AIGA Richmond is excited to present the eighth edition GRADE, our biennial juried design competition featuring the very best of visual communications work created in Virginia over the past two years.

In 2002, AIGA Richmond created a tradition—an amazing and exciting design competition that brought together those in the field to share in the celebrations of those “making the GRADE.”

This design competition typically receives over 300 entries in a variety of categories ranging from identity packages to websites to annual reports. AIGA Richmond enlists the help of a panel of nationally recognized design professionals to judge the submissions in March. Outstanding entries are selected, then featured in the April exhibition and ceremony at The Depot at VCUarts. GRADE’s exhibition and awards ceremony attracts a diverse audience of art directors, designers representing all design disciplines, copywriters, illustrators, photographers, account representatives, students and vendors from a variety of companies and locations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. During the awards ceremony, accolades are presented to winning entries in each category, Judge’s Choices, and one Best-in-Show award. Photos from the GRADE 7 ceremony can be viewed here.

Now is the time to start pulling your best work of the past two years. Entry rules and forms are available here. Mark your calendars, get your entries ready, purchase your tickets, and join AIGA Richmond in celebrating design and honoring work that truly deserves a gold star.