Applied Arts targets creative professionals (graphic designers, art directors, photographers, illustrators and creative directors) who work in both the traditional and digital media. It is published six times a year, including two prestigious Awards Annuals—the Design & Advertising Annual published in January, and the Photography & Illustration Annual, published in September.

Applied Arts serves its readers in two ways: by covering the issues and challenges facing Canadian creative professionals, and by providing detailed, practical information and step-by-step breakdowns of how successful design and advertising projects came to be. It is a progressive, practical resource for Canadian creative professionals.