There are 2 ways that you can take part in The Annual. You can enter individual campaigns or pieces of work (see our 5 steps to a winning Annual entry), or you can go for glory and be a winner in our "Of the Year" awards eg. Agency of the Year or Designer of the Year.
The "Of the Year" awards are the pinacle of The Annual, with just 2 winners in each category being crowned is a privalege that not many get to experience.
To get you started, here is the 4 steps you need to ensure you come out on top!
1. Download The Entry Pack
Whether entering work or a nomination into The Annual, your first step should be to download the 2025 Entry Pack, your go-to guide for understanding the process, categories, deadlines and what makes The Annual unique.
2. Choose Your Categories
We have a range of categories covering off the key company and individual types that exist in the creative industry.
Categories for companies cater for agencies big and small, range from creative service companies to brands and we even have categories for the best places to work.
We've expanded our categories for individuals this year, with free entries for Designer, Director and Creative Team of the Year. This joins our long-standing Creative Leader and Next Gen Talent categories.
3. Update Your Profile
All judges will be checking your profile as a part of evaluating your submission. Make sure the details on your profile are completely up to date and that it matches what you have put in your submission text. At a most basic level, ensure that there is no inconsistencies.
For all awards (except Best Place to Work), the quality of your work plays a key role in the judges’ decisions, scores, and comments. Make sure that you have uploaded your latest work and especially ensure that any work referenced in your submission is also uploaded to your profile.
4. Submit Your Nomination
Submitting your nomination is as simple as completing a single form field.
Here you will need to get across to the judges why you or your company deserves to be crowned the best of the year.
Be sure to read the guidance provided on the nomination form as it outlines what you should be including. You should also reference back to the category description and make sure that the copy that you enter is in line with what is being asked for as this is what the judges will also be referring back to.
Your nomination text is your way of giving the judges a window into why you should win. Be direct, authentic and factual in your submission. Do not embellish facts, the judges have stacks of industry experience, they know what happens behind the scenes and will appreciate a candid entry. Write engagingly, but stay focused on the key reasons you deserve to win!
Summary
Download the Entry Pack -> Choose your categories -> Update your profile -> Submit your nomination
Follow these steps, and you’ll be well positioned to take home top honours in our most prestigious awards.
After entries close, every submission is reviewed by the Creativepool team before shortlisting. If we spot a way to improve your entry, we’ll be in touch to help.
Final Submissions Close - 29th May
Need some help with your submission? Get in touch with one of our award experts!