Frequently asked questions

Creative Residency FAQ 

When can I apply for the Creative Residency? 

Applications for the 2021 program year will be open in early 2021. Visit our How to apply page for more details. 

What are the dates of the Creative Residency year? 

The Creative Residency runs from May through April each year. 

What are the eligibility requirements? 
Creative Residents must: 

• Live in the United States. Relocation for the duration of the Residency to the U.S. will not qualify you to be eligible. 

• Be of legal age and status to work in the U.S. 

  • Note: There is no upper age limit. 
  • The program does not sponsor or extend visas. 

• Speak and write fluent English
  • Application and interviews are in English.

• Interact with the creative community in English.  

I live outside the U.S. May I still apply to the Residency?  

No. For the 2021-22 Residency year, we’re only accepting applications from people in the U.S. 

In which creative fields are you interested in finding candidates? 
We focus on the following fields: 

• Short-form online video 

• Photography 

• Digital drawing and painting 

• Graphic design (digital and print) 

• Experience, interaction, interface design (UX / UI / VX / XD)     

  • Must use Adobe XD. 
  • Coding skills not required. 

We consider candidates from all visual design disciplines that have a digital component. 
 

If the primary focus of your project is for a creative field such as dance, creative writing, podcasting, or any other field that does not traditionally classify as design or visual art, it is not eligible for the Adobe Creative Residency program. 

Projects that primarily focus on design and visual art and have a non-visual component such as podcasting or writing will be considered for the Residency. For instance, past Resident Tyler Babin is primarily a videographer who also ran a podcast series; past Resident Aaron Bernstein is primarily a photographer who also maintained a blog. 

Can an individual apply with another person or as part of a team? 
No. We currently accept only individuals for the Creative Residency. 

Are Creative Residents paid? 
Creative Residents are given health insurance and paid a full salary commensurate with their experience and geographical location. Adobe also covers each Resident's travel and select project costs during the Residency. Adobe loans Residents a laptop for the duration of their Residency. 

Are Creative Residents required to relocate? 
Creative Residents remain in their current living location with their existing studio setup.   

Can Creative Residents work for other clients during the Residency? 
The focus of the program is for Creative Residents to work on their projects and accomplish their long-term goals. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Can I apply with a project I’ve already started?  

If you’ve already started a project, simply outline in your proposal what you've done, what's left to do, and how working on it during the Residency will push your skills, benefit your community, and develop your career. Many Residents have worked on and finished pre-existing projects during the first few months of their Residency.  

What kind of license agreement will be put in place for the work I create during my Residency?  

We’ll ask you to sign our license agreement, which gives Adobe non-exclusive rights to use your commissioned work for:  

• Marketing purposes — Your work may appear on our website, blog, social channels, and promotional videos as well as in press images created by us and by third parties (such as our press agencies and partners) when promoting the Creative Residency Community Fund and Adobe apps.  

• In-app screens — Your work may be featured onscreen when customers open Adobe apps. 

• Education — Your work may be featured in Adobe tutorials and workshops. 

You’ll of course retain all copyright to your work and can license it to others as well. 

Do Residents have to do a closing show or capstone at the end of the Residency?  

Unlike school, we do not require a closing exhibit or show of your work. If your career would greatly benefit from you having a solo show, include that in your application project proposal. 

If I have a disability, am I eligible for the Residency?  
We welcome all applicants and will provide necessary accommodations upon request. 

Whom do I contact with additional questions about the Creative Residency? 
Send your questions to CreativeResidency@adobe.com

Note: Due to the high volume of emails we receive each year, we reply only to questions not answered on our site.