Introducing the Independent Professional Tier
For the past 16 years, DIELINE Awards have recognized the most innovative, inspiring, and game-changing work in consumer packaging design. This year, we’re taking a big step toward making the competition even more accessible, so the next wave of creative talent can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the industry’s biggest names.
We’ve heard it time and again: smaller studios and independent designers want to compete but feel priced out compared to the big agencies. For 2026, we’re changing that.
The new Independent Professional tier offers a significantly reduced entry rate for teams of four or fewer people and with annual revenue under $500,000. It’s our way of making sure that brilliant creative work, not just from large agencies, can be recognized, celebrated, and awarded on a global stage.
From boutique studios pushing design boundaries to solo designers crafting visionary work, this tier is built to level the playing field.
More Ways to Save, And More Chances to Win
Alongside the new Independent rate, we’re introducing a 20% discount on every additional entry after your first, encouraging creatives to showcase more of their work across more categories. The more projects and categories you enter, the greater your chances to walk away with recognition from one of the world’s leading packaging design competitions.
Other Notable Updates for 2026
Concept/Student, and Design for Good Tiers — Affordable rates for early-career designers, unproduced concept work, and socially impactful projects.
Your Work Deserves the Spotlight
DIELINE Package Design Awards aren’t just about trophies, they’re about celebrating global CPG creative excellence, pushing the industry forward, and putting your work in front of some of the world’s most influential brand and design leaders. Whether you’re with a major agency, a solo designer working from your kitchen table, or part of a boutique studio, this is your year to be seen.
• $295 (Professional)
• $195 (Independent Professional)
• $95 (Concept, Student, Design for Good)
• Free (Designalytics)
