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.
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.
News
Featured: Katy Dockrill
July 16, 2026
Commissioned by Broadview Magazine. Art directed by Carol Moskot. Toronto illustrator Katy Dockrill has built her career on curiosity, craft and a love of visual storytelling. Born and raised in the city, Katy’s creative perspective has been sha ...
+ Read MoreTaking the pulse with Benjamin Gatien
July 14, 2026
Benjamin Gatien's relationship with the Applied Arts Awards has come full circle. After earning recognition in the 2023 Applied Arts Student Awards, the 2024 Laval University graduate and designer at LG2 Quebec, returned in 2026 to earn multiple Yo ...
+ Read MoreFeatured: Migy Blanco
July 9, 2026
British illustrator Migy Blanco, represented in North America by i2i Art Inc., has built a long-standing practice creating vibrant, bespoke illustrations for clients across editorial and commercial projects since 2001. Trained as a fine artist, he b ...
+ Read MoreSheridan Student Reimagines Healthcare Tableware
July 6, 2026
Photo credit Marianne Sy-Lucero The best industrial design often solves problems so seamlessly that users hardly notice them. For Sheridan Honours Bachelor of Craft and Design (Industrial Design) student Tobin Nickle-Lott, that meant reimagining ...
+ 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.