Type High Award
Every TDC winning entrant stands tall among the world’s best typographic practitioners. But even within this lofty cohort some works stand above the rest. So this year TDC is introducing the Type High award, given out in Gold, Silver, and Bronze. These special awards signify the best of the best in each of the three competition disciplines (Communication Design, Lettering, and Type Design).
The newly minted award is called Type-High. A name that balances a tip of the hat with a knowing wink. Designed and named by longtime TDC collaborator, life member, and Chairman Emeritus Graham Clifford (who also designed the Best in Show award), the award is milled from a single piece of sustainably harvested bamboo and rests on a plinth. It stands a stately 7 inches (or 42 picas) tall and measures exactly 0.918 inches deep, the precise height of traditional foundry type. Type-High, in every sense.
Unlike the Olympics, the number of awards is not limited to three, but always symbolizes merit of the highest order.
Best of Discipline Award
The Best of Discipline awards signify the best of the best in each of the three competition disciplines (one award in each: Communication Design, Lettering, and Type Design).
Our teams of esteemed judges choose their favorite pieces and engage in a spirited conversation about which project should be elevated to the status of “Best”. This recognition is never given lightly. The works are debated, admired, and sometimes fiercely defended—because it matters. To emerge on top from such a rigorous process is the highest compliment we can offer.
Certificate of Typographic Excellence
All TDC winners are like Olympic athletes. Even making it to the final competition marks contestants among the world’s best. Unlike the Olympics, every TDC winner receives a coveted Certificate of Merit, suitable for framing. TDC will also provide a “digital seal” that the winner can utilize to demonstrate their win online.
Judges' Choice
First introduced in 1990 (TDC36), the Judges’ Choice awards represent the personal favorite entry for each competition judge in each of the three disciplines. These tend to be some of the most exemplary works, but do not require unanimous approval.
Recognition & Benefits
Winners Receive
- A coveted TDC Certificate of Typographic Excellence, and digital seal.
- A one-year membership to the TDC with all the benefits of membership, including discounts on competition entries. Become a Member
- Publication of your work in the legendary annual book “The World’s Best Typography” designed and published by Slanted Publishing.
- Your work presented on both the TDC and One Club online archives
- Opportunity to be part of the annual TDC Exhibition which travels the globe
- Possibility of global exposure through TDC’s social media channels and newsletters
- The possibility of winning additional coveted awards and recognitions, like Best of Discipline, Judges’ Choice, or one of our brand new gold/silver/bronze “Type High” awards.
- Points toward The One Club's Global Creative Rankings
Global Reach
- Entries regularly received from 60+ countries
- Winners showcased internationally
- Permanent archive in design history
