Command X
At each AIGA Design Conference since 2007, seven emerging designers have competed for glory, opportunity, and a cash prize. In 2020, we did things a little differently. The competition was run on two consecutive days virtually. Our contestants had one week to complete the first challenge, and one day to complete the second. Each night, the live audience voted for a winner to receive that evening's prizes. Check back for updates!
About Command X
Your favorite design competition is back! This exciting, live show allows up-and-coming designers to face off for the chance to break into the industry in front of design peers, heroes, and potential employers. Plus, the winners receive a cash prize and bragging rights!
2014 AIGA Medalist Sean Adams, chair of the undergraduate and graduate graphic design program, ArtCenter College of Design, will return to host an all-star team of judges.
Think you’re up to the challenge of competing in Command X? Confirm your eligibility and apply. Still deciding? You can also learn more about the experience by watching the videos below or reading about past contestants’ experience.
If you’re chosen as a contestant, you will automatically receive a complimentary AIGA Design Conference ticket. Contestants will be notified within one month of the application deadline.
Credit: Command X was created and is produced by Bonnie Siegler of Eight and a Half.
There Is Value In Membership
Join today to access networking through your local chapter and a wide variety of local and national programs and events.
Join AIGAContestants must submit the following:
1. A designed introductory one-sheet, featuring
• a clear headshot looking directly at the camera
• a short biography of your design experience
• a personal statement (not to exceed 150 words) about why you want to compete in CommandX
2. A packet of five design samples, one project per page
3. Your completed online submission including your six-page PDF document. Questions may be submitted to commandx@aiga.org.
To be considered, applicants must:
• Be 26 years old or younger as of December 31, 2021, 11:59 p.m. EST
• Be either a graduate of a four-year college program, completing undergraduate studies by June 2021, or have equivalent work experience
• Be a current AIGA member
2021 Contestants
Tom Bates
Graphic Designer, Fresh Produce, LLC, Sioux Falls, SD
Elijah Bobo
Assistant Graphic Designer, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, NY
Marvin Chang
Freelance Graphic Designer, Minneapolis, MN
Audrey Hancock
Freelance Graphic Designer, Provo, UT
Xiaojun Huang
Adjunct Faculty, College for Creative Studies, Detroit, MI
Cooper Weinstein
Art Director, Capital One, Dallas, TX
2021 Host and Judges
HOST
Sean Adams
The Office of Sean Adams
JUDGE
Carly Ayres
Google Design
JUDGE
Bobby C. Martin, Jr.
Champions Design
JUDGE
Andrew Twigg
School of Design, Carnegie Mellon University
JUDGE
Miranda Massie
Climate Museum
Producer
Bonnie Siegler
Creator, Command X
Catch up on Command X 2021
Command X: At Home is available for free on our event platform. Registration required.
Watch the 2021 Command X Competition
Day 1
Tom Bates, Elijah Bobo, Marvin Chang, Audrey Hancock, Xiaojun Huang, and Cooper Weinstein were given one week to complete their first assignment—to design a new logo for Zoom.
Day 2
Tom Bates, Elijah Bobo, Marvin Chang, Audrey Hancock, Xiaojun Huang, and Cooper Weinstein were given one day to complete their second assignment—to design a campaign entitled "Disinformation and Climate Change".
Watch the 2019 Command X Competition
Day 1
Ridan Arellano, Garrett Corcoran, Talia Cotton, Jake Masakayan, Raymund Ramirez, Sidney Rhee, and Ainsley Rose Romero compete during the first challenge: to design a new logo for the Huntington, a library, art museum, and botanical gardens located in Pasadena, California.
Day 2
Ridan Arellano, Garrett Corcoran, Talia Cotton, Jake Masakayan, and Ainsley Rose Romero compete during the second challenge: to design a dating app.
Day 3
Garrett Corcoran, Jake Masakayan, and Ainsley Rose Romero compete in the final challenge: to create a campaign entitled "Empathy." A winner is chosen by the viewers.
Articles about Command X
AIGA National Events
Join AIGA
Join our dynamic community of thought leaders, changemakers, and design innovators from across the globe
