Recognising emerging design stars across the region

For four decades, a home-grown Bristol initiative has helped launch hundreds of creative careers across the South West and South Wales.

Now, as the South West Design + Digital Student Awards celebrates its 40th anniversary, the organisers are inviting a new generation of final-year university students to step into the spotlight.

Founded in 1986 by Bristol creative agency Proctor + Stevenson, the awards were created with a simple aim: to close the gap between education and the creative industries. What began as a small initiative to showcase promising student work has since become the region’s longest-running creative awards programme, helping emerging designers take their first step into professional careers.

Over the past four decades, hundreds of students have been recognised through the awards, with many going on to build successful careers across the design, branding, advertising and digital industries, both in the UK and internationally. For many, the awards represent the first moment their work is seen beyond the university studio, opening doors to agencies, studios and creative employers across the region and beyond.

Ailsa Billington, Managing Director at Proctor + Stevenson, explained:

“Reaching 40 years is a remarkable milestone, but what matters most to us is the talent behind it. These awards were created to give students a platform and a bridge into the industry. Over the years we’ve seen hundreds of careers begin here, which is something we’re incredibly proud of.”

Every year, the awards offer cash prizes, along with valuable opportunities for networking, industry exposure, portfolio reviews, and a paid internship with us here at Proctor + Stevenson.

By participating, ten students have the chance to be recognised as finalists, with three category winners and one overall ‘Ultimate Creative Champion.’

Since their inception, the awards have helped guide many notable design careers. Past winner, Chris Roberts, now at Dyson, credits the awards with helping launch his career.

“I was the Design Awards winner in 1994. As a result of the Design Awards and winning one of the awards that night, I was offered a job by one of the judges and also offered a job by Proctor and Stevenson. I took the job at Proctor and Stevenson and ended up working there for eight years. That really kickstarted my career actually. I am now a Creative Director at Dyson, where I’ve been for nearly 20 years.”

How students can enter

The 2026 awards are open to final year students studying creative courses at universities in the South West of England and South Wales. Categories include:

• Graphic Design
• Digital Design
• Motion & 3D.

Students are encouraged to submit any project, including previous university work, as long as it aligns with one of our three categories. It’s free to enter and students can find our full entry guidelines here: Entry guidelines

Entries are now open until the 29th May 2026.

Creative projects can be submitted here: South West Design + Digital Student Awards 2026

About Proctor + Stevenson

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