The Spectator Illustration Competition
The Spectator invites all political cartoonists to enter their new competition.
The Spectator is looking for fresh, funny, and original work. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this is your opportunity to submit your work.
Picture the cover of The Spectator. What would you put on it? Picture an article you have read recently in the magazine. How would you illustrate it?
The Spectator‘s cartoon editor and competition co-judge, Michael Heath, says:
Do you even need to be able to draw? Well not as well as Tracey Emin, or Leonardo da Vinci, but you should be able to put pen to paper. Now to the hard part. What should your cartoon be about? Well, you’re never going to think of a good idea if you keep on looking at your phone. Put it down. Yes, I know you’re now panicking because you haven’t got a screen in front of you. But take a deep breath. Relax. You are going to be inventive. Your ideas might be terrible at first, and it sure isn’t going to be easy, especially when you realise that you can’t think of a single funny thing to draw. But keep going. You’ll feel a sense of relief. You may also have discovered that you can draw. But then again, maybe you won’t have. At least it will have taken you away from your computer for a while. I want to see funny, spiky cartoons that make me laugh. Now I’ve taught you all I know, you are on your own. Do not fear rejection because, as you know, if the cartoon editor doesn’t like your cartoon it is because he is a schmuck, not you.
Entrants are required to respond to at least one of three themes supplied by The Spectator, with the competing artwork to be completed in full colour. Deadline to enter is Monday 21 October.
Copyright in the artwork remains with the entrant. The winner will receive a cash prize of £500 and the opportunity to be commissioned for future covers of The Spectator.
Find more information and how to enter here.
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