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About D&AD

We inspire, enable and award excellence in commercial creativity.

D&AD brings together the world’s most talented thinkers, united in the belief that creativity makes a real impact on people, business, and the world.

We celebrate creative excellence, nurture the next generation, and equip professionals with the skills to excel, all the time pushing boundaries, raising standards, and igniting change.

The backstory

It is 1962 and a group of designers and art directors come together to celebrate creative communication and raise standards within their industry.

Amongst the group are David Bailey, Terence Donovan and Alan Fletcher. Calling themselves British Design & Art Direction, the following year they organise their first Awards event. And they are picky. From 2,500 entries, they select just 16 pieces of work to receive the soon-to-be coveted Yellow Pencil; the first of its kind.

Today, British Design & Art Direction, a registered charity, has grown mightily, but slimmed down its name. Now D&AD, its members represent the creative, design and advertising communities, not just in Britain, but worldwide.

Our mission

What do we do?

Non-profit

You probably know about our awards, the coveted Pencils given to creators of truly exceptional work. But you may not know that we’re a non-profit organisation that promotes understanding and appreciation of design and advertising.

Development

We do this through education, exhibitions and events. All our surplus goes straight into programmes like New Blood for students, and Shift, our free night school for non-graduates. We also run industry talks, masterclasses, and team training for professionals

Resources

Meanwhile, the D&AD Annual (now on our website) has been the go-to source for inspiration and debate since 1962.

Community

Above all, we’re a community in which Pencil-winners teach courses, global brands mentor new talent, and the best in the business find each other and connect.

How we’re run

We are a member-run organisation, led by an elected Board of Trustees. Learn more:

General meeting noticeArticles of associationGovernance policy