We say YES to celebrating talent with our Design Awards

A longstanding commitment to education and community

At Proctor + Stevenson, we are deeply committed to creating opportunities for young people in our region. Our annual design competition is a key part of this commitment, offering final-year students from the South West of England and South Wales a platform to showcase their creative talents and launch their careers.

The design awards were initiated by our founder, Roger Proctor, to address the gaps indesign education and support local talent.

Over the years, we’ve observed that while many graduates possess exceptional creativity, they often lack the commercial experience necessary to thrive in the industry. These awards aim to bridge that gap, providing students with the experience and exposure they need to succeed.

These awards are not just a competition—they signal our dedication to nurturing up-and-coming creative professionals, helping them prove their worth and emerge as future leaders in the industry.

Supporting the next generation of creatives

Every year, we offer cash prizes, along with valuable opportunities for networking, industry exposure, portfolio reviews, and a paid work placement with Proctor + Stevenson.

By participating, ten students have the chance to be recognised as finalists, there are three winners and one overall 'Ultimate Creative Champion.'

Encouraging open-ended creativity

We believe in the power of creativity without constraints so we designed the competition with no specific brief. Students are encouraged to submit any project, including previous university work, as long as it aligns with one of our three categories—Graphic Design, Digital Design, and Motion & AR—and is their original creation.

A fair and thoughtful selection process

Our expert panel of judges select ten finalists, who present their work in 25-minute in-person interviews.

Each finalist will receive a comprehensive portfolio review of their broader body of work, further supporting their professional development.

Celebrating and rewarding talent

The culmination of this competition is our digital awards ceremony, held in June each year, where we announce the three winners. Each winner receives a cash prize, with one being crowned the Ultimate Creative Champion and receiving a larger reward.

Beyond the financial rewards, any of the finalists can be selected for a paid three-month work placement with Proctor + Stevenson, providing them with real-world experience and a stepping stone towards their future career.

Accessibility for all students

We understand the challenges students face, particularly those who juggle work and studies. That’s why we’ve made the competition as accessible as possible, allowing participants to submit existing projects from their coursework. Our goal is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate, showcase their talent, and benefit from the support we offer.

It’s something we take pride in as a company and we’re always so excited to see the incredible imagination on show each year.