The Graphic Design USA Student to Watch Recognition Award

Name: Students To Watch Recognition Award – Graphic Design USA (GDUSA)

Award Amount: Recognition only (no cash prize) plus national publication/visibility

Information and Eligibility:
The “Students To Watch” program by Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) recognizes emerging graphic design and visual communication students who demonstrate exceptional creativity, potential, and professional readiness. Selected students are featured in GDUSA magazine and online as part of its annual list of rising talents.
Eligibility criteria include:

• Academic Level: Undergraduate or graduate student majoring or deeply engaged in graphic design, visual communication, or related creative disciplines.
• Institution/Enrollment: Enrolled at an accredited design school or university; many nominees come from recognized design programs across the U.S.
• Portfolio & Achievement: Applicants must have demonstrated strong design work, creative thinking and readiness to “burst onto the design scene.”

Application Requirements:

• Submission of design portfolio or samples of recent work.
• Résumé or statement of design education, goals and vision.
• Nomination or application via the student’s design program or school may assist (school-participation is common).

Selection Criteria:

• Originality, quality and professional caliber of design work.
• Evidence of creative thinking, innovation and readiness to begin a design career.
• Recognition by the school, instructors and GDUSA editors of the student’s potential in the design field.

Additional Details:

• Selected students are featured in GDUSA’s “Students To Watch” annual list and receive exposure to design industry readers and professionals.
• This is primarily a recognition award rather than a monetary scholarship—the emphasis is on visibility and inclusion in the GDUSA spotlight.

Deadline:

• Typically in February/March each year (exact date announced annually by GDUSA)

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