The World Illustration Awards

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The World Illustration Awards (WIA), presented by the Association of Illustrators (AOI) in partnership with the Directory of Illustration, is a global celebration of creativity in illustration. Now in its 10th year, the awards recognize excellence across various categories and provide extensive networking, promotional opportunities, and professional development for entrants.

 

Information and Application Details:

  • Call for Entries Open: 4 December 2024
  • Early Bird Deadline: 7 January 2025 (10% discount on fees)
  • Final Deadline: 11 February 2025
  • Longlist Announcement: 29 May 2025
  • Winners Announced: September 2025
  • Entry Fees:
    • £34 GBP (€41 EUR/$43 USD) per Single Entry
    • £53 GBP (€64 EUR/$67 USD) per Multiple Entry (up to 5 related images)
  • Discounts: 10% Early Bird discount; 20% AOI member discount.

 

Eligibility:

  • Open to illustrators worldwide.
  • Categories for New Talent (students, recent graduates, or new to the industry) and Professional illustrators.
  • Submitted work (commissioned or self-initiated) must have been created within the last year before the Call for Entries closes.

 

Categories: 

10 categories including Advertising, Animation, Book Covers, Children’s Publishing, Editorial, Product Design & Packaging, Scientific Illustration, and more.

 

How to Apply:

  1. Register on the AOI Website: Free registration required (not limited to AOI members).
  2. Select Projects: Reflect on recent works and choose your best submissions.
  3. Prepare Images: Files must be high-quality JPG, PNG, or GIF (up to 4MB, 3000px wide, 72/150 dpi).
  4. Complete Entry Form: Include project details (title, purpose, commissioner info) and artist biography (max 400 characters).
  5. Submit and Pay

 

Submission Requirements:

  • Formats: RGB flat images (JPG/PNG/GIF).
  • Files named in this format: artistname_title_image1 (or image2, etc.).
  • Lead image required for all entries.
  • Categories can be chosen based on the purpose or application of the illustration.

 

Selection Process:

  • Judged based on technical excellence, communication of ideas, and artistic exploration.
  • Projects must have a unique spark, either from personal passion or technical innovation.

 

Program Benefits/Awards:

  • Overall Professional Winner: £2,000 cash prize.
  • Overall New Talent Winner: £1,000 cash prize.
  • Category Winners (20): Prizes for one New Talent and one Professional in each category.
  • Opportunities for networking, professional exposure, and features on WIA platforms.
  • Recognition includes being Longlisted (500 projects), Shortlisted (200 projects), Highly Commended (20 projects), or Category Winner.

 

Contact and Resources:

 

By participating, illustrators gain invaluable industry exposure, connect with peers, and showcase their creativity on a global stage.

 

Website link:

https://worldillustrationawards.com/about-wia

 

 

 

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