The call for entries to the A’ International Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Awards has opened again, with the 30 June 2025 deadline approaching for graphic designers worldwide. While digital platforms have made design more globalised than ever, Italy continues to hold a unique position as a destination for creative recognition.
The A’ Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Awards welcomes work from graphic designers, illustrators, creative agencies, art directors and visual communication specialists worldwide. Projects eligible for consideration include logos, posters, infographics, brochures, packaging designs, business cards, book covers and billboard campaigns created within the past decade.
Italy’s Enduring Design Authority
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Italy’s reputation in design extends far beyond fashion and furniture. The country’s influence on visual communication stems from a rich history of craftsmanship and movements like Rationalism and the post-war avant-garde. Milan alone hosts over 1,600 design events annually during Milan Design Week, cementing its status as a global design capital.
This cultural foundation gives Italian-hosted competitions particular weight. The A’ Design Awards, based in Como, represents one of the most recognised international design competitions, attracting entries from emerging designers seeking exposure alongside established studios looking to enhance their global profiles.
The Two-Phase Entry Process
The competition operates through a simple two-phase structure. Designers can initially register without cost to submit work and receive preliminary scoring. Those who pass the first phase can proceed to nomination, though this stage requires a nominal fee. The deadline for entries is 30 June 2025, with results announced on 1 May 2026.
This approach allows both emerging freelancers and established agencies to test their work before committing to full participation. For those considering expanding their reach internationally, the system appeals particularly to international designers who might be hesitant about entering competitions in unfamiliar territories.
Professional Benefits Beyond Recognition
Winners receive what the competition terms a ‘professional-edition laureate package’ – comprehensive support that extends well beyond traditional award certificates. The A’ Design Prize includes exhibition opportunities in Italy, inclusion in the annual yearbook, invitation to the gala night ceremony ‘La Notte Premio A’ and translation services for international marketing.
The prize package also encompasses extensive PR support, with press kits distributed to thousands of accredited media members. Winners gain access to exclusive interviews published on the Designer Interviews website , high-resolution imagery for portfolio use and inclusion in designer rankings platforms.
These practical benefits address real career development needs. International designers often struggle with marketing their work across cultural and linguistic barriers – the translation services and international press distribution help overcome these obstacles.
Global Participation and Past Winners
The competition attracts genuinely international participation. Recent laureates include designers from diverse backgrounds: Tomohiro Kaji from Japan won for Dotline Corporate Identity, M-N Associates received recognition for Giao Hang Tiet Kiem Brand Design and Kaixuan Guo was awarded for Printmaking Tibet Illustration.
This global reach reflects broader trends in design competition participation. According to industry analysis, winning or placing in competitions often results in features in major design publications , increased website traffic and new business inquiries.
The Italian Advantage
What distinguishes Italy-based competitions from other international awards? The country’s design community provides unique networking opportunities. Winners participate in exhibitions at venues like the Museo del Design in Como and gain access to Italy’s extensive design community through events connected to Milan Design Week.
The cultural cachet matters too. Italian design heritage adds gravitas to awards, particularly for designers working in traditional visual communication fields like typography and printmaking. Much like design thinking approaches that solve complex problems, the annual Milan Design Week alone attracts international creatives seeking collaboration and exposure opportunities.
Practical Considerations
For designers considering participation, the competition offers clear categories and submission guidelines through its official website . Past winners are publicly displayed , providing insight into the standard expected and judging criteria applied.
The investment required – beyond the nomination fee – includes time for portfolio preparation and project documentation. However, research indicates that winning prestigious design awards often results in increased sales , enhanced market presence and stronger brand reputation.
Looking Ahead
As the creative industry becomes increasingly digital and distributed, physical locations for recognition might seem less relevant. Yet Italy’s continued appeal to international designers suggests that cultural context and heritage still matter in creative recognition. Similar to how photography brings new awareness to familiar subjects, the A’ Design Awards represent this intersection of tradition and global connectivity, offering international designers a pathway to recognition that carries particular weight in European and international markets.
For graphic designers, illustrators and visual communication specialists, the 30 June 2025 deadline approaches for what remains one of the most comprehensive international design competitions. The question isn’t whether to enter – it’s whether to miss the opportunity to gain recognition in a country where design history runs deep and international connections run wide.
