Organizer Information

Presented by the Association of Illustrators (AOI) in partnership with the Directory of Illustration (USA), the World Illustration Awards are a globally recognised platform celebrating contemporary illustration practice and commissioning. Judged by leading professionals from the international illustration industry, the Awards are a high-profile gateway for visibility, commissions and professional connections.

Title & Description

World Illustration Awards 2026
The Awards invite submissions of work created, commissioned or published since January 2025. Both Professional and New Talent illustrators — alongside commissioners, agents and tutors — are encouraged to enter. Selected work is showcased on the Awards’ Instagram as entries arrive, culminating in a structured programme of longlists, shortlists, promotions and final winner announcements that attract global industry attention.

Eligibility

Professional and New Talent illustrators; commissioners, agents and tutors may also submit work. Eligible work must have been created, commissioned or published from January 2025 onwards.

Benefits & Visibility

  • Selected entries are published on @worldillustrationawards as they are received.
  • May: Announcement of 500 longlisted projects.
  • July: Release of 200 shortlisted projects.
  • Wide industry promotion leading to potential new clients and commissions.
  • September: Winner announcements, networking events and release of the online catalogue.

Awards & Prizes

  • Two Overall Winners: cash prizes of £2,000 and £1,000 respectively.
  • 20 Category Winners plus 4 Cross-Category Awards.
    (Full prize breakdown, sponsors and category details available on the official site.)

Application Fee

  • $43 (USD) per Single Entry
  • $67 (USD) per Multiple Entry

Key Dates

  • Online entry deadline: 17 February 2025
  • Longlist, shortlist and final announcements follow the timetable described above (May → July → September).

How to Enter

Full entry details, category definitions, rules, fees , and the submission form are available at:
https://worldillustrationawards.com/