WIA2024 Winner Showcase – Professional – Judges Reflections
The WIA2024 Professional Winners represent the very best illustrators in the industry.
With over 5,000 entries from 84 countries, these shortlisted projects showcase the amazing illustration work being created worldwide. We asked our fantastic judges for their thoughts on what made these particular winning projects stand out!
Sveta Dorosheva:
Realms of Imagination
Professional Advertising – Category Winner
This is not just an incredible illustration but a piece of art with an astounding level of technical execution. It not only clearly communicates the creative idea but it brings it to life in ways you couldn’t imagine. The attention to detail is mind blowing, absolutely magical and perfect for the brief. Also lovely to see an illustration made fully by hand and not made digitally – totally different to what’s out there in the category currently. A display of raw talent.
Anna Loveland,
Mid Weight Art Director at TBWA MCR
Xaver Böhm:
The Economy of Solitary Confinement
Professional Animation – Category Winner
This one feels very strong to me because it uses simple silhouettes to tell a complex story in a very clean and natural way without trying too much. That’s why I’ve picked it as the winner.
Assaf Clements,
Creative Director, VICE Media Group
Thomas Hayman:
Italo Calvino 100th Anniversary book series / Vintage Classics
Professional Book Covers – Category Winner
The illustrations work brilliantly together as a series, which is no small feat given the breadth of Calvino’s work. Each one is sophisticated and distinctive in its use of composition and colour, but united with the series as a whole. It responds to the brief perfectly in the sense that they appeal to a contemporary sensibility in a way that is relevant and respectful of the original texts. There’s also just a wonderfully surreal quality to each of them that creates a sense of ambiguity and ultimately makes you want to pick up the book and find out more. The technique and skill of the illustrator is immediately evident. As a commercial commission I think this is extremely strong and worth celebrating for setting such a high bench mark in cover illustration.
Anna Ridley, Head of Children’s Publishing, Thames & Hudson
Kate Rolfe:
Wiggling Words
Professional Children’s Publishing – Category Winner
Dyslexia is a borderless issue that many cannot surmount. The author employs a potent contrast between the vivid reds and blues, as well as organic and inorganic shapes, to craft a “forest of words” that seems to emerge from the pages and entwine around the reader’s eyes. The protagonist, a child depicted in curvaceous blue, stands in stark, dynamic contrast to the rigid, leaping red characters that pervade the text. This juxtaposition, along with the exquisitely rhythmic arrangement of words, sincerely portrays the distress and terror of dyslexia for the afflicted child patient. Through the work, we empathize deeply with the protagonist’s sense of being lost in this jungle of words. Early intervention, guidance, and rehabilitation for reading disorders are crucial in childhood, as is fostering an understanding and respect for the condition and those who live with it.
Wang Lijun,
Cartoon Art Committee of China Artists Association
Jun Ioneda:
Hotel Tango Vodka Pride Edition
Professional Design, Product and Packaging – Category Winner
The colour of the illustration is very bright and the graphic design is interesting, which successfully attracted my attention and even memorable, and it will become more dynamic when it becomes animated. Such illustrations applied to the packaging design will make the product stand out and generate the desire to buy.
Mark Smith:
The Missing Mouseketeer
Professional Editorial – Category Winner
This is an amazing execution that brings a dark and moody undertone to the world of Disney that’s typically so overly positive and unblemished. The illustrator’s understanding and skill with depth and natural light is next-level; there’s a sense of photo-realism at first glance that’s quiet captivating, and I love the use of colour throughout the entire collection.
Inès Pagniez: Mum’s Life
Professional Exploration – Category Winner
Exploration Category Judge
[I] love the craft and skill that went into these illustrations. What a great way to visualize such a complex topic in a joyful way!’
River Jiang:
DO DONT
Professional Publishing – Category Winner
I think how this artist has thought about different sized papers in the interface of the artwork on the page [work in] turn with the previous page is really clever. The unique colour palette with the halftone print feels like a really modern way to bring this concept to life. Love the experimental aspect in this publication and how they have pushed the boundaries of how illustration plays with form on the page.
Pooja Desai –Art Director, Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing
Jennifer N. R. Smith | WonderTheory: BANG: The Wild Wonders of Earth’s Phenomena
Professional Science & Technology – Category Winner
I believe this work effectively communicates detailed scientific information about the Earth, volcanoes, and geysers in a creative artistic style. The structured layout and sequential arrangement of text and visuals demonstrate a meticulous effort to present complex information clearly. What stands out are the creative expression techniques and advanced rendering skills, which may go beyond typical book illustrations. These elements not only elevate the visuals to an artistic level but also engage readers, making the scientific content more accessible and interesting.
Felix Donghwi Son – Founder and president of Scixart, Republic of Korea
It’s a stunning mural, very detailed and well composed. It fills its purpose of showing the diversity yet unity of Asian culture. Second favorite—Mum’s life because it’s fresh, funny and subversive.
A big thanks to our judges for sharing their thoughts. You can explore the full WIA2024 Winner Showcase here.
Back to News Page