Presented by the Association of Illustrators (AOI), in partnership with the USA-based Directory of Illustration, the World Illustration Awards 2026 are now open for submissions offering illustrators the opportunity to have their illustration work seen and celebrated!

Enter via the online form until 17th February 2026

Professional and New Talent Illustrators, (working individually or as collectives), commissioners, agents and tutors are invited to submit work created, commissioned or published since January 2025, into the Awards.

This globally recognised competition has ten industry-relevant categories and is judged by distinguished professionals from the global illustration industry.

Selected entries are shared on the popular @worldillustrationawards Instagram as they come in.
This is followed by the announcement in May of 500 longlisted projects, and then the release of the 200 shortlisted projects in July. This is widely marketed to the industry (commissioners and peers) across the world and often leads to new clients and illustration work.

The year ends with the excitement of the winner announcements, networking events and online showcase. The two Overall Winners will be presented cash prizes to the value of £2K and £1K respectively. In addition to the 20 Category Winners, four Cross-Category Awards will be presented this year.

To find out all about the awards, the 10 categories, how to enter, sponsors, prizes and cash awards, judges and much more visit: http://worldillustrationawards.com

Entries can be submitted until the end of the day 17th February 2026 via the online application form.