World Illustration Awards AOI 2026
World Illustration Awards AOI 2026 is now open for entries!
The Association of Illustrators (AOI) recently has opened the call for entries for the World Illustration Awards 2026 and like every year celebrates great illustration from across the globe, with an emphasis on supporting and connecting illustrators with each other and the industry.
Short description
The Association of Illustrators (AOI) recently has opened the call for entries for the World Illustration Awards 2026, the most prestigious illustration awards globally.
This awards is an international competition designed to spotlight outstanding work across the global illustration industry. It serves as a major platform where illustrators, commissioners, and creative professionals converge to celebrate innovation, craft, and visual storytelling.
Work must be entered into one of the following categories per entry which are:
➜ Advertising
➜ Animation
➜ Book Covers
➜ Children’s Publishing
➜ Design, Product & Packaging
➜ Editorial
➜ Exploration
➜ Science & Technology
➜ Publishing
➜ Site Specific
Illustrators, commissioners, agents and tutors working across all sectors and in any medium are invited to submit work created, commissioned or published since 1 January 2024 into the ten categories of the Awards, which are judged by distinguished professionals from the global illustration industry.
Each year, thousands of submissions are reviewed by industry experts, making the awards a respected benchmark for artistic excellence.
They are looking for work that is:
➜ Technically excellent
➜ Communicates its idea or message brilliantly
➜ Explores illustration as an artform
Winners will be announced in September 2026.
Submission requirements:
➜ Illustration, or projects featuring illustration, in any medium, format or usage can be entered. This includes still images, animated gifs and animations.
➜ Work can be self-initiated or commissioned. The only requirement is the illustration must have been created, commissioned or published since 1 January 2024.
Who may enter?
This competition is open worldwide to illustrators (professionals and emerging talent) over the age of 18.
Prize:
Winners receive a single-page marketing package in the Directory of Illustration 2026, valued at US $2,700, offering significant exposure to industry clients and art buyers worldwide.
Entry fees:
Entry fee is £34 (GBP) per Single Entry and £53 (GBP) per Multiple Entry (inclusive of VAT).
