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Branding Awards Categories

Integrated Awards 

The Integrated Awards recognize branding projects that bring together multiple elements into a unified, cohesive identity system. These awards are for work that goes beyond a single deliverable, where strategy, visual language and execution come together across touchpoints to define how a brand shows up in the world.

(must include multiple branding elements)

  • Branding Programs: A combination of multiple branded material/channels into a cohesive program (e.g. collateral, signage, website, social media and more). This award includes a sweeping design system for a given brand identity.
  • Brand Identity: New Brand: Identities for brands that did not previously exist (e.g. Identity guides or brand strategy guides). This award goes to brands designed from scratch: a fresh company or a completely fresh identity.
  • Brand Identity: Rebrand/Refresh: New or updated identities for existing brands. This category includes entries that reflect on a brand’s present identity and push it forward with a new take on the design. (Images of the original brand may be provided but are not required.
  • Branded Campaign: Advertising and marketing campaigns with a unique and memorable brand and cohesive visual approach across a variety of material/channels.

Element Awards 

The Element Awards recognize the craft and impact of individual brand components, the singular pieces that make an identity distinctive. Where Integrated Awards celebrate whole systems, Element Awards celebrate the details: the logo that stops you in your tracks, the packaging that earns its place on the shelf, the motion piece that brings a brand to life.

(single branded elements)

  • Logo/wordmark: Any graphic mark, emblem, symbol or abstract/figurative representing an organization, product, event and beyond.
  • Packaging: Functional design that holds any product or allows for that product to be travelled with/protected/contained.
  • Environmental / Experiential: Designs that address our surroundings. It can include branded spaces such as events, hospitality, pop-up environments, retail and workspaces.
  • Digital: Any design that uses technology, data and digital platforms to communicate a brand identity through the creative and visual execution of digital brand elements. It can include websites, apps, social media, XR and more.
  • Print: Any printed initiative that communicates a brand identity. It can include stationary, catalogues, calendars, collateral material and more.
  • Motion: Any design that uses animation or filmmaking to enhance a brand identity. It can include commercials, explainer videos and more.
  • UX: Any design that shapes how users interact with a brand across digital or hybrid experiences. It can include websites, apps, platforms and interaction systems.
  • Service Design: Design of end-to-end service experiences across physical, digital and human touchpoints. It can include customer journeys, service ecosystems and multi-channel service systems.
  • Other: Any elements of a brand that live outside the present categories. This might include clothing or other branded merchandise, a custom typeface, an award and more.

Best of Show

Best in Show is the highest honour at the RGD Branding Awards, awarded to the most outstanding submission in each division. These awards recognize creative excellence regardless of project type or category, evaluated across the full field of Integrated and Element entries.

(Awards will be given to top submissions based on the following categorizations)

  • Large Creative Agency: A creative agency (internal or external) with more than 50 employees.
  • Medium Creative Agency: A creative agency (internal or external) with 12–50 employees.
  • Small Creative Agency: A creative agency (internal or external) with less than 12 employees.
  • Non-Profit/Institution/Government: A non-profit organization, or governmental body, agency or department that comprises more than 25 employees.
  • Small Non-Profit/Institution/Government: A non-profit organization, or governmental body, agency or department.
  • Solo: Solo business owner and freelance designer.
  • Student: Individuals currently enrolled in a recognized post-secondary educational institution.