Frequently Asked Questions
Please read below for answers to frequently asked questions about the benefits of entering the Awards, the entry process in general and questions that come up often with using the entry form. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, then please email [email protected]
What are the KeY Dates?
Call for Entries Open
Early Bird ends
Entry Deadline
Longlist
What could I win?
WIA rewards excellence, offering cash prizes to our overall winners, plus a range of valuable benefits to our category winners, shortlist, and longlist.
Award Winners will be announced in September 2025.
- Awards:
- 1 Overall Professional Winner (Cash Prize of £2000)
- 1 Overall New Talent Winner (Cash Prize of £1000)
- 3 Cross Category Winners (Various Prizes)
- 20 Category Winners (one New Talent and one Professional per category)
- 20 Highly Commended Projects (one New Talent and one Professional per category)
- 200 Shortlisted Projects
- 500 Longlisted Projects
What Discounts Do you offer?
- Early bird discount of 10% until 7 January 2025.
- AOI Members get up to 30% off.
- Tutors, Agents and Commissioners entering 10+ projects get a further 10% off.
What are the key dates?
- 7 January 2025 – early bird offer ends (midnight UK time)
- 11 February 2025 – call for entries deadline
- March – May 2025 – judging
- May 2025 – longlist announced
- July 2025 – shortlist announced
- September 2025 – winners announced
- November 2025 – touring exhibition available for hire
- December 2025 – new Call for Entries launches
How do I benefit from entering?
Being part of WIA offers a host of significant benefits and opportunities from the call for entries stage right through to the winner announcements. This includes self-promotional tools, networking events and features on WIA platforms. WIA will help and support you sharing your work globally.
When can I enter?
- The call for entries for WIA2025 opens on 4th December 2024.
- The deadline for entering WIA2025 is 11 February 2025.
- We recommend submitting your entry before the final deadline, as we experience heavy traffic in this period, and it can take a while to upload your files. This also ensures that we can assist in case of any issues. Note that our payment portal through Paypal is not available in Turkey and Singapore for example and you will have to pay by bank transfer from these regions.
- If you have any problems entering, please get in touch, and we will help you to get your entry submitted to the competition.
Does it matter if my artist name shows in my entry image?
- If your artist name is part of the artwork (e.g. as the author’s name on a book cover) then it’s fine to enter. Please avoid including your name in the body text of the form.
Can I enter as a collective or duo?
- Yes, please put both names, or the collective name, in the artist name field which is the name we will use with the project.
Why does my image look different in the form to the file I uploaded?
- The entry form has to generate various sizes of images for the thumbnail and preview with fewer pixels than the original file. With certain styles and formats, the images may appear a bit blurry and/or lose colour definition
- However the jury will be able to see the original large image. They understand the limits of the form and digital display and will not mark an image down because it is is not absolutely crisp in the preview formats.
- If an image is not good quality then we will always get in touch with the artist before we show it to the jury.
Which category should I enter?
- Choose the category that best frames the purpose of your entry. Keep in mind where you want to position yourself as an illustrator, if in doubt.
- You can read the category descriptions here where we slide give some hints on how to chose one.
- Thinking about the application of the illustration can be a useful way to decide which category to enter.
- You can enter the same project more than once into different categories, but you will need to upload and pay individually.
- You can enter commissioned or self-initiated work into any category.
Can I add a URL to a single entry?
No, you can’t. Please select multiple to add a direct URL link for an animation. This must be Vimeo or Youtube and unrestricted so that the jury can watch it without the need for a password or logging in.
How do I fill in the form?
- Please note we can only accept form entries in English.
- You can start the form, and go back and edit if you need to.
- Please accept cookies at the bottom of the page as this will ensure your entry text is saved as you go along.
- You will need to put something in the required form fields in order to save it by clicking ‘submit’.
- It can be helpful to type out your entry into a text document, and paste into the form, rather than typing directly into the form.
- Entries that have not been paid for will stay in your account until you delete them.
- After you have submitted, you can still edit the information in the form by clicking ‘Update’ in your account, so you can draft your entry and return to it until the deadline.
Please read this Guide to entering resource or you can just watch our How To Enter video on Youtube from last year if easier.
Can I change my entry from a single to a multiple?
- Unfortunately, you can’t upgrade your entry to a multiple entry once you’ve paid for it. But you can enter another single project instead as all fields are editable and the images exchangeable until we close the form by clicking “update” next to the entry. You can then create another multiple entry.
What is the difference between Single and Multiple
- All entries are for one project each. A single entry is intended for a simple one-image submission such as a book cover or single photo of a set of bottle label designs. This can also be a small animated gif as well (up to 4MB).
- Multiple entries are for more complex projects that have more elements or pages to showcase, such as a children’s book or a series of book covers, such as the 3 book covers for “Lord of the Rings” series for example. You cannot combine unrelated illustrations as there is only one option for title and text that should explain the whole series so there needs to be a connection. You can include up to 5 elements such as still images (they can be composite images), animated gifs and URLs for a multiple entry.
What happens once I’ve entered?
- Once you have filled in your form and clicked the ‘SUBMIT’ button, your work is saved in your account on the AOI website. You can then go back and edit it as much as you wish. It will show on top of the entry form page.
- Once you are happy with the entry, you need to make your payment for it to be entered into the competition.
- You will receive an email confirming your entry, and some information about how to share your entry with the AOI via social media – we will repost entries throughout the call for entries!
- You can go back and edit / update paid for entries until the deadline.
- You can change text and images/elements, but nor whether it is a “Single” or “multiple” submission.
- Don’t forget that the judges will only see entries that have been paid for.
- The AOI team will check all entries as they are submitted, and will notify you of any issues, e.g. if your image is corrupted. The AOI reserves the right to remove entries that are offensive, incite hatred or break the rules.
- The judges will then log in to the site to view all entries and will choose their shortlist.
- Once the longlist has been finalised, all entrants will be notified by email of the outcome of their entries. This will probably be in May.
How much does it cost to enter?
- Entry fees can be paid in three currencies: GB Pounds (£), US Dollars ($) and Euros (€). Any other currency will be converted by your card issuer at point of payment.
- The entry fees are:
£34 (GBP) per Single Entry // £53 (GBP) per Multiple Entry
€41 (EURO) per Single Entry // €64 (EURO) per Multiple Entry
$43 (USD) per Single Entry // $67 (USD) per Multiple Entry - Current individual AOI Members (or corporate members entering their artists at time of payment) receive a 20% discount on their entries automatically deducted if they are logged into their member account. Find out how to become an AOI member here.
- 10% Early Bird Discount until 7 January 2025 for everyone
- Colleges, Agents or Commissioners entering 10+ projects via their account receive a 10% discount.
Why is there an entry fee?
- The AOI is a not-for-profit company that is fully funded by its membership. The World Illustration Awards are delivered by The AOI in partnership with the Directory of Illustration.
- We cover the costs of running the Awards by charging an entry fee and securing sponsorship and in-kind partnerships. The income covers the costs incurred in running the Awards, including staffing, administration, development, and delivery costs.
- As part of the AOI, the World Illustration Awards are not for profit and all money goes back into the Awards and supporting illustrators and improving the illustration industry.
It’s a great way to put yourself out there, particularly if that’s not something you’re used to doing. Ultimately, it’s going to get your work seen by a lot of new people, and it can’t hurt to give it a good airing. Choose a piece that you feel particularly proud of and use it as your way of putting yourself forward and introducing yourself. In many ways, winning an award is just a bonus.
WIA2023 SAA Award Winner – Billy Partridge
Bursary Scheme
- The Association of Illustrators and Directory of Illustration offer 40 illustrators the opportunity to enter one project into the World Illustration Awards 2025 free of charge.
- This scheme has been devised to support illustrators who would otherwise not have the means to pay to enter WIA. If you think you are eligible, you can submit your request in our bursary request form which we will open around Christmas time.
- Sign up to our newsletter to find out when the Bursary applications open.
Do I need a PayPal account to pay for my entry?
- No, you don’t need to have a Paypal account but you can pay via Paypal if you wish. You can select pay with debit/credit card and uncheck the ‘create an account’ option. Paypal is just the payment portal we use. Please see our guide from 2023 here
I’ve paid through the shopping cart but my entry is not shown as paid.
- It can sometimes take a few days for your bank to release funds to Paypal and then to the form which will automatically mark your entry as paid. Please keep an eye out and check with your bank first whether the payment has actually been processed. The form will send an order confirmation coming from [email protected] once your payment has been received.
I can’t use PayPal, is there an alternative way to pay?
- Yes, if you’re based in Turkey, Singapore, or are unable to access the PayPal portal for any other reason, please get in touch with us to request the details for payment via BAC
I’ve paid by BACs, why is my entry not showing as paid?
- We have to manually update BACs payments. We check regularly for new transactions, which may take a few days to process, especially if this is an international transaction. We will honour payments received after the deadline and your entries paid in this way will be submitted, even if we receive payment after the deadline. Only paid for entries are shown to the jury.
I’m a member, do I need a code for my discounted fees?
- Your discount is automatically applied at checkout. You have to be logged into your account that is linked to your AOI membership.
I want to join the AOI before paying for my entries to benefit from the 20% discount – how do I do that?
- Being a member of the AOI supports the whole illustration industry as we are very engaged in campaigning on behalf of all illustrators – for example for fair contracts and copyright protection, so thank you for considering to join. There are many benefits to you personally as well. Find out more about joining the AOI.
What are the Awards and Prizes?
Winners of WIA2025 can look forward to some exciting prizes, from trophies and AOI memberships, to mentorship and cash for the Overall Winners.
20 Highly Commended Projects (one New Talent and one Professional per category) will receive:
• A WIA Certificate.
• An in depth profile feature on the AOI website.
• Inclusion in the touring exhibition
Each of the 20 Category Winners (one New Talent and one Professional per category) will also receive:
• A WIA trophy.
• A complimentary AOI membership with Folio for one year with all the benefits this brings including business advice, access to exclusive resources and more.
• Inclusion in the touring exhibition
2 x Overall Prizes include:
One Overall Professional Winner selected from the ten Category Winners will receive a special coveted WIA Trophy.
• They will win a generous cash prize of £2,000.
• They will receive a two-page marketing package in Workbook’s Directory of Illustration 2026 edition, valued at $4,020 US Dollars, includes a 200-image professional portfolio on directoryofillustration.com and workbook.com websites.
One of the ten New Talent Category Winners will be named as the Overall New Talent Winner.
• They will win a generous cash prize £1,000, and a copy of Workbook’s Directory of Illustration 2026 edition (releases in January 2026).
There are also three Cross-Category Awards on offer:
1) AOI Members Award, selected from any AOI Member shortlisted for WIA2024.
The winner will receive:
• a complimentary year-long membership plus folio
• a copy of the Guide to Law and the current Directories, worth £300
• Inclusion in the touring exhibition
2) The Directory of Illustration (DI) Award will be chosen from the shortlisted Professional entries by a panel of Workbook Creative staff.
• The winner will receive a single-page marketing package in Workbook’s Directory of Illustration 2026 edition, with a current value of $2,700 US Dollars.
• • Inclusion in the touring exhibition
3) All shortlisted unrepresented New Talent entries are eligible for the SAA Agents Award for New Talent
• The winner is offered a six-month trial representation with one of the leading SAA Illustration agents.
• This award includes mentoring and career development.
• The winner will also benefit from having their work showcased on the SAA’s website and across their social media platforms.
• Inclusion in the touring exhibition
Who are the Judges?
WIA Judges are experts in their sectors, chosen to represent a global view on illustration. There are 3 judges spread around the world per category. We will announce the WIA2025 jury from January but you can see 2024 judges here.
What are the judges looking for?
Every entry is reviewed by a panel of independent industry experts, who will use the following criteria to look for great illustration that is:
- Technically excellent
- Communicates its idea or message brilliantly
- Explores illustration as an artform
What are the key dates?
- 4 December 2025 – call for entries opens
- 7 January 2025 – early bird offer ends (midday UK time)
- 11 February 2025 – deadline to enter
- March – May 2025 – judging
- May 2025 – longlist announced
- July 2025 – shortlist announced
- September 2025 – winners announced
Terms and Conditions
Please read the WIA2025 terms and conditions before entering. You will be asked to agree to them before you can submit.
How do I contact the organisers?
You can contact the AOI Awards team via [email protected] – we usually reply back within two to three working days.
Check out our WIA news if you need some inspiration.
About THE
AWARDS
The World Illustration Awards is a global celebration of illustration.
The Association of Illustrators has run a juried illustration competition since 1976. The latest incarnation, the World Illustration Awards in partnership with the Directory of Illustration, has been going strong and growing since 2015.
WIA focuses on supporting and celebrating creativity internationally, by connecting illustrators with their peers and the global illustration industry.
The Awards are split into two groups: New Talent and Professional. All work, commissioned or self-initiated, is accepted across the ten categories as long as it has been created within the past year before the Call for Entries closes.
If you have any questions get in touch with the awards team
[email protected]
PRESENTED BY
The Association of Illustrators
The Association of Illustrators is the professional body for illustration in the UK. Established in 1973, the AOI champions illustrators and the illustration industry with education, promotion and campaigning to achieve a thriving industry for us all. Memberships are available for illustrators, agents and colleges with discounts available for students and represented artists.
Directory of Illustration
Workbook’s Directory of Illustration, the world’s leading illustration resource, is distributed free of charge to thousands of art commissioners who regularly hire freelance artists and animators. Advertising agencies, corporations and publishing companies depend on the searchable directoryofillustration.com website and annual printed Directory to find top talent for their campaigns and projects. In print, online and on social, we help artists successfully grow and sustain their professional careers.