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
The Creative Industry Today Series: Part 1 — Erin Kawalecki
April 28, 2026
2024 Applied Art Advertising Awards winning campaign "Next to Stok'd" by Angry Butterfly. We spoke with Erin Kawalecki, Partner and Chief Creative Officer at Angry Butterfly—an award-winning creative leader whose work has been recognized at Cann ...
+ Read MoreThe Creative Industry Today
April 24, 2026
By Julie Belanger As the social media and online writer for Applied Arts Magazine, I’ve been reflecting on a question that feels increasingly urgent: What is the true state of Canada’s creative industry today? The impetus isn’t abstract—it ...
+ Read More2026 Design Awards Winners
April 23, 2026
Most work passes. Some work defines. Meet the 2026 Design Awards winners. ⭐ denotes multiple Award winner Baillat Studio⭐Blok Design⭐bureau60aCaserne⭐Cossette⭐Criterium⭐Daughter⭐GauthierHufax Arts/FJCUImédia⭐Inna EfimovaIregular ...
+ Read MoreTaking the Pulse — Rajat Mitra
April 21, 2026
Rajat Mitra is quickly establishing himself as one to watch. A 2026 Applied Arts Young Blood Photography Awards winner for Shape of an Echo and a top graduate of Humber Polytechnic's 2025 class, he’s already building momentum—assisting ...
+ 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.