Advice from previous winners on entering WIA
Not sure if you should enter the World Illustration Awards? Perhaps you wonder if your work is good enough, or you’re just not sure what to enter.
We asked previous WIA winners what advice they had for illustrators thinking of entering the Awards.
Here’s what they had to say:
“I think it’s important to remember that no matter what stage in your illustration career you are, you should always keep experimenting with your work and trying new things. This could be in the form of going to see new exhibitions or museums to help inspire a new project, trying a new medium of work, or drawing things from life. This will help you to keep your work fresh and inspired, and keeps the ugly creative-block-monster at bay!” – Bethan Woollvin, New Talent Children’s Books Category Winner WIA2017
“I think it’s important to select your best pieces with a good combination of concept and craft. It could even be something fresh and experimental, especially if it showcases your unique style and helps communicate your ideas. You should take care not to submit your work under the wrong category – I’ve made this mistake myself…you don’t want your work to be overlooked for the wrong reasons.” – Esther Goh, Professional Editorial Category Winner WIA2018
“Anyone who professes to be interested in illustration should consider their submissions to competitions and contests as business decisions. It’s not necessarily about winning. It’s more about an investment in your career as an artist. Take note on what the competition offers the winners and what kind of rewards you stand to receive if chosen. Ask yourself, ‘What can this do for my career as an artist?’.” – Tony Rodriguez, Professional Editorial Category Winner WIA2017
“Go for it! It’s really good to think about your work in this way, and it helps you focus your material and understand where your work sits in relation to others. I entered twice before (in 2015 and 2016) and was shortlisted both times, and that gave me a real boost and encouraged me to keep going. Being an illustrator can be a lonely business, so it was great to go to the awards evening and meet some fellow illustrators, and to see all the fantastic and exciting work that other people are doing as well.” – Carol Adlam, Professional Research Winner WIA2018
“Do it! I plan on entering again. It sounds cheesy but it really isn’t about winning – it’s more about having confidence in your work, sharing it with others and being a part of what’s being created in the industry right now.” – Claudine O’Sullivan, Professional Advertising Category Winner WIA2017
Find out how to enter the World Illustration Awards 2019 HERE
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