Uncharted Territories Design Competition 2026 invites designers to create a poster inspired by an Uncharted Territories article, map, chart, or idea. The competition is connected to the publication’s wider visual storytelling work, where data, maps, and complex global ideas are transformed into compelling visual explanations.

The brief asks entrants to design a poster that could become a memorable object for readers’ walls while still communicating a meaningful idea from Uncharted Territories. Submissions may use any UT article, map, or concept as a starting point, and designs should be prepared in A2 or 18×24-inch format, either portrait or landscape, with a screen-resolution JPG or PNG preview submitted first.

The competition is especially relevant for graphic designers interested in editorial design, data visualization, cartography-inspired design, and visual storytelling. Entries will be displayed publicly unless entrants opt out, and public engagement may inform the judging, while the final selection rests with Tomas Pueyo.

There is no entry fee.

Eligibility

Open to entrants worldwide except where prohibited by law, aged 18 or older or at the age of majority in their country of residence, excluding Uncharted Territories employees, contractors, and immediate family members; work must be original, third-party elements must be licensed for commercial use, and any AI use must be disclosed.

Prize

The selected winner receives US$1,000, paid by bank transfer or another mutually agreed payment process within 30 days of written acceptance; the winning entry grants Uncharted Territories an exclusive commercial licence to produce and sell print editions of the design, and the winning design may become the flagship product for a new Uncharted Territories shop.