D&AD

D&AD (Design and Art Direction) is a British educational institution founded in 1962 by a group of London designers and art directors, including David Bailey, Terence Donovan, and Alan Fletcher. The aim of D&AD is to promote, stimulate, and award creative excellence in design and advertising[3][5].

D&AD exists to promote and award creative excellence in design, advertising, and digital media. The organization strives to raise standards in the industry and inspire and connect the creative community worldwide. As an educational institution and nonprofit organization, D&AD reinvests all surpluses into programs that support creative talent and steer the industry towards a fair and sustainable future[1][5].

• D&AD Awards: Each year, D&AD awards the prestigious D&AD Pencils, regarded as the ultimate accolade for creative excellence. The awards cover various categories such as Branding, Digital Design, Film, Graphic Design, and many more. The awards include the Wood Pencil, Graphite Pencil, Yellow Pencil, and the rare Black Pencil[1][3].

• D&AD Impact: This program celebrates creative ideas that contribute to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It offers a 12-month mentorship, training, and peer support for projects that are in the early stages or have recently launched. Shortlisted participants have the chance to receive a development grant from the D&AD Impact Fund[2].

• Educational Programs: D&AD offers various educational initiatives, including workshops, masterclasses, and online courses. The New Blood Program and the University Network support future creative talents and connect them with the industry[3][5].

D&AD is committed to promoting sustainable and socially responsible projects. The D&AD Impact program focuses on supporting ideas that bring about positive change in the world. Participants in the program receive not only financial support but also mentorship and access to a network of experts in creativity, investment, and social impact[2].

D&AD is a member organization led by an elected Board of Trustees. Each year, a president is appointed from the Board of Trustees to galvanize the creative community and set the direction for the coming year. Currently, Kwame Taylor-Hayford, Co-Founder of Kin, is the president for 2024/25[4][5].

D&AD represents the full spectrum of the advertising, design, and digital industries and works to promote a fair and sustainable future. Through its diverse programs and initiatives, D&AD sets standards for creative excellence and inspires a global community of creative thinkers.

• 1 - https://www.dandad.org/en/d-ad-awards/
• 2 - https://www.dandad.org/en/d-ad-impact/
• 3 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_and_Art_Direction
• 4 - https://www.dandad.org/en/d-ad-presidents/
• 5 - https://www.dandad.org/en/d-ad-global-creative-design-advertising-association/