We’ve opened up submissions to our 2015 Design Gallery, our bound December issue. Your peers have already begun sending in great brand packaging to be judged for the People’s Choice trophies and Editor’s Award. The entries also are entered in the running for the book. If you haven’t entered before, or want an insider’s perspective, read on. Here’s exactly what we look for.

JUDGING CRITERIA

For BRANDPACKAGING’s definitive annual, we choose packaging that goes beyond simply looking or working nice — we honor packaging that effectively uses its design and structure to tell the brand’s story and connect with the consumer.

Packaging conveys the brand to consumers; how it is executed speaks volumes about the company. The best packages use every element — materials, shape, colors, graphics, messaging, etc. — to reflect a brand’s identity and give consumers a reason to make it the brand for them.

WHERE TO SUBMIT

Start your submission at submissions.brandpackaging.com. Remember, August 31 is the last day to have your physical sample sent in and your entry finished. Make sure you start early enough to get any approvals you need and have the package to arrive.

Submissions can be started right now and finished at a later date; you’ll want to set aside about an hour to answer the questions. Then just send in your package to the address listed on the last screen, sit back, and wait for the People’s Choice awards voting to begin in September.

If you have any questions, you know where to find me. We can’t wait to see who will win!