Ever wonder what happens after you submit your entry to Symbol Creative Awards? In this article, we’ll walk you through our judging process and answer some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. By the end, you’ll know exactly how your submission can result in an award for creativity. 

How the judging process sets up award winners for success

Before the judges even see your entry, we make sure the entire process is set up to be fair and clear. Every track has its own evaluation and scoring criteria. That means your entries are judged by standards tailored to their specific focus— whether you're entering a video campaign, a product design, or a creative strategy. This removes the guesswork and keeps expectations consistent.

And here’s the best part: everyone gets the judging criteria in advance. No hidden rules, no behind-closed-doors grading. You’ll find all the judging info in the entry kit and on our website, along with details on how to enter, so you know exactly what our jury is looking for before you hit “submit.”

What it takes to earn an award for creativity

At Symbol Creative Awards, creativity isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a core judging factor. 

Depending on your category, you’ll be scored on three key areas:

• Creative concept
• Execution
• Impact and results

Each criterion is weighted, so you’re not just being judged on style — you need substance, too. Whether it’s originality, strategic thinking, or results, we reward work that makes a real impact.

That’s what makes winning an award for creativity at Symbol so meaningful. It shows your work stood out on multiple levels, not just for looking great.

Why every entry is judged on its own merit 

Here’s something that sets Symbol Creative Awards apart: entries are not judged against each other. We don’t do "best in room" comparisons.

Instead, every entry is evaluated on its own merit. If your project checks all the boxes and earns enough points, it wins — regardless of how many others entered the same category.

That means there could be multiple golds in a category… or none at all. Only truly deserving entries become award winners — because quality matters more than quantity, and your success isn’t tied to someone else’s. 

Who picks the award winners and how do we keep it fair

Each entry is evaluated by a panel of a minimum of 4 carefully selected judges —  top creatives, strategists, and marketing experts from around the world.

We match judges to categories based on their expertise and make sure they don’t review anything they’re connected to. Every judge signs strict conflict-of-interest terms, so the process stays unbiased and clean.

But fairness isn’t just about avoiding conflict — it’s also about consistency. That’s where score normalization comes in. If one judge tends to be extra generous and another extra harsh, this system smooths out the extremes. That way, your score reflects your work — not someone’s mood.

An award for creativity with transparent scoring criteria

We believe in clear rules and open results. Here’s how we keep things transparent:

• Publish all award criteria and scoring system publicly ahead of time for all entrants.
• Make judges’ scores and comments public after the results are announced.
• Showcase all entries and winning projects publicly.

It’s all part of our promise to run a competition that’s built on objectivity and transparency — two things every award for creativity should stand for.

Every entry is scored out of 100 points:

• Platinum Award: 91–100 points
• Gold Award: 81–90 points
• Silver Award: 78–80 points
• Bronze Award: 75–77 points

To become a winner, your entry just needs to reach the score — not beat someone else. If you deserve it, you win.

All eyes on your entry

The moment you hit submit, your journey has begun. Once judging ends, scores are calculated and the award winners are announced.

If you become a winner, you’ll receive a free promo pack that includes:

• A certificate of excellence
• An official digital seal to use on your email signature, website, ads, and more. 
• Customizable PR materials you can adapt and use for your own promotion.
• A promotional campaign that features your work across our channels.
• Points toward your ranking in the upcoming Symbol Creative Awards index.
• Recognition of your work across the global creative community.

You also have the opportunity to to mark the achievement.

Winning an award for creativity means your work stood out for its concept, execution, and impact. Think your project has what it takes? Enter Symbol Creative Awards and go for the recognition you deserve.

Frequently asked questions

Who can become an award winner?

Anyone who submits a qualifying entry to Symbol Creative Awards and earns at least 75 points. Your chances aren't affected by the number of other entries — it's all about your score.

Do I get feedback if I don’t win?

Yes, all entrants receive scores and judges’ comments after results are announced. This helps you understand how your work was evaluated and where you can improve.

How do you handle judging bias?

We use score normalization and avoid conflicts of interest to ensure fairness. Each judge is carefully selected and matched to categories based on their expertise.

Are the results made public?

Yes. After the announcement, entries and feedback are published for full transparency. This way, everyone can see how decisions were made and why certain entries stood out.

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