Organizer Information
The 3x3 Magazine is a leading international publication dedicated exclusively to contemporary illustration. For over two decades, it has played a pivotal role in recognizing excellence in visual storytelling, providing a global platform for illustrators, art directors, designers, and students. Now entering its 23rd year, the 3x3 International Illustration Show has established itself as one of the top three global competitions in the field of illustration.
Each year, thousands of entries are reviewed by an esteemed jury composed of internationally recognized creative directors, editors, and professional illustrators. The competition is widely respected for its rigorous selection process and its expansive category system, designed to ensure that works are judged within precise professional contexts. In 2025 alone, more than 5,200 images from 44 countries and 99 schools were evaluated, underscoring the show’s truly international scope.
3x3’s Annual publication — a 400+ page full-color print and digital edition — is distributed to art directors and buyers worldwide, offering substantial industry exposure to selected artists.
Title & Description
3x3 International Illustration Show No. 23 – Call for Entries 2026
The 23rd edition of the 3x3 International Illustration Show invites illustrators from around the world to submit their best commissioned, non-commissioned, and personal works created or published between March 2025 and March 27, 2026.
This prestigious competition celebrates excellence in contemporary illustration across commercial, editorial, publishing, institutional, experimental, and personal practices. A defining characteristic of the show is its extensive category structure, allowing work to be judged in highly specific contexts rather than broad groupings — ensuring fairness and professional precision.
Important policy note: Only works for which the illustrator (or their representative/publication) holds copyright are accepted. AI-generated artwork is not eligible.
Selected winners will be featured in the highly regarded 3x3 Annual (print and digital), showcased online, and promoted to leading art directors internationally.
Categories
The competition includes over 20 primary categories and multiple subcategories, including but not limited to:
- Advertising
- Animation / Motion
- Books (Published & Unpublished – General Audience, Picture Books, Young Adult)
- Character Design
- Children’s Illustration
- Comics / Sequential / Zines
- Corporate Communication
- Covers (Magazines, Books, Newspapers)
- Editorial (Conceptual, Lifestyle, Portraits, Sports, Food & Beverage, etc.)
- Ephemera
- Gallery
- Games
- Murals
- Packaging
- Posters
- Sci-Fi
- Self-Promotion
- Surface Design
- Three-Dimensional
- Unpublished (Personal/Experimental Work)
Both Single entries and Series (2–5 images) are accepted.
Eligibility
The competition is international and open to:
- Professional illustrators
- Art directors
- Graphic designers
- Editors and publishers
- Educators
- Students and recent graduates
Applicants from all countries may apply.
Eligible works must have been produced or published between March 2025 and March 27, 2026.
AI-generated images are strictly prohibited.
Program Benefits & Awards
Professional Awards
- Best of Show: $1,500 cash prize
- Gold Medal Winners: Inclusion in the prestigious 3x3 Collective (valued at $850)
- Best of Show, Gold, and Silver medalists receive the celebrated 3×3×3-inch cube award
- Medalists and Merit winners receive certificates (digital or embossed print option)
- Two-page spreads in the 3x3 Annual for all medalists
- Global promotion via website and social media
- Inclusion in the 400+ page Annual (print & digital)
- Exposure to leading art directors and buyers
Student Awards
- Student winners do not pay publication fees
- All student winners become finalists for the Gary Powell Student Award
- The Gary Powell Award winner receives:
- $1,000 cash prize
- Special 3×3×3-inch cube
- Two-page feature in the Annual
Application Fee
Professional Show
- Single Entry: $35
- Series (2–5 images): $70
- Additional images (up to 10 total): $5 per image
- Animation Single: $55
- Animation Series: $95
- Publication Fee (for winners): $85 (mandatory upon winning)
- Honorable Mention Fee: $50
Student Show
- Single Entry: $20
- Series: $40
- Students do not pay publication fees
Late entries (after March 27, 2026) incur a $10 surcharge until April 3, 2026.
Application Requirements
- Digital images: 1024 pixels (longest side), 72 dpi, RGB, JPG
- Animation: URL or MP4, GIF, QuickTime
- Books/Comics: Front cover (with title) + 3–4 representative spreads
- Single or Series entries accepted
- No limit on the number of entries
- High-resolution files are required if selected
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted online via:
https://www.3x3mag.com/shows
Key Dates
- Regular Deadline: 27 March 2026
- Late Deadline: 3 April 2026
- Annual Publication Release: First Quarter of 2027
Location
New York, United States
Additional Details
All medal and merit winners are included in the print and digital Annual and online gallery. Honorable Mentions may opt for online display and listing in the Annual.
All winners receive a 10% discount on purchasing the Annual. A digital edition link is distributed directly to art directors and art buyers, significantly expanding professional exposure.
Artists uncertain about category placement may contact the organizers directly.
This competition represents a significant credential for illustrators seeking international visibility, industry recognition, and portfolio distinction.