Image by designaustria/JBA
The Joseph Binder Award (JBA), organised by designaustria since 1996, is one of the most prestigious international competitions for graphic design and illustration. Celebrating outstanding creative work, the award provides designers and illustrators with an international platform through exhibitions, publications and recognition as Honoured Designers/Illustrators.
The 17th edition, themed “Under Pressure”, explores the challenges shaping today’s creative industry — from technological change and AI to economic uncertainty and evolving expectations — while celebrating the innovative work that emerges from these pressures. The submission phase opens on 7 September 2026, inviting designers and illustrators from around the world to showcase their work and become part of this renowned international competition.
Submission Period: 7 September – 31 October 2026
Early Bird Period: 7 – 24 September 2026
Deadlines? Pressure.
AI? Pressure.
Economic crisis? Pressure.
Submissions? Pressure.
Let’s show what the industry is really going through. And let’s highlight the constant pressure faced by designers and illustrators. We’re tackling this constant state of affairs with a certain light-heartedness. After all, there’s always been pressure. Change, even more so. Let’s highlight our shared struggle, whilst celebrating the best work that has emerged from it over the last two years.
Not only do we present one of the most prestigious awards, but above all we give designers, illustrators and their work a platform. There have been many award announcements before, but an honour as an ‘Honoured Designer/Illustrator’ – which makes you part of a renowned catalogue, as well as an exhibition in one of Europe’s largest arts and culture venues and other cities – is unique.