About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Creative Quarterly (CQ) 86th International Juried Competition 2026: Apply for Global Creative Recognition
Creative professionals, students, designers, illustrators, photographers and fine artists worldwide are invited to enter the Creative Quarterly (CQ) 86th International Juried Competition. The competition provides an opportunity to showcase original creative work, gain international exposure and have outstanding submissions featured in a respected creative publication.
The competition welcomes entries across advertising, fine arts, graphic design, illustration and photography, alongside special opportunities for portfolio submissions and work inspired by nature. Professional and student entries are judged separately, allowing participants to compete within their respective groups.
Application Deadline: 30 October 2026
Expected Results Announcement: December 2026
Eligible Applicants: Professionals, students and amateurs worldwide
Entry Fees: Starting at $20 for eligible student entries
About the Creative Quarterly Competition
Creative Quarterly (CQ) is an international journal dedicated to showcasing outstanding work in graphic design, illustration, photography and fine art. Its juried competition recognises creative talent and offers selected entrants an opportunity to present their work to a broader audience.
The 86th competition accepts both published and self-generated work, as well as student projects completed in classrooms or as part of thesis work. However, AI-generated images are not accepted.
Competition Categories
Applicants can submit work in the following categories:
Advertising (AD): Creative work developed for advertising and promotional communication.
Fine Arts (FA): Original artistic work demonstrating creative expression and artistic skill.
Graphic Design (GD): Visual communication, design concepts and graphic compositions.
Illustration (IL): Original illustrative work across different styles and applications.
Photography (PH): Photographic work showcasing technical ability, originality and visual storytelling.
Portfolio: A collection of personal or published work demonstrating an entrant's creative range.
Nature Theme: Images of flora, fauna and natural landscapes that highlight the interconnectedness of the natural world, including flowers, forests, wildlife and other nature-related subjects.
Applicants should select the category that best matches their work and review the official guidelines before submitting.
Awards and Benefits
Selected winners and runners-up will receive opportunities for recognition and exposure through the competition's publication and online platforms.
Benefits include:
Publication: Winning work will be featured in the online Gallery and the printed 2026 Creative Quarterly Annual.
Award certificate: Winners will receive an official certificate recognising their achievement.
Complimentary eBook: Winners will receive an electronic copy of the Annual.
Online visibility: Selected winners and runners-up will be promoted through the online Gallery and social media.
Annual recognition: All winners will be listed in the year-end Annual, with runners-up also listed.
These benefits offer participants an opportunity to strengthen their creative portfolios and gain recognition within the international creative community.
Eligibility Requirements
The competition is open to professionals, students and amateur creatives from all countries.
Eligible work includes:
Professionally produced creative projects.
Personal and self-generated work.
Previously published work, where permitted by the competition rules.
Student classroom projects and thesis work.
AI-generated images are not accepted. Participants should confirm the specific submission, copyright and file-format requirements for their chosen category before entering.
Entry Fees
The entry fees vary according to the entrant's status and submission type.
Entry typeFeeProfessional – Standard Single$35Professional – Standard Series (2–5 related images)$70Student – Standard Single$20Student – Standard Series (2–5 related images)$35Nature Theme – Up to 5 images$35Nature Theme – Each additional image$5Portfolio – Up to 5 images$35Portfolio – Each additional image$5
Applicants should verify the applicable fees and payment conditions on the official competition website before submitting their entries.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the official Creative Quarterly website to access the competition guidelines and submission portal.
Recommended steps:
Review the available categories and identify the most suitable option for your work.
Check the eligibility requirements and submission guidelines.
Prepare your images or creative projects in the required format.
Select the appropriate entry type and confirm the applicable fee.
Complete the submission process and payment, where required, before the deadline.
Application Deadline: 30 October 2026
Official Website: Visit the Creative Quarterly website for the official entry portal, detailed submission instructions and competition rules.
Why Enter the CQ 86th Competition?
The Creative Quarterly 86th International Juried Competition offers creative professionals, emerging artists and students an opportunity to showcase their work on an international platform. With multiple categories, separate judging for professionals and students, and opportunities for publication, the competition may be valuable for individuals seeking to build their portfolios and increase their professional visibility.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare original, high-quality work and submit their entries before the closing date.
Disclaimer: Applicants should consult the official competition website for the latest rules, fees, submission conditions and deadline confirmation before entering.
How to apply