AIGA - Nominations

As the profession’s oldest and largest professional membership organization for design, we advance design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, and vital cultural force. From content that defines the global practice to events that connect and catalyze, we work to enhance the value and deepen the impact of design across all disciplines on business, society, and our collective future.

Since its founding in 1914, AIGA has celebrated design excellence through awards and competitions. The AIGA Awards program honors design leaders, forward-thinking corporations, and prolific writers for their unique and outstanding contributions to the profession. AIGA members are invited to submit one or more nominations.

SUBMIT MY NOMINATION

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Return to this page when you are ready to start your nomination.

**AWARD CATEGORIES**
AIGA Medal To nominate an inspirational colleague, mentor, or individual who has made a significant impact on the practice of design in the U.S. provide their name, a short paragraph about why they should be considered, and a link to their website or portfolio. Learn more about the AIGA Medal criteria and view past recipients.
AIGA Corporate Leadership Award To nominate a forward-thinking company, client, or organization whose mission and use of design has made a significant impact in the U.S., provide their name, a short paragraph about why the company/organization should be considered, and a link to their website. Learn more about the AIGA Corporate Leadership Award criteria and view past recipients.
Steven Heller Prize for Cultural Commentary To nominate a prolific writer who has made a significant impact in the U.S., provide their name, a short paragraph about why the individual should be considered, and a link to a writing sample with their byline or their website. Learn more about the Steven Heller Prize for Cultural Commentary criteria and view past recipients.

FAQs

Can I submit more than one nomination?

Yes, you may submit one or more nominations for more than one individual or company. However, it is not necessary to re-submit a nomination for an individual or company you have recently nominated through the online form. Nominations carryover from one year to the next.

Does it help to submit more than one nomination for a single individual or company?

For an individual or company to be considered by the committee, only one nomination is needed per award (i.e. AIGA Medal, Steven Heller Prize for Cultural Commentary, AIGA Corporate Leadership Award). The number of nominations and nominators (or names) doesn't necessarily inform the committees decisions during the review process. Nominator names can be useful once someone is recommended by the committee for the final slate if contact information for the individual isn't available.

Do I need to be a member to submit a nomination?

At this time, AIGA membership is not required to make a nomination or to be selected for an award, but it is encouraged. We typically see the most engagement from AIGA members who support the mission of the organization. Members are solicited directly and will receive updates on deadlines, announcements, etc.

Can I upload a PDF or portfolio?

At this time, we aren't accepting uploads through the nomination portal.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND

Overtime, the list of nominees has grown. The committee spends only a few minutes on each nomination during the first round. A brief description to communicate the why/how along with links to work samples, writing samples, etc. are requested to visually support the nomination.

Once someone from the community is nominated via the online form, they will remain on the list to be considered year-after-year. Any new nominations in subsequent years will be folded into a previously submitted nomination (if one already exists).