Design & Branding

About the Discipline

Design & Branding

Design & Branding celebrates premium design across brand and product communications. This discipline recognizes excellence in identity, packaging, publications, environments, and other applications where design elevates how a brand is expressed and experienced.
NOTE: Design work created specifically for an advertising campaign may be entered in the Design in Advertising discipline.

Entering Design & Branding

Who should enter?

Design Specialists
Independent designers, branding studios, packaging teams, and specialists in typography, publications, environments, or motion identities.

Brand Builders
In-house design teams and agency partners shaping how a brand is recognized and experienced across its communications.

Entrants of all types are welcome, from individual practitioners to multidisciplinary teams working across an entire brand system.

Entry Tips

Let judges examine the design. Include clear views of the finished work, details that reveal craft, and applications that show how the idea performs in context.

Explain the design challenge and the decisions that make the result distinctive and appropriate for the brand. For systems, show coherence and adaptability across applications; for individual pieces, make their purpose and execution clear.


Good to Know

Entering

The same work may be entered into up to three (3) categories in Design & Branding. Craft and Innovation categories are not included in this limit.

All work must have been client-commissioned and adhere to the terms for International Entries, Non-Compliance, and other One Show terms of entry.

Fees

The One Show continually strives to be equitable and continues to offer currency value adjustments for specific countries and regions to account for an unfair disadvantage from the value of their local currency in comparison to the US Dollar. Learn more.

Reduced fees are offered to approved Independent companies with less than four offices globally. Learn more about entering as an Indie.


One Show Categories

Design & Branding work can also be entered into other One Show categories.

Each discipline is reviewed by a set of specialized judges, focusing on the specific characteristics and challenges highlighted by work in that discipline.

All One Show Categories
One Show Fees

Reviewed by Experts

The Jury

These entries will be reviewed by a jury of experts at the top of their field to determine the best Design & Branding work of the past year.

Round 1: January – March
Round 2: late March
Discussion Round: early April

Learn more about judging and result announcement dates.

Meet the President

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[basic info, links to profile overlay]

Submission Requirements & Categories

ELIGIBILITY
Project must have launched between January 1, 2026 – March 5, 2027.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All One Show entries require both information on the project and media.
Below is the information that is required for all entries, regardless of category. Refer to the individual categories for additional requirements.
NOTE: Entry information should not contain agency details, as judging is anonymous; this does not apply to self promotion or Brand-Side work.
NOTE: Do NOT use all capital letters when providing information.
NOTE: All fields are required and will be seen by the jury, unless otherwise noted.

  • Entry Title: Provide the name of the project, or the campaign name.
    NOTE: Do not put the category into the Entry Title.
  • Client / Brand: Who is the client on the project and/or what brand is it promoting?
  • Single or Series: Choose from: Single (1), Series (2+). Required only for categories that allow both Single and Series entries.
  • Client Type: Choose from: Consumer / Brand, Business to Business, Corporate Social Responsibility, Non-Profit
  • Vertical Market: The specific industry to which the product or service relates. See the full list of options here.
  • Launch Date: The month and year in which the work first ran, aired, was published, etc.
  • Background: Describe the challenge presented, problem being addressed, cultural background, or other key components to the initial brief. (max 300 words)
  • Creative Idea: A summary of the creative idea behind the work. (max 300 words)
  • Insights & Strategy: The insights and strategy that informed the final work and its intended purpose. (max 300 words)
  • Execution: Explain critical elements of the final execution of the work including craft, placement, tone, and other specific aspects of the creation and implementation of the work. (max 300 words)
  • Results: The results or outcome of the work such as reach, response, engagement, sales, awareness, etc. (max 300 words, not required)
  • Translation to English: Required for all entries which are not originally in English.
    NOTE: Video entries should include subtitles when possible.
Each category accepts specific media types. For general file specifications, view the Submission Media page.
Media can be attached to your entry after your category is selected. Click the View Submission Requirements button on a category below for details.

Digital media will be saved into your account. Identical media will not need to be added more than once as it can be attached to entries from your Manage Media list.

SUBMISSION MEDIA
  • Judging Media: The primary material and content that the jury will be judging.
  • Supporting Media: Secondary material and content that the jury may review at their discretion.

REFERENCE IMAGES
  • ALL entries require high res digital reference images. These images will not be judged. However, they may be used by The One Show for promotional purposes.

ENTRY THUMBNAIL
  • Every entry requires a thumbnail image. The jury will see this for reference only, it will not be judged.
A Primary Credit is the only credit required to submit an entry.
NOTE: Credits do not need to be completed in order to submit entries. Credits may be added to a closed entry after it has been completed and judged.

Credits will be saved into your account. Identical credits will not need to be added more than once as they can be attached to entries from your Manage Credits list.

COMPANY
Company credits each require the following:
  • Company Name
  • Company City
  • Company Type is to be selected from the list provided.
    NOTE: "Other" can be selected, but will not be ranked.

INDIVIDUAL
Individual credits each require the following:
  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Title is to be selected from the list provided.
    NOTE: "Other" can be selected, but will not be ranked.
  • Company / Company City is the company that this individual is associated with (optional)



CATEGORIES


DE_01
Brand Identity - Logo
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) graphic image that identifies a company or product. Includes static and dynamic logos.
NOTE: A logo and its variations can be entered in this category.
NOTE: Sonic branding logos should be entered in category MS_01: Music & Sound Craft – Sonic Branding / Branded Audio or RA_01: Sonic Branding / Branded Audio.
Enter this Category

DE_02
Brand Identity - System
Advance Deadline Fee: $675.00

A series (2-20) of elements of the identity system for a brand, product, or service. May include business cards, stationery, logo, network IDs, branding guidelines, etc.
NOTE: A logo and its variations should be entered as a single entry in category DE_01: Brand Identity - Logo.
NOTE: Sonic branding logos should be entered in category MS_01: Music & Sound Craft – Sonic Branding / Branded Audio or RA_01: Sonic Branding / Branded Audio.
Enter this Category

DE_03
Brand Identity - Rebranding
Advance Deadline Fee: $675.00

A series (2-20) of elements of a new identity system for an existing brand, product, or service. Entries must include examples of the previous branding for comparison. May include business cards, stationery, logo, network IDs, branding guidelines, etc. Includes complete brand transformation systems.
NOTE: A logo and its variations should be entered as a single entry in category DE_01: Brand Identity - Logo.
NOTE: Sonic branding logos should be entered in category MS_01: Music & Sound Craft – Sonic Branding / Branded Audio or RA_01: Sonic Branding / Branded Audio.
Enter this Category

DE_04
Corporate Communications
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-10) of communications from a company to its shareholders or the public. Includes printed or digital annual reports, corporate sustainability reports, brand books, and identity guidelines.
Enter this Category

DE_05
Editorial - Books
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

Overall design of a single (1) or series (2-10) of commercially available books. Includes book cover design.
NOTE: Non-commercially available books should be entered in category DE_11: Collateral - Booklets, Books & Brochures, or Design in Advertising category DA_02: Promotional - Booklets, Books & Brochures.
NOTE: Each book in a series must have been released within the eligibility dates.
Enter this Category

DE_06
Editorial - Magazines & Newspapers
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

Overall design of a single (1) or series (2-10) of commercially available magazines or newspapers. Includes cover design.
NOTE: Non-commercially available books should be entered in category DE_11: Collateral - Booklets, Books & Brochures, or Design in Advertising category DA_02: Promotional - Booklets, Books & Brochures.
NOTE: Each magazine or newspaper in a series must have been released within the eligibility dates.
Enter this Category

DE_07
Editorial - Digital Publications
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

Overall layout design and functionality of a single (1) or series (2-10) of e-books, digital magazines, catalogues, or other digital and interactive publications.
Enter this Category

DE_08
Typography - Typeface Design
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) font or family of fonts.
NOTE: Use of the typeface will not be judged, but may be submitted for reference.
Enter this Category

DE_09
Typography - Static
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-10) of non-moving type-based compositions for a brand. It can be stand-alone or incorporated into a larger design. Includes printed, digital, and 3D objects.
Enter this Category

DE_10
Typography - Dynamic / In Motion
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-10) of animated (kinetic) type compositions for a brand. It can be stand-alone or incorporated into a larger design.
Enter this Category

DE_11
Collateral - Booklets, Books & Brochures
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-10) of printed or digital communications containing information about a brand, product, service, or message. Includes multi-page catalogues, pamphlets, booklets, brochures, etc.
NOTE: Commercially available publications should be entered into category DE_05: Editorial - Books or DE_06: Editorial - Magazines & Newspapers.
Enter this Category

DE_12
Collateral - Physical Items
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-10) of physical items created to promote a brand, product, service, or message. Includes apparel and other dimensional items.
NOTE: Packaging of promotional items should be entered into Design in Advertising category DA_05: Packaging - Promotional / Campaign.
NOTE: Both commercially-available and gratis products can be entered here.
Enter this Category

DE_13
Packaging - Mass-market
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-10) of packaging for a commercially available product or line of products. Mass-market items are produced on a large scale and aimed at a wide consumer base.
NOTE: Packaging of non-commercially available or gratis products should be entered into category Design in Advertising category DA_05: Packaging - Promotional / Campaign.
Enter this Category

DE_14
Packaging - Specialty / Limited Edition
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-10) of limited-edition packaging produced for a commercially available product or line of products in a niche market.
NOTE: Packaging of non-commercially available or gratis products should be entered into Design in Advertising category DA_05: Packaging - Promotional / Campaign.
Enter this Category

DE_15
Packaging - Luxury
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-10) of packaging produced for a commercially available luxury brand, product, or line of products.
NOTE: Packaging of non-commercially available or gratis products should be entered into Design in Advertising category DA_05: Packaging - Promotional / Campaign.
Enter this Category

DE_16
Packaging - Sustainable
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-10) of packaging for a product or line of products that reduces the negative impact on the environmentfor in its production and/or materials. Includes packaging for commercially available and promotional gratis products.
Enter this Category

DE_17
Data Visualization - Static or Dynamic
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-10) of work which utilizes creative visual representation of data. Can be static or dynamic forms of charts, maps, graphs, custom content, etc.
Enter this Category

DE_18
Digital Design
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

The aesthetics of a single (1) or series (2-10) of websites, apps, games, utilitites, or other digital branded collateral items.
Enter this Category

DE_19
Posters - Single or Series
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-10) of printed posters displayed on a vertical surface with the intent of promoting a brand, product, service, or message.
Enter this Category

DE_20
Spatial Design - Architecture & Interior
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

Design of a single (1) or series (2-10) of permanent or long-term structures or environments for a brand or organization. Includes buildings and landscapes for public and private facilities.
NOTE: Billboards and transit should be entered in categories DA_11: Out of Home.
Enter this Category

DE_21
Spatial Design - Wayfinding
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or system (2-10) of pieces of signage used to guide the user through an environment by using landmarks, signs and pathways. Can be indoor or outdoor, temporary or permanent.
Enter this Category

DE_22
Moving Image - Single or Series
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-5) of moving image-based works that communicate a brand's message. Includes live-action, animation, music videos, network IDs, interstitials, show reels, title sequences, etc.
Enter this Category

DE_23
B2B Communications
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-5) of work intended to communicate a message or service between businesses.
Enter this Category

DE_24
Design for Good
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-5) of work that creates a positive change by addressing a pressing social, environmental, or cultural challenge and that benefits a larger purpose than the brand.
Enter this Category

DE_25
Craft - Art Direction
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

The overall visual appearance of a single (1) or series (2-10) of work. Can be a stand-alone work or incorporated into a larger design.
Enter this Category

DE_26
Craft - Illustration
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

Illustration within a single (1) or series (2-10) of work. Can be a stand-alone work or incorporated into a larger design.
Enter this Category

DE_27
Craft - Photography
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

Photography within a single (1) or series (2-10) of work. Can be a stand-alone work or incorporated into a larger design.
NOTE: Altered photographs may be entered, but added elements such as typography or illustration will not be considered.
Enter this Category

DE_28
Craft - Printing & Paper Craft
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

The application of specialized skills, technologies and other uses of paper and printing techniques in a single (1) or series (2-10) of work. Includes 3D printing.
Enter this Category

DE_29
Craft - Animation
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

Animation within a single (1) or series (2-10) of work. Can be a stand-alone work or incorporated into a larger design.
Enter this Category

DE_30
Innovation - New Ideas in Design & Branding
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-5) of design work that explores new or transformative ideas and concepts that push the discipline forward.
NOTE: Entries must include a written explanation of the innovative and transformative aspects of the concept and idea behind the project.
NOTE: Innovative techniques in execution or use of media should be entered into Innovation categories DE_31: Execution or DE_32: Use of Media.
Enter this Category

DE_31
Innovation - Execution in Design & Branding
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-5) of design work that explores new techniques, devices, or methods in implementation that push the discipline forward.
NOTE: Entries must include a written explanation of the innovative and transformative aspects of the techniques used in execution.
NOTE: Innovative concepts and ideas or use of media should be entered into Innovation categories DE_30: New Ideas or DE_32: Use of Media.
Enter this Category

DE_32
Innovation - Use of Media in Design & Branding
Advance Deadline Fee: $500.00

A single (1) or series (2-5) of design work that explores creative placement, positioning, timing, or other innovative use of media to reach the target audience and push the discipline forward.
NOTE: Entries must include a written explanation of the innovative and transformative aspects of the media use and placement.
NOTE: Innovative concepts and ideas or techniques in execution should be entered into Innovation categories DE_30: New Ideas or DE_31: Execution.
Enter this Category