The World Illustration Awards has ten categories that reflect the breadth and diversity of illustration being made globally today.
Read through our descriptions to find which category is the best fit for your entry.

For further guidance, read our resource on choosing your category.

 
Advertising
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Illustration sells…

Illustration created for traditional commercial advertising campaigns for products or services including:
• magazine print ads
• billboards
• TV commercials
• broadcast
• social media
• websites
• flyers
• entire campaigns

Book Covers
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Judging a book by its cover

Any cover artwork for books for readers of any age. This category includes whole cover artwork made for:
• children’s books
• self-published books
• books for a general readership

Commercial Publishing
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Engaging readers Commissioned or prospective illustration for use in commercially published books for readers 16+ years old. This category includes inside illustrations or whole book design for: • works of fiction • non-fiction • text books • e-books • interactive books • reference books • graphic novels • picture books and humour

Alternative Publishing
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Beyond the book

Celebrating exciting new forms of publishing for readers of any age. Illustration in any book format can be entered into this category, including:
• zines
• graphic novels
• comics
• artist books
• handmade books
• limited edition books

Children's Publishing, sponsored by Walker Books
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Inspiring the next generation of readers

Illustration created for use in publications for readers under 16 years old including inside illustrations, whole book design or entire publications for:
• fiction
• non-fiction
• educational books
• picture books
• interactive books
• reference books
• pop-up books
• e-books

Design, Product & Packaging
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Shaping our visual world

Including illustration for branding, products, logos, packaging for:
• fashion
• graphic design
• product design
• stationery, greetings cards and calendars
• record sleeves
• stamps
• pattern, surface, textile and wallpaper design
• typography and lettering
• icons and logos
• games
• annual reports
• poster design

Editorial sponsored by Procreate
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Beyond words

Illustration for journalism and comment in digital or print format for example:
• feature articles
• news items
• cartoons
• political satire
• reportage
• documentary
• current affairs

Exploration
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Show ambition and vision

Testing personal practice ideas that do not necessarily sit within any other category.
This category recognises the importance of personal work to the practicing illustrator. This category is for work made to establish a style, work through ideas and develop a portfolio.

Science & Technology
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Illuminating complex ideas

Illustration that represents and explains scientific or technological concepts. This category includes illustration in the following areas:
• medical
• botanical
• architectural
• forensic
• scientific
• archaeological
• data visualisation
• information visualisation

Site Specific
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Enhancing public spaces

Illustration made for a particular place or space, for example:
• murals
• street art
• wall drawings
• graffiti
• wayfinding systems
• building wraps
• window decals
• hoardings