Catalyst Award

The Society of Typographic Aficionados is pleased to announce the 13th annual SOTA Catalyst Award. Each year, SOTA recognizes an individual 25 years of age or younger who shows both achievement and future promise in the field of typography. The award brings broad industry exposure to young people creating original works in the fields of typography, type design, lettering, calligraphy, and type history.

We encourage any young person active in these fields, whether a professional or a student, to nominate themselves for the SOTA Catalyst Award by submitting an entry.

The 2024 recipient will be awarded up to $2,000 USD in reimbursement for transportation and lodging expenses to attend the TypeCon2024 Conference in Portland, Oregon, USA from July 25–27, 2024. They will also have their conference registration paid for and be required to give a 30-minute presentation of their work during the main conference program. Recipients should be available to attend the conference from Thursday to Sunday.

The SOTA Catalyst Award is fully-funded by The Society of Typographic Aficionados, an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion, study, and support of type, including its history and development, its use in the world of print and digital imagery, its designers, and its admirers.

Submission Deadline
Submissions Are Closed!

Notification of Award
Early May 2024

Requirements
You must be 25 years of age or younger on
December 31st, 2024.

Applicants must attend TypeCon2024 in Portland, Oregon from July 25–27, 2024, and give a 30-minute presentation of their work.

Entries must be emailed to catalyst@typesociety.org by the submission deadline.

Entries must consist of one multiple-page PDF file that contains the following:

  • A title page that includes Applicant’s name, date of birth, email, phone number, and postal address.

  • Visual examples of the Applicant’s work in typography. Multiple works preferred. (15 pages maximum) Please note: The Recipient’s conference presentation topic must be centered around the project(s). Both finished and in-progress work are acceptable.

  • A presentation summary: Applicant’s brief written description of the work, including its genesis and development. (300 words or less)

  • A statement explaining the Applicant’s interest and aspirations in typography. (300 words or less)

Applications will be judged based on both visual examples as well as the Applicant’s interest and aspirations statement.

All four components must be included for entries to be eligible.

Thank you and good luck!