‘The Cut’ is a new student graphic design competition celebrating emerging talent in print and design.
Antalis has announced the launch of The Cut, a new nationwide student graphic design competition created to champion young talent and inspire the next generation of designers working with print.
The Cut invites graphic design, illustration and related academic course students to respond to a real‑world brief and showcase what’s possible when strong ideas meet the right choice of materials. The competition is open to students across the UK and Ireland and is free to enter.
Designed specifically with the print and design community in mind, The Cut aims to:
- Spotlight emerging talent in graphic design, illustration and typography
- Encourage creative use of print and papers
- Connect education with industry, giving students a platform to be seen by agencies, studios, printers and brands
“With The Cut, we want to give students a genuine industry‑style brief that encourages them to think about design, paper choice and production together,” said Katie Farr, Marketing & Communications Manager at Antalis. “We’re passionate about print as a creative medium, and this competition is about recognising the next wave of designers who are using it in bold and intelligent ways.”
A real brief, real print and real exposure
Entrants to The Cut will be challenged to create an original piece of graphic design for Antalis’ 2027 calendar production, drawing on Creative Power and Antalis’ extensive portfolio of creative papers. The focus is on strong concept that reflects the paper choice, high‑quality execution and an understanding of how materials, finishing and format contribute to the final result.
Championing the future of graphic design and print
Antalis has a long history of supporting education through university workshops, talks and its involvement in Brief Cases luxury packaging projects. The Cut is the next step in that commitment, reflecting the evolving role of print in branding, design, and creativity.
“The Cut is about more than a single piece of work,” added Farr. “It’s about helping students see how considered paper choices can add depth, tactility and emotion to their ideas, and giving them the confidence to bring those ideas into professional practice.”
Winning work will be announced on 19th October 2026 and published later that year in the 2027 Antalis calendar.
Tutors and course leaders are encouraged to integrate The Cut into live project work, giving students a real‑world context and a direct connection to the print and design industry.
For full competition details, brief and entry information, please contact paperdesk@antalis.co.uk or visit: