Frequently Asked Questions

Please read below for answers to frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, then please email [email protected]
Don’t panic on deadline day if you don’t hear from us immediately – we are probably busy. Rest assured – we will ensure everyone gets to enter and will get back to you as soon as we can.

When can I enter?

• The deadline for WIA2024 has just been extended to Thursday 22 February 2024, at the end of the day wherever you are in the world.
• 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.

What can I enter?

• Illustration, or projects featuring illustration, in any format or usage can be entered into WIA 2024. This includes still images, animated gifs and animations, created in any medium such as digitally, painted or collage. You can also enter photos of your work in situ, such as murals or a display of your products.
• Work can be self-initiated, such as coursework or portfolio work, or commissioned by a client, and created by illustrators working in any sector. The illustration must have been created, completed, commissioned, or published since January 2023.
• You must enter using the online form. You will need to choose a category, single or multiple format and whether to enter as a New Talent or Professional illustrator. 
• Before you start, it might be helpful to check out projects from the past on our WIA project page.
• Please note – Entries that have been created with the use of AI text-to-image generating software or platforms are not currently eligible to be entered into WIA.

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?

Check out our resource for advice on choosing your category and the ten category descriptions here: https://theaoi.com/world-illustration-awards/categories/

How do I fill in the form?

Please read this resource here: https://theaoi.com/world-illustration-awards/how-to-enter-wia2024/ or you can just watch our How To Enter video on Youtube if easier.

Can I add a URL to a single entry?

No, you can’t. Please select multiple to add a 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.

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 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.

During the call for entries:

• Selected entries will be featured on WIA, AOI and DoI social media platforms. These are chosen to represent the breadth and diversity of illustration entered into the competition.
• Prospective entrants are invited to join us for a free, interactive webinar on how to enter on 16 January 2024 at 3pm UK time.
• All entrants will receive an email with exclusive resources for promoting their entries.

500 projects will be longlisted by the jury for the Awards

• All 500 longlisted projects will feature on the AOI website. Each project will be displayed on its own page with the information you provide with your entry.
• Be invited to an exclusive webinar on promoting their inclusion in the longlist.
• Longlisted illustrators will receive a digital badge for their website and social media, and a resource for promoting their inclusion in the longlist.
• Selected projects will be showcased across our social media platforms.
• Be offered an exclusive discount on AOI membership for one year.

200 projects will be shortlisted for the Awards. Shortlisted illustrators will:

• Be invited to an exclusive webinar on promoting their inclusion in the shortlist.
• Receive a set of resources on self promotion and creating content around their participation in WIA2024.
• See their work featured in a digital catalogue, which is distributed to commissioners worldwide (tbc)
• See their work featured in an Online Showcase as part of the Shortlist announcement in July 2024.
• Be invited to attend the Online Awards Evening in September 2024, a highlight of the illustration industry event calendar.
• Be invited to attend one of a series of online meet up events for WIA2024 shortlisted illustrators to help you meet and connect.
• Be offered an exclusive discount on AOI membership for one year.
• Receive a digital badge for their website and social media.
• Receive incredible exposure across our digital and real-world networks: the WIA is a proven platform for illustrators to consolidate and expand networks.

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:
£32 (GBP) per Single Entry // £53 (GBP) per Multiple Entry
€36 (EURO) per Single Entry // €60 (EURO) per Multiple Entry
$40 (USD) per Single Entry // $66 (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.

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.

Bursary Scheme

The Association of Illustrators and Directory of Illustration offer 40 illustrators the opportunity to enter one project into the World Illustration Awards 2024 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 here in our bursary request form by 31 January 2024.

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. Please see our guide 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 them back 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 BACs.

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 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: https://theaoi.com/product-category/membership/

What are the Awards and Prizes?

Winners of WIA2024 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 global touring exhibition

Each of the 20 Category Winners (one New Talent and one Professional per category) will also receive:
• A WIA trophy.
• An enhanced entry in the digital catalogue (TBC)
• A complimentary AOI membership with Folio for one year with all the benefits this brings including business advice, access to exclusive ressources and more.
• Inclusion in the global touring exhibition

Overall Prizes include:

One Overall Professional Winner, selected from the ten Category Winners will receive a 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 2025 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 2025 edition (releases in January 2025).

There are also four Cross-Category Awards on offer:

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
• a WIA Certificate
• Inclusion in the global touring exhibition

The DI Award, selected from all shortlisted Professional entries
• The Directory of Illustration 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 2025 edition, with a current value of $2,700 US dollars.
• Inclusion in the global touring exhibition

The Huion Digital Innovation Award, selected from all shortlisted entries using digital media in all or part of its creation, is given to a project displaying considerable innovation with digital media.
• The winner will win a Huion pen display (high-end).
• They will also be presented with a WIA certificate.
• Inclusion in the global touring exhibition

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.
• The winner will also be presented with a WIA certificate
• Inclusion in the global 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 WIA2024 jury from January.

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?

• 1 December 2023 – call for entries opens
• 3 January 2024 – early bird offer ends (midday UK time)
• 13 February 2024 – deadline to enter
• March – May 2024 – judging
• May 2024 – longlist announced
• July 2024 – shortlist announced
• September 2024 – winners announced

Terms and Conditions

Please read the WIA2024 terms and conditions here 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.