For over 35 years, Applied Arts Media has been the go-to destination for creative advice, insight and inspiration. The Applied Arts Awards celebrate innovative creativity, and capture the current visual arts landscape in Canada and beyond.
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
Meet I2I Art’s Kelsey Davis
April 1, 2026
Illustrator Kelsey Davis, represented by i2i Art, understands that strong visual storytelling lives in nuance. Splitting her time between Oklahoma City and Costa Rica, she brings a layered sensibility to her work – balancing playful colour, tactile ...
+ Read MoreNo half punches
March 27, 2026
In an era of fragmented media and shrinking attention spans, some agencies are responding by doing more. Full Punch is doing the opposite—doing less, better. Founded by Mike Leslie and Chris Zawada, the Vancouver-based independent agency is built o ...
+ Read MoreThe Marketing is the Message
March 27, 2026
By Aria Novosedlik The 2026 Academy Awards were held a couple of weeks ago, capturing just 17.9 million US viewers across ABC and Hulu, a 9% decrease in viewership since last year. That’s why, much to nobody’s surprise, the Oscars will be stream ...
+ Read MoreAquamar Brings “Big Fish Energy” to Seafood
March 25, 2026
When a brand evolves, its story must evolve with it. Vancouver-based advertising agency ONE23WEST took on the challenge of reimagining Aquamar, crafting a bold, fresh identity that honours the brand’s heritage while positioning it for the future. T ...
+ Read MoreCurrent Issue
Discover the standout work from the 2025 Advertising & Student Awards competitions! This year's winners showcase creative excellence across the industry—established advertising pros and emerging student artists alike—spanning advertising, design, interactive, and image-based work. Dive into more than 350 winning projects across 150+ pages of inspiration. Find yourself inspired? Explore the possibilities of a fulfilling career in the creative industries in the Creative Futures Schools guide.
Click here for more information about the issue or for a list of our stockists.