The New Talent Annual 2026 celebrates a new era of creative excellence, showcasing award-winning work from a global pool of emerging talent. This year’s competition saw an extraordinary array of submissions from 113 prestigious institutions worldwide, representing the pinnacle of academic and creative rigor.
Global Excellence & Industry Leadership
Each entry underwent a meticulous evaluation by a panel of world-renowned judges—industry leaders who are currently shaping the landscapes of global media and visual communication. We are honored to present the distinguished jury for this year's competition:
Advertising
Rit Bottorf: VP, Creative Director, Digitas Health
Roy Burns III: Design Director, Lewis
Alan Hunter: President, CCO, Co-Founder, PETROL Advertising
Design
Michael Braley: Creative Director, Braley Design
Mark Borgions: Illustrator, Designer, Animator, HandMade Monsters
Xian Liyun, PhD: Art Therapist, Founder & Director, Yiyun Art Space
Ivette Valenzuela: CEO, Ivette Valenzuela Design
Robert Shaw West: Chief Creative Officer, The Republik
Photography
Michael Confer: Photographer, Michael Confer Photography
Felix Holzer: Photographer, CEO, Felix Holzer®
Their collective expertise ensures that every awarded piece meets the highest standards of innovation and professional execution.
The 2026 Platinum-Winning Institutions
We are proud to recognize the institutions that have pushed the boundaries in Advertising, Design, Photography, and Film. Reflecting a truly international creative landscape, this year’s Platinum winners hail from leading schools across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, representing a diverse fusion of cultural perspectives and innovative techniques.
The following institutions represent the Platinum Award-winning instructors and students of 2026:
Academy of Art University
ArtCenter College of Design
Brigham Young University
California State University, Fullerton
Edi. Escuela Superior de Diseño de Murcia
Hongik University
Miami Ad School New York
Savannah College of Art & Design
School of Visual Arts
Southern Methodist University
Syracuse University, The Newhouse School
Texas Christian University
Yale School of Art
A Borderless Showcase: The Digital Advantage
In an exciting shift for 2026, this edition is published exclusively in a digital format. This transition removes the traditional constraints of physical page limits, allowing for an unprecedented level of depth.
Every winning entry—from Platinum and Gold to Silver—is presented with at least one full-page feature. This expansive format ensures that the intricate details and creative nuances of each project are showcased with high-fidelity clarity. It serves as a definitive platform for professional recognition, providing students with a prestigious credential to bolster their future portfolios and jumpstart their careers in the creative industry.
A Definitive Resource
The New Talent Annual 2026 is more than a book of winners; it is a vital, living archive of where the industry is headed. It remains a priceless resource for educators, students, and professionals seeking the next wave of creative inspiration and a glimpse into the future of visual storytelling.