isn't to fight them, but to understand them? As a judge for the 2026 Applied Arts Photography & Illustration Awards, creative art director Teko Mamaladze brought her ...
+ Read MoreTurning the Table with Philippe Brassard
October 13, 2026
Project – Via Rail Baseball As baseball season heads into its final innings, we're turning the tables on Philippe Brassard of Cossette, who stepped up to the plate as a juror for the 2026 Applied Arts Advertising Awards. This time, he's sharing ...
+ Read MoreAn Advocacy Tax on Indigenous Designers?
October 8, 2026
Identity system for the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health. At its centre is a woven cross, representing the blend between traditional Indigenous medicine and western health sciences. By Jennifer Taback The Work Beyond the Creative AS AN ...
+ Read MoreFeatured Dave Murray
October 6, 2026
Blue Jays, Dave Murray, for Schneiders For Toronto illustrator Dave Murray, making art has been a lifelong pursuit—and one that started, naturally enough, with superheroes. After studying in Sheridan College’s illustration program, Murray bui ...
+ Read MoreCurrent Issue
Discover the year's best creative work in the Summer issue of Applied Arts. Featuring the winners of the Photography, Illustration, and Design Awards, this collector-worthy edition delivers more than 150 pages of award-winning inspiration from today's top creative talent. The issue also features Brace for Impact, a compelling look at how artists and designers are using their work to challenge convention, provoke dialogue, and shape culture. Subscribe or order your copy today.
Click here for more information about the issue or for a list of our stockists.