FAQs
Have a question we didn't answer? Email hilary@rgd.ca.
Eligibility questions
Who is eligible to enter the RGD Branding Awards?
Entries are welcome from individuals, design studios, agencies and organizations worldwide, as well as students. There are no geographic or other restrictions.
What are the eligibility criteria?
The only eligibility criteria are that projects must have been completed between June 1, 2020 and June 1, 2025, to be eligible and they must fit within one of the Award categories.
Do I have to be an RGD Member to enter?
Non-Members may enter, but there is a lower entry fee for Members and RGD Team Members receive three free entries. Review the benefits of Membership.
Are Students eligible to enter?
Yes, students are eligible to enter the Branding Awards. Conceptual projects, including student work, are accepted across all categories.
I was a Branding Award winner in 2023. Can I enter this year?
Yes, you may enter again if you submit work that is different from the project that won previously. A project that received an Award may not win again in a future year but a previously submitted entry that was not a winner may be entered as long as it meets the eligibility criteria.
Can I enter a project that I entered in a previous year?
Yes, you may enter a project that you previously entered if it did not receive an Award.
What exactly will I receive if my project wins?
Winning projects will receive:
- Recognition on the RGD website and across RGD’s communication channels, reaching over 70,000.
- Inclusion in a physical exhibit at the DesignThinkers 2025 Conference in Toronto (Oct 1-2).
- An invitation to an awards presentation during DesignThinkers 2025, where winners will receive a printed Certificate.
- The opportunity to purchase a physical award.
- A 20% discount on attending DesignThinkers 2025 in Toronto.
- Consideration for future opportunities, including judging RGD Awards, speaking at RGD events and contributing to RGD’s newsletter, website and social media content.
How does the judging panel determine the winners? Will I receive feedback on my submission(s) after the awards are announced?
The judging panel evaluates submissions based on the context, process and solution outlined in the entry and the overall design qualities and originality of the work. Our panel of judges will be announced in April 2025. For the Branding Awards, feedback will not be provided on individual submissions.
Are in-house creative departments eligible to enter the Branding Awards?
Yes! The Branding Awards accept entries from in-house creative departments.
Is there a separate category for in-house design submissions?
In addition to category-specific awards, a "Best in Show" award will be given to the In-house submission with the highest combined judges’ scores.
Submission questions
Does the project have to have been completed in the 2020-2025?
Yes. There are eligibility criteria related to the time that the project was created.
How do I submit entries?
To submit an entry, complete the form at https://rgd.awardsplatform.com/.
Can I submit multiple entries?
To submit multiple entries, go to the cart and select "Add More Entries." This will take you back to the original entry page, where you can either duplicate an existing entry or start a new one from scratch.
What are the file requirements for submissions?
Accepted file types include jpeg, png, tiff, eps, gif and pdf, with a maximum file size of 30 MB each. We recommend that images be 1000px wide.
Can I use my personal email to register? Do I need to use the email on file with the RGD?
You can use any email address for your submission. Please select your Membership type when filling out the form.
If my project was a team effort, do I need to list all team members, or can I just credit myself as the lead designer?
You are required to list all contributors to the project in the designated credits section of your submission. If your project wins, the credits you provide will be included in the recognition. While you can identify yourself as the lead designer, it is essential to acknowledge all team members who played a role in the project.
You would be asked to mention the details within the form in the following format (e.g., First Name, Last Name – Designation e.g., Creative Director)
Project and category questions
Can the same project be entered into multiple categories?
Yes, you may enter one project into as many categories as you think are relevant. Not all judges review all categories so different judges will be reviewing projects submitted to more than one category.
When submitting the same project into multiple categories, we encourage you to think about the following:
- Ensure that your entry has justification within that category.
- That you submit a tailored rationale for each category entry.\
Can a project that has already won awards elsewhere, or is it exclusive to the RGD Branding Awards?
Yes, a project that has won awards elsewhere can be submitted as long as the eligibility criteria are met and prior awards do not conflict with the Branding Awards’ requirements.
Can a project that launched before 2020 be submitted if there were major updates or redesigns?
Yes, as long as the updates or redesigns align with the eligibility criteria and were completed within the required timeframe.
Can a conceptual project be submitted?
Yes! Conceptual projects can be submitted across all categories. This includes student projects, client-rejected work or branding for businesses that never launched. Make sure to answer the question: "Would you like to submit this entry as a conceptual project?"
Note: A conceptual project is work that was self-initiated, created as a student project or was not produced by a client.
Can work that was not produced by a client be submitted?
Yes, non-client-produced work, including self-initiated projects, student projects and branding concepts for businesses that never launched, is eligible for submission. These projects must fit within an award category.
Awards Platform
Can a submission be edited or updated after uploading?
Yes, the award form allows entries to be saved and edited before the deadline, whether the entry is in progress or has been submitted.
Can progress be saved, and the submission be completed later?
Yes, the system automatically saves progress every 10-15 seconds, provided the entrant is connected to the internet and clicks the 'Save + Next' button from the 'Start Here' tab. Entries can be completed later before the deadline.
What should be done if there is an issue with payment?
If any issues arise with payment, please contact Zaria Pucknell, Membership Manager at RGD, for assistance. She can be reached at zaria@rgd.ca.
How can an entrant be sure their submission went through successfully on Award Force? Will a confirmation email be received?
Once the entry is submitted, an "Entry Submitted" notification will be sent. A confirmation email will also be received once the entrant has accepted permission to register for an account. It is recommended to enable notification preferences upon registration.
Can a preview of the submission be viewed or downloaded before finalizing it?
Yes, entrants will have access to the "Preview" button after saving the submission for the first time. This allows for a review of the entry before finalizing it. Once completed, the entry can be downloaded as a PDF for records.
If multiple entries are being submitted, can payment for all be made at once, or must it be done separately for each?
Entrants can choose to pay for all entries at once or in separate transactions. However, for the Branding Awards, it is recommended to add all entries together, as submitting more than two entries unlocks discounted pricing.
Can the progress of an entry be tracked after submission? Is feedback provided after the awards are announced?
No, the progress of an entry assessment cannot be tracked. For the Branding Awards, feedback will not be provided and results will be announced directly after the judging process.
How can I get access to my discount code if I am a Team Member or RGD Sponsor?
Reach out to Vanshika Anand at vanshika@rgd.ca to access their discount code.
If your question was not answered, email vanshika@rgd.ca.
