New York

It's time to #ShiftCreativity

Hungry to make?

D&AD Shift New York is a free, award-winning industry-led night school offering those without a degree an alternative route to the creative industries.

We're looking for talent ambition and hunger to create. We Shift careers, while challenging the industry to Shift its outlook.

Programme

Dates to watch

Application deadline

When: 29 November 2026
Info: Submit your application by 23.59 BST

Challenge Day

When: 7 December 2026
Info: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to our in-person creative immersion day

Students listening to a teacher with a screen in the background

Programme kicks off

When: 12 January 2027
Info: Start of Shift New York 2027

Showcase

When: 13 May 2027
Info: Showing off the portfolios to industry and securing paid placements

Application deadline

When: 29 November 2026
Info: Submit your application by 23.59 BST

Challenge Day

When: 7 December 2026
Info: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to our in-person creative immersion day

Programme kicks off

When: 12 January 2027
Info: Start of Shift New York 2027

Showcase

When: 13 May 2027
Info: Showing off the portfolios to industry and securing paid placements

Application deadline

When: 29 November 2026
Info: Submit your application by 23.59 BST

Challenge Day

When: 7 December 2026
Info: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to our in-person creative immersion day

Programme kicks off

When: 12 January 2027
Info: Start of Shift New York 2027

Showcase

When: 13 May 2027
Info: Showing off the portfolios to industry and securing paid placements

Get involved

Apply to Shift New York

We prioritise applicants who do not hold or are working towards a university degree. You don’t need a portfolio to apply — we want to find out about you, how you think, and your ideas. You will be asked to share three pieces that show off your creativity. These could include a design, a campaign concept, a piece of artwork, a video, photographs, lyrics, a story, anything — it’s up to you. Got those to hand?

What to expect

How does Shift work?

For you

The aim of Shift is to support learning alongside everyday work. The program is held in the evenings and occasionally on weekends. Sessions are delivered partly in person and partly online. We offer transport support within the São Paulo city region.

New Blood Festival speaker addressing out of shot audience in dimly lit room

Get seen

The evening school offers exposure to the commercial creative sector through sessions led by creative professionals, in-person agency visits and opportunities to work on creative briefs set by global brands looking to support emerging talent.

D&AD Festival attendees outside in the sun as seen through a window with reflections of graphic branding

Support

Each Shifter receives one-on-one mentoring support, networking opportunities, and help building their portfolio to kickstart their next career steps. In 120 hours of learning, the program covers the main disciplines and topics essential for working in advertising, strategy, design and production. It also covers professional skills such as collaboration, courage and resilience.