illustration contests

What are illustration contests?

Illustration contests are events in which participants are asked to submit their illustration work to be judged by a panel of experts.. Winners of illustration contests often receive cash or in-kind prizes., as well as the opportunity to participate in exhibitions or publications.

Why participate in an illustration contest?

There are many reasons why an illustration artist may decide to enter a contest.. Some do it to gain recognition and visibility., since a victory can be a great boost for a career. Others do it because they enjoy the challenge of competing with other artists., while for others, cash prizes are a great incentive.

How can you win an illustration contest?

Success in an illustration contest depends largely on the quality of the work submitted. Artists who submit high-quality, original work are more likely to win, but it is also important to keep in mind the theme of the contest and make sure that the work fits what is asked for. The juries also take into account the technique and style of each artist, so it's important to stand out from the crowd.

What is needed to participate in an illustration contest?

To participate in most illustration contests, only one copy of the work is needed to present. Sometimes a short biography or job description is requested, but overall, the requirements are minimal. It is important to ensure that you read the contest rules before submitting any material, as some contests may have specific requirements, as a minimum or maximum size for submitted papers.

Prizes in illustration contests

Prizes in illustration contests are usually in cash or in kind, and sometimes the winners also receive the opportunity to participate in exhibitions or publications. Below are some examples of prizes that have been awarded in illustration contests.

cash prize

The largest cash prize ever awarded in an illustration contest is $100,000, which was the jackpot of the J.C contest. Leyendecker de American Illustration en 2016. Other examples of great cash prizes include $25,000 in the World Illustration Awards illustration contest in 2017 y $20,000 in the illustration contest 3×3 in 2016.

prize in kind

Some illustration contests award prizes in kind, which are usually products related to art or illustration. For example, the illustration contest prize 3×3 in 2016 was a one year subscription to 3 magazine×3, which is a reference publication for illustration artists. Other examples of in-kind prizes include art books, illustration software and training courses.

Exhibition and publication opportunities

Some illustration contests offer the opportunity to participate in exhibitions or have the work published. For example, the prize of the illustration contest World Illustration Awards in 2017 was an exhibition at the prestigious Somerset House Gallery in London. The opportunity to publish in illustration magazine 3 was also granted.×3, which is considered one of the most prestigious publications in the world in the field of illustration.

Illustration and graphic design contests in the United States

Are you looking for a way to showcase your illustration and graphic design talent and work?? Then, an illustration and graphic design contest could be what you are looking for. These contests will allow you to compete with other illustrators and designers from across the country and, if you are the winner, you can get a cash prize and, the most important, the exhibition of your work.

Here are some of the best illustration and graphic design contests in the United States what can you find:

1. AIGA Illustration and Graphic Design Contest

El AIGA Graphic Design & Illustration Competition is one of the most prestigious contests in the United States. It's a great opportunity for designers and illustrators from across the country to showcase their work to an international audience..

2. American Society of Illustrators Illustration and Graphic Design Contest

The American Society of Illustrators Illustration and Graphic Design Contest is one of the oldest and most prestigious illustration contests in the country.. It is a great opportunity for illustrators from all over the country to show their work to an international audience..

3. Illustration and graphic design contest of the National Association of Illustrators

The illustration and graphic design contest of the National Association of Illustrators is one of the largest and most prestigious illustration contests in the country.. It is a great opportunity for illustrators from all over the country to show their work to an international audience..

4. Illustration and Graphic Design Contest of the Association of Illustrators of America

The Illustration and Graphic Design Contest of the Association of Illustrators of America is one of the largest and most prestigious illustration contests in the country.. It is a great opportunity for illustrators from all over the country to show their work to an international audience..

5. Graphic Designers Association of America Illustration and Graphic Design Contest

The Graphic Designers Association of America Illustration and Graphic Design Contest is one of the largest and most prestigious graphic design contests in the country.. It is a great opportunity for designers from all over the country to show their work to an international audience..

Illustration and graphic design contests in Spain

Illustration y graphic design These are two disciplines that are becoming increasingly important in the world of advertising and marketing.. In Spain, Every year a multitude of illustration and graphic design contests are held, both nationally and internationally.

The most prestigious illustration and graphic design contests in the country are, No doubt, the National Illustration Award and the National Graphic Design Award. Both prizes are awarded by the Ministry of Culture and, therefore, They are highly recognized nationally..

Other very prestigious illustration and graphic design contests are the Barcelona International Illustration Award, the Illustration Prize of the Generalitat of Catalonia, the Madrid Community Graphic Design Award, the Andalusian Illustration Award and the Galician Graphic Design Award.

Regarding international competitions, highlight the Illustration Award of the Venice Biennale, the Graphic Design Award of the Buenos Aires Biennial, the Illustration Prize of the London Biennale and the Graphic Design Prize of the Berlin Biennale.

Illustration and graphic design contest requirements

The requirements to participate in an illustration or graphic design contest are usually similar. In most cases, Participants are required to be over the age of 18 years old and have an academic degree in illustration or graphic design.

Regarding the work that must be presented, it is usually an original and unpublished work, made specifically for the contest. In some cases, it is requested that the work be inspired by a specific theme or idea, while in other cases the participants are left completely free.

What are the main illustration and graphic design contests in Europe??

Here is a list of the main illustration and graphic design contests that are held annually in Europe:

Illustration and graphic design contest prizes

Prizes awarded in illustration and graphic design contests are usually very prestigious.. In many cases, the prizes consist of a scholarship to study at a prestigious illustration or graphic design school.

Other prizes that are usually awarded in these contests are cash, drawing or design material, or even the publication of the winning work in a prestigious magazine or web.

Illustration and graphic design contests in Asia

What about illustration and graphic design contests in Asia?? Well, many illustration and graphic design contests are held annually in Asia., attracting creators from all over the continent. Some of the most prestigious illustration and graphic design competitions in Asia are the Venice Biennale Illustration Competition, the Tokyo Biennale Illustration Competition and the Guangzhou International Prize for Illustration and Graphic Design.

The Venice Biennale Illustration Competition

The Venice Biennale Illustration Competition is one of the most prestigious illustration competitions in Asia.. It is held every two years and brings together the best illustrators from across the continent.. The award consists of a gold medal and a diploma.

The Tokyo Biennale Illustration Competition

The Tokyo Biennale Illustration Competition is another prestigious illustration competition in Asia.. It is held every two years and brings together the best illustrators from across the continent.. The award consists of a gold medal and a diploma.

The Guangzhou International Award for Illustration and Graphic Design

The Guangzhou International Award for Illustration and Graphic Design is one of the most prestigious graphic design competitions in Asia.. It is held every two years and brings together the best graphic designers from across the continent.. The award consists of a gold medal and a diploma.

How to participate in an illustration or graphic design contest?

To participate in an illustration or graphic design contest, The first thing you should do is find out about the contests that are being held at the moment. You can consult the websites of the main illustration and graphic design schools, as well as the websites of the main specialized magazines.

Once you have a list of contests you are interested in, The next thing you should do is carefully read the bases of each one of them. It is very important that you make sure you meet all the requirements before submitting your work.

Last, You only have to send your work and wait to know the result. Good luck.