This is the ultimate achievement for a Creative Director at the International Creative Awards.

This award recognises the person setting the creative bar:

A visionary leader.
Champion of ideas.
Builder of brilliant teams.

Creative Director of the Year is open to creative directors, executive creative directors, chief creative officers, design directors, founders and anyone leading creative work and the people behind it, whether in an agency, an in-house team or independently.

The award looks at creative excellence and leadership within the past year and beyond.

A panel of leading diverse creatives will evaluate:

• Is the body of work predominantly original?
• Is it consistently innovative?
• Is the work of exceptional quality?
• Does it maintain high standards of craft and care?
• Has a distinctive approach or voice been developed?
• Has a strong creative vision been set and carried through the work?
• How have teams been led, inspired and developed?
• Has a strong reputation been built?
• What is being produced or offered beyond core commercial work?
• Has there been a contribution to community or culture?
• Has something groundbreaking been achieved that has raised standards or expanded possibilities in the field?

The jury will then discuss all shortlisted contenders.

There is only one Creative Director of the Year.

Creative directors, executive creative directors, chief creative officers, design directors, art directors, founders and freelance creative leads – whether you work in an agency, an in-house team, a studio or independently, you’re welcome and will be carefully considered.

Do you lead creative work?

This is for you.

1. Read the considerations and decide that this is for you.
2. Enter your application by 2nd August 2027 (no extensions).
3. After creating an account, you can save, edit, and submit entries until the deadline.
4. Your application and projects will meet the jury on the 11th August 2027.
5. Visit our website on the 8th September 2027 to learn if you have been shortlisted for an International Creative Award.
6. Celebrate your achievement at the Awards Ceremony during International Assembly in Scotland (November 2027).
7. Selected projects and ultimate category winners will be showcased during International Assembly, across social media and INTL channels.
8. Ultimate category winners will receive a handcrafted concrete trophy in a bespoke colour and finalists will receive a certificate and concrete certificate holder.

The winner will receive a handcrafted concrete trophy created by renowned artist Charles Stephen Myatt in collaboration with Warriors Studio.

All shortlisted finalists are invited to attend the Awards Ceremony in Scotland to collect their trophy or certificate and celebrate their achievement. Finalists will also be showcased at the International Assembly festival and featured across social media and INTL channels.

+ Receive the Creative Director of the Year title
+ Raise your global profile
+ Demonstrate the quality and impact of your work
+ Gain extensive promotion across social media
+ Take home a handcrafted concrete trophy
+ Recognise the team behind your work
+ Attract new clients, collaborators, partnerships and talent
+ Position yourself as a leader in your field
+ Promote your achievement to your audience and network
+ Strengthen your CV, portfolio and industry credibility
+ Celebrate a big win with your team, colleagues, friends and family
+ Party at the Awards Ceremony at International Assembly

Coming soon!

There are three elements to your application for consideration.

1. Images/videos showcasing yourself and your practice (max 10).
2. Hero images of work which do not require a full case study, including experiments and showreels (max 10).
3. Up to five complete case studies with images/videos (max 10 in each).