The Ascenders Competition is a rapidly growing, portfolio-based contest celebrating type in all its versatile forms and the inspiring, up-and-coming designers—individuals or duos—who are elevating the medium. Participants submit six projects, including Typography, Type-involved Design, and Lettering to showcase their creativity and impact.

Details:

• Focus: Highlights emerging talent and rising stars in typography and type design.
• Eligibility: Open to young creatives aged 35 or younger.
• Entry Requirements: Submit six projects demonstrating diverse typographic expertise.
• Timeline: Entries open each Spring; winners are announced the following Summer at our New York Exhibition and Ceremony.
• Pricing: Tiered fees based on country, with eight nations eligible for free entry. All TDC members receive discounts.
• Scope: Focuses on innovative and impactful contributions by individuals early in their careers.
• Goal: Celebrate and inspire the next generation of leaders shaping the future of typography and designers

You can view information and past winners here, and last year’s Award Ceremony here

The TDC Competition, established in 1953, is the longest-running and most prestigious global contest celebrating excellence in typography and type design. It honors outstanding work that demonstrates creativity, innovation, and mastery in the use of type across mediums, including print, digital, branding, and experimental formats.

Details:

• Focus: Celebrates excellence in typography and type design across all ages and skill levels.
• Eligibility: Open to professionals, students, and creatives of any age.
• Scope: Includes typeface design, typography in use, and experimental type.
• Goal: Recognizes work that advances typographic standards globally.
• Recognition: Winners are featured in the TDC Annual and showcased in a traveling exhibition.

The competition upholds the TDC’s mission to inspire and elevate typography within the global design community.

You can view winners here, and TDC70 New York Exhibit here

TDC Competition

• Best for: Professionals, students, and creatives of all experience levels, regardless of age.
• Focus: Celebrates mastery and innovation in type design and typography across a broad range of categories.
• What to Submit: Individual projects such as typeface designs, branding, experimental typography, or other typographic applications in print or digital.
• Recognition: Winners are featured in the TDC Annual, a renowned publication, and their work is showcased in a traveling international exhibition.
• Perfect for: Creatives looking to have individual works recognized on a global scale.

Ascenders Competition

• Best for: Designers, typographers, or duos aged 35 or younger, early in their careers.
• Focus: Highlights rising stars in typography and celebrates their potential to shape the future of design.
• What to Submit: A portfolio of six projects, including typography, lettering, or type usage, that demonstrate range, creativity, and innovation.
• Recognition: Winners are celebrated at a New York Exhibition and Ceremony and gain global exposure through TDC.
• Perfect for: Young creatives eager to showcase a body of work that defines their emerging style and voice in typography.

Choose TDC Competition if:

You’re a seasoned creative or student with a standout project that pushes the boundaries of type design or typography.

Choose Ascenders Competition if:

You’re an early-career designer under 35 with a diverse portfolio ready to showcase your potential and innovation in typography.

The Type Directors Club (TDC) offers several scholarships to support students excelling in typography and related fields. Here are the key scholarships available:

In support of design education, the TDC has awarded scholarships to promising students and practitioners of typography since 1994. Currently

TDC Scholarship
Students in Junior Year of Undergrad

Ezhishin
Native American and First Nation Students in the US and Canada

Adé Hogue
BIPOC Students in Junior Year of Undergrad or 1st Year Graduate/Post-Graduate

Beatrice Warde
Women in Junior Year of Undergraduate Program

For detailed information and application forms, please visit the TDC Scholarships page

You can get involved with the TDC in several ways:

Become a Member: Explore the various membership options and consider joining to support the organization and gain access to its benefits.

Participate in Events: Attend TDC events, workshops, and conferences to connect with fellow creatives and learn from industry experts.

Enter one of our competitions: Explore the various membership options and consider joining to support the organization and gain access to its benefits.

Enter the Annual Competition: Submit your typographic work to the prestigious TDC annual competition to gain recognition and exposure. Now highlighted in three disciplines: Communication Design, Lettering and Type Design.

Follow TDC on Social Media: Stay updated on the latest news, events, and initiatives by following the TDC's social media channels!

If you’d like to host a membership event, email us!