D&AD reveals 2025 laureates, taking home three prestigious Black Pencils

In this year's D&AD Awards, a prestigious showcase of the world's most innovative commercial creativity, a total of 668 Pencils were awarded to talented professionals across various disciplines. Three projects earned the coveted Black Pencil, underscoring the importance of purposeful design that balances aesthetics and functionality as a catalyst for commercial success and behavioral change.

Among the attendees at the awards ceremony were pioneering creatives who are shaping the design sphere today. Highlights of the event included a candid discussion on professional errors by Baxter and Bailey and deep dives into magazine covers with the New York Times, leaving attendees brimming with inspiration.

The Black Pencil was bestowed upon three notable design projects, with W Conran Design taking home the award in the Graphic Design category for their 'Designing Paris 2024' project for the Olympics. The work was praised for its unifying, yet distinctive feel that harmoniously blends heritage and sport.

Celebrating diversity in design, Iconoclast LA was the winner in the Music Videos category for their work on A$AP Rocky's 'Tailor Swif'. Meanwhile, FCB New York was recognized in the Digital Marketing category for their Spreadbeats project, which leveraged nostalgic technologies to captivate audiences.

D&AD also named its standout agencies of the year. DIVISION maintained their winning streak as 'Production Company of the Year' for the fifth consecutive time. Additionally, FCB New York was highlighted as 'Advertising Agency of the Year', with FCB winning 'Network of the Year'. Serviceplan was awarded 'Independent Network of the Year', while Serviceplan Design was named 'Design Agency of the Year'.

This year's D&AD Awards marked the introduction of the new Creator Content category, where The Juju emerged victorious for their 'Blurred Unboxing' campaign, a cheeky response to stingy influencer endorsement. The Creative Bloq favorite, Cheetos' 'Other Hand' campaign by Goodby Silverstein & Partners, received two Wood Pencils for Digital Marketing and the Integrated and Media categories.

Judges noted that this year's competition was challenging due to the numerous entries adhering to established design codes and trends, resulting in similar-looking work regardless of category. The jury lauded the projects that broke away from the norm, demonstrating originality, craftsmanship, and relevance.

Total Pencils awarded this year signified a broad range of creative excellence, with innovation, impact, and audience engagement being key criteria for success. For more information about the winners and to stay up-to-date on D&AD coverage, visit the D&AD website. If you're in search of more creative inspiration, explore the graphic design trends to watch this year and hone skills to help designers excel in 2025.

The 'Designing Paris 2024' project by W Conran Design, a graphic design-centric endeavor, received the Black Pencil at this year's D&AD Awards, commended for its harmonious blend of heritage and sport.
The New York Times offered insightful deep dives into magazine covers during the D&AD Awards, igniting a wave of inspiration among attendees.
Iconoclast LA triumphed in the Music Videos category with their work on A$AP Rocky's 'Tailor Swif', demonstrating diversity in design.
FCB New York flourished in the Digital Marketing category with their Spreadbeats project, strategically evoking nostalgia to captivate audiences.
DIVISION maintained their winning streak as 'Production Company of the Year' for the fifth consecutive time, while FCB New York was acknowledged as 'Advertising Agency of the Year', with FCB also winning 'Network of the Year'.
Serviceplan was awarded 'Independent Network of the Year', and Serviceplan Design was named 'Design Agency of the Year' at this year's D&AD Awards.
The Juju's 'Blurred Unboxing' campaign, a playful response to stingy influencer endorsement, emerged victorious in the new Creator Content category at the D&AD Awards, while Cheetos' 'Other Hand' campaigned secured two Wood Pencils for Digital Marketing and the Integrated and Media categories.