Organizer Information

The Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design is an internationally recognized design competition organized by Red Dot GmbH & Co. KG, a German design organization headquartered in Essen. Since 1993, the award has honored outstanding achievements in communication and brand design. Evaluated by an independent international jury of design experts, the competition offers professionals and agencies from around the world a platform for global visibility, industry recognition, and networking opportunities within the creative community. The winners receive the prestigious Red Dot distinction, which enhances professional reputation and can be leveraged in marketing and client relations.

Title & Description

The Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design 2026 invites designers, agencies, and companies worldwide to submit their realized communication design and brand projects. The competition seeks creative excellence across strategic brand identity, visual communication, advertising, digital design, spatial concepts, and more. Projects are assessed for originality, quality, and effectiveness by an international jury. Winners are featured in the Red Dot Yearbook, included in online exhibitions, and publicly celebrated at the Red Dot Gala and Designers’ Night in Berlin.

Categories

The competition comprises 18 major design categories, encompassing a broad range of communication and brand design disciplines:
  • Corporate Design & Identity
  • Brand Design & Identity
  • Advertising
  • Packaging Design
  • Publishing & Print Media
  • Annual Reports
  • Typography
  • Illustrations
  • Posters
  • Spatial Communication
  • Fair Stands
  • Retail Design
  • Websites
  • Apps
  • Interface & User Experience Design
  • Film & Animation
  • Sound Design
  • Digital Solutions

Eligibility

  • International: Open to designers, agencies, and companies from around the world.
  • Publication Requirement: Projects must have been published after 1 July 2023 or are planned for publication before 1 July 2026, and must not have been entered previously in the same competition.
  • Professional Level: Open to professionals at all career stages (inclusive of agencies and companies).
  • Junior Award: Special eligibility for trainees, students, and recent graduates (within two years of completing studies), with reduced fees and distinct recognition opportunities.

Program Benefits & Awards

Participants and winners in the Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design 2026 may receive:
  • Red Dot Distinction: Recognition of high design quality.
  • Best of the Best: Top honors in each category for outstanding work.
  • Grand Prix: Highest individual award per category.
  • Exposure: Inclusion in the International Yearbook and online galleries.
  • Exhibitions: Display opportunities in exhibitions associated with Red Dot events.
  • Networking: Attendance and industry connections at the Red Dot Gala in Berlin.
  • Junior Prize: €10,000 award for outstanding work by trainees, students, or young professionals.

Application Fee

  • Early Bird: €250 (excl. VAT) (26 January – 13 February 2026)
  • Regular: €330 (excl. VAT) (14 February – 24 April 2026)
  • Latecomer: €470 (excl. VAT) (25 April – 8 May 2026)
  • Junior Award Entrants: Receive a 10% discount on entry fees.

Application Requirements

  • Complete the online registration via the My Red Dot portal.
  • Provide project information, category selection, and design materials (digital uploads).
  • Include designer/agency details and, if applicable, client information.
  • Follow category-specific guidelines for digital or physical submission where required (refer to official guide).
  • Agree to the competition’s terms and conditions upon registration.

How to Apply?

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Early Bird Registration: 26 January – 13 February 2026
  • Regular Registration: 14 February – 24 April 2026
  • Latecomer Registration: 25 April – 8 May 2026
  • Physical Delivery (if required): 11 – 29 May 2026
  • Jury Evaluation: June 2026
  • Results Announcement: July 2026
  • Online Exhibition & Gala: 6 November 2026 (Red Dot Gala and Designers’ Night)

Location

Berlin, Germany

Additional Details

  • The competition applies to realized work; projects created solely for competition entry are not eligible.
  • Winners must book Winner Packages (fees apply) to use the Red Dot label, be featured in the yearbook, and join exhibitions.
  • The Red Dot: Junior Award offers a special category for emerging talents with reduced fees and eligibility for a dedicated prize of €10,000.
  • An independent international jury ensures impartial evaluation of submissions.

Website Link: https://www.red-dot.org/bcd