Disciplines & Categories

The ADC categories vary by Discipline. Use the links below to view the different Discipline categories and submission media options.

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Advertising

When the ADC Annual Awards was first introduced in 1921, its advertising submissions were limited to magazine ads and posters. Fast-forward a century, and this discipline covers an ever-growing variety of mediums, from online video and branded entertainment to direct mail pieces and electronic billboards. But don't worry, there's still room for those magazine ads and posters.
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AI Visual Design - Dreamina AI Category

The AI Visual Design Category is organized by the ADC Awards 105th Annual Awards, with Dreamina AI (and Jimeng AI available in Mainland China) the Chief AI Partner. Together, they have established the AI Visual Design – Dreamina AI Category. The theme of this year’s competition is “Imperfection”, encouraging participants to use Dreamina or Jimeng AI to express the unique value of “imperfection” and “unfinishedness” in human creativity.

Participation is free. Entrants are limited to a maximum of 3 entries. The submission deadline is March 16, 2026.

Please thoroughly read the Information and Instructions for entering before submitting your entry.

Click here to apply for Dreamina AI or Jimeng AI credits.
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Architecture / Interior / Environmental Design

This discipline focuses on design specializations such as building design, landscape architecture and design, interior design, service design, certain areas of public art and more.
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Artificial Intelligence

The Artificial Intelligence discipline is open to projects that incorporate the use of AI through application, idea, process and / or execution.
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Book Design

This discipline focuses on design and craftsmanship in the creation of books.
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Brand / Communication Design

The ADC Annual Awards has a century long history of championing breathtaking design work. The Brand / Communication Design discipline focuses on many traditional aspects of the graphic design world, from logos and brand identities to posters and other promotional materials.
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Brand-Side / In-House

Brand-Side / In-House recognizes work produced by a brand's internal creative team that focuses on the advertising and marketing of their product or service.
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Design for Good

The Design for Good discipline is open to work that encourages positive societal or political change. Design for Good Gold Cube winning entries are eligible for the Designism award. The top scoring Gold Cube winning entries across all Design for Good categories — as selected by their respective juries — will be brought together to be judged across all juries as a whole. The best entry will be awarded the ADC Designism Cube.
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Experiential Design

As the name implies, the discipline focuses on creations that must be experienced rather than simply observed. From elaborate exhibitions to installations, from wayfaring to placemaking, and even digital experiences, this discipline immerses its audiences in a sensory adventure.
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Fusion Cube

With the goal of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in both agency/production company staffing and the work itself, the Fusion Cube celebrates great work which also demonstrates how underrepresented groups and DEI issues are utilized both "behind the scenes" – hiring diverse staff, ensuring equal opportunity, pay and treatment – and in the creative work, as expressed through casting, language, script and narrative.
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Gaming

This discipline highlights the art and craft of motion graphics, animation and visual effects of video game design, as well as craftsmanship in game marketing.
NOTE: No special equipment will be used for judging. Download links may be provided, but judges are not required to use them. The judging media must showcase the game.
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Health / Wellness

Health / Wellness recognizes work that focuses on the advertising and marketing of health and wellness products or services.
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Illustration

This discipline focuses on the art and craft of illustration across a myriad of mediums and specialties.
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Interactive

This discipline focuses on the ever-evolving world of digital and interactive communication, from websites and mobile apps to social media and virtual reality.
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Magazine / Newspaper Design

This discipline focuses on design and craftsmanship in magazines, newspapers and digital publications.
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Motion / Film Craft

This discipline celebrates the artistry and technical skill behind motion graphics, animation, visual effects, and filmmaking. Submissions are expected to promote a brand, artist, film, event or show, with the exception of entries submitted into the personal project category.

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Packaging Design

This discipline focuses on the conception and creation of boxes, bottles, bags and other containers in which products are displayed and sold.
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Paul Manship Medal

This year’s awards will include the presentation of the Paul Manship Medal.  Initially known as the Manship Medallion, the accolade was the original ADC competition award created by famed sculptor Paul Manship (1885-1966), best-known for his monumental gilded rendering of Prometheus, permanently installed at the heart of Rockefeller Center.  The Paul Manship Medal has now been reimagined as an enterable category, recognizing a single advertising or design creative professional who best acts as a catalyst for change, demonstrates foresight and innovation, embodies a lasting legacy, and made the most significant contribution in the past year.
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Pharma

Pharma recognizes work that focuses on the advertising and marketing of pharmaceutical products or services.
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Photography

This discipline focuses on the art of film and digital photography across a myriad of specialties.
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Product Design

This discipline focuses on the conception and creation of various mass-produced products, from household goods to automobiles.
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Typography / Lettering

This discipline focuses on the creation and application of letterforms, including typefaces, calligraphy and hand-lettering.
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