Organizer Information
The Hiiibrand organization is a professional platform dedicated to the promotion of global creative talent. Since its inception in 2012, it has hosted twelve successful editions of the Hiii Illustration International Awards, receiving over 40,000 entries from 100 countries. The awards are recognized as a highly authoritative and credible benchmark in the global illustration community and the Asia-Pacific region. By inviting top-tier international judges, Hiiibrand aims to discover outstanding talents, recognize exceptional craftsmanship, and bridge the gap between creative practitioners and the global industry.
Title & Description
13th Hiii Illustration International Awards (2025-2026)
The 13th edition of the Hiii Illustration Awards introduces a new dual-section framework: the Specific Theme and the Free Theme.
- Specific Theme ("Symphony of Life"): In partnership with Great Wall Motor (GWM), this section invites visual expressions of diversity, inclusion, and the harmonious coexistence of humanity, technology, and nature.
- Free Theme: This section encourages unrestricted creative expression across five core sectors: Commercial, Publishing, Children’s Book, Uncommissioned, and Animation.The program aims to recognize both professional excellence and experimental innovation, culminating in an international exhibition and prestigious career honors.
Categories
Visual Arts, Illustration, Commercial Design, Children's Book Illustration, Publishing, Animation, New Media (GIFs/Motion), Graphic Design, and Interdisciplinary Arts.
Eligibility
- National & International: Open to illustrators, creative agencies, teachers, and students worldwide.
- Career Stage: Open to both professional practitioners and students.
- Requirement: Submissions must be original. AI-generated or AI-modified works are strictly prohibited.
- Specific Theme: Works must be created between January 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
- Free Theme: Works must be created or published between January 1, 2023, and March 31, 2026.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Cash Prizes (Specific Theme): A prize pool of 60,000 RMB, with top awards (GWM Illustration Award) receiving 15,000 RMB each.
- Trophies & Certificates: Custom-designed trophies for top winners and electronic certificates for all finalists.
- Exhibition: Winners will be featured in both a high-traffic Online Exhibition and physical Winners' Exhibitions held in various international cities.
- Networking & Visibility: Inclusion in the Hiii Artist Database, which connects winners with potential commercial collaborators and global brands like GWM.
- Promotion: Right to use the official "Hiii Illustration" logo for life-long promotional purposes.
Application Fee
- Specific Theme: Entire process is Free of Charge.
- Free Theme: * First Round: Free.
- Second Round (if shortlisted): $20 USD for Single entries; $40 USD for Series; $60 USD for Children's Books/Animation.
Application Requirements
- Entry Form: Completed in English.
- Media Files: Static images (JPG/PNG), dynamic images, or video files (MP4/MOV).
- Project Details: Title, creative description (max 300 characters), and artist resume.
- Source Files: Required only for shortlisted candidates in the Specific Theme section.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 10 March 2026
- Judging Period: April to October 2026 (Three Rounds).
- Shortlist Announcement: August 2026.
- Winners Announcement: October 2026.
Location
Japan
Additional Details
Winners of the "GWM Illustration Award" (Specific Theme) will undergo a copyright property transfer to Great Wall Motor. All other works remain the property of the artist, though the organizer retains rights for promotional exhibition and publication. This is a "process-focused" competition where the jury—composed of legends like Martin Salisbury and Hervé Tullet—provides deep professional validation for your career.