When I was just ten years old, I used to watch my brother, who was an architect, immerse himself in various contests. I often wondered why he devoted so much time to them, especially since I never saw him win any of them. However, everything changed one day when he emerged victorious in a contest. This triumph opened up the incredible opportunity for him to pursue a fully funded program in Architecture at the R. Lemaire Center for Conservation in KUL, Belgium, where he obtained his M.Sc. It was at that moment that I realized I wanted to follow in his footsteps. As I worked on my own master’s degree, I decided to test the waters by entering a few contests myself. To my astonishment, the Design 21 Society honoured me with the UNESCO prize on my first try. Another contest, organised by Coca-Cola, saw me get to the finals. It was a wonderful stroke of luck to receive such a prestigious prize in my first event.
These competitions offer a venue for showcasing talent, learning about different points of view, and encouraging innovation via competition and cooperation. Accepting such challenges may encourage people to think creatively, improve their talents, and network with professionals all around the world, eventually moulding their careers and driving them to success.
Now, as Ideera reemerges and breathes new life into my small brand, I am eager to embark on a journey to explore the top contests that have inspired me. From Italy to Korea, the path may be long, but through our designs, we can bridge these distances and bring people closer together. Join me as we navigate through these exciting opportunities, make new friends, and reconnect with old ones in the vibrant world of design contests. Let’s dive in!
1. 23rd Andreu World International Design Contest
The 23rd Andreu World International Design Contest is a special edition Circular Design Challenge. Participants are asked to design a seat and/or table made for the circular economy.
This contest is a great platform for designers to contribute to the sustainability movement. By designing furniture for the circular economy, participants can make a positive impact on the environment.
2. 2024 International Busan Design Award
The 2024 International Busan Design Award is an open contest for the general public, students, and organizations. The contest is free for individuals and students, making it accessible for budding designers.
This contest is a wonderful opportunity for designers of all levels to showcase their work on an international platform. The inclusivity of the contest allows for a diverse range of designs and ideas.
3. IDEAS4WOOD – A Contest by TABU
The IDEAS4WOOD contest by TABU is a competition of ideas for university students and designers regardless of age. TABU, located in Cantù, Lombardy, represents Italian excellence in the dyeing of wood and produces natural dyed veneers, multilaminar wood veneers, and a selection of textured surfaces for the Furniture and the Interior Design sector.
This contest is an excellent opportunity for designers to explore the versatility of wood as a material. It encourages innovative thinking and the creation of sustainable designs.
4. Drype Logo Competition
Organized by TerraViva Competitions, the Drype Logo Competition is a unique opportunity for designers to redefine the brand identity of Drype, a Milan-based startup known for its water-soluble alcoholic cocktails. There is a small entry fee for this contest, but early birds can get a special discount. Use the promo code “ DLG15XTVC” to get 15% off.
This contest is a fantastic opportunity for designers to showcase their creativity and branding skills. The challenge of redefining a brand’s identity can push designers to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.
These contests are not just competitions, but platforms for designers to express their creativity, innovation, and commitment to sustainability. So, if you’re a designer looking for a challenge, consider participating in these contests. Good luck to all participants!
I am Shawkash, a seasoned product designer with a knack for both digital and physical products. In 2015, I embarked on a journey with Ideera, a venture I founded with the vision of propelling startups and new businesses to success, nurturing them to become the future’s big brands. My portfolio boasts collaborations with renowned brands such as Unilever, Bang and Olsfen, United Nations, and Flexjet. My commitment to sustainability is not just a preference, but a recognition, as evidenced by the award I received from UNESCO for my contributions to combatting global warming. Therefore, it’s only natural that I gravitate towards designing for and collaborating with sustainable brands. Looking forward to creating a greener future together!