About the Awards

The Dots x Circles Illustration Awards is an international stage that celebrates the art of illustration, where personal creativity meets global recognition and professional connection. We believe a great illustration is more than technique; it’s a story that resonates and inspires. This competition invites artists to freely explore styles and themes, with the option to submit across multiple categories. Winners are honored with four levels of distinction, inspired by the primary colors of art, Red, Yellow, and Blue, culminating in Black, the ultimate symbol of creative fusion and artistic mastery.

This isn’t just a competition. It’s a conversation through art, and an invitation to share your story with the world.

Competition Categories & Requirements

A. Editorial

This category highlights illustrations created for journalism, news, editorial publications, and sustainability-related storytelling in both digital and print formats.

Examples: Feature articles, opinion pieces, political cartoons, and environmental awareness projects.

B. Publishing

For illustrations for books aimed at readers aged 16 and above, including fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novels.

Examples: Book covers, full-spread interior illustrations, illustrated essays.

C. Children's Publishing

Illustrations that contribute to storytelling in children’s books for ages 4–12.

Examples: Picture books, storybooks, and illustrated educational materials.

D. Advertising & Promotion

Commercial illustrations designed for branding, marketing, and advertising purposes.

Examples: Posters, product packaging, social media campaigns, key visuals.

E. Fashion Illustration

Illustrations that interpret or enhance fashion industry visuals, including character designs and stylized fashion figures.

Examples: Fashion brand campaigns, editorial fashion spreads, textile illustrations.

F. Pattern & Surface Design

Illustrations created for product and textile applications.

Examples: Patterns for clothing, wallpapers, stationary, and accessories.

G. Self-Promotion

A category for illustrators to showcase personal projects developed to highlight their signature artistic style.

Examples: Portfolio pieces, experimental artwork, personal branding visuals.

H. Student Illustration

A dedicated category for students currently enrolled in art, design, or illustration programs.

Examples: Course assignments, experimental illustrations, independent projects.

Eligibility & Entry Requirements

Open to illustrators worldwide, including professionals, emerging artists, and students.

All submissions must be original work created from January 1, 2023, to the present.
All submissions must not have received any previous awards.
Artists can submit multiple entries, but each category must be entered separately.
Collaborative artworks (illustrations created by multiple artists) are not allowed.
AI-generated artworks are strictly prohibited. Any entry found to incorporate AI-generated elements will be disqualified.
Entries must not infringe on copyright or intellectual property rights.

Submission Guidelines

All the images must be RGB in JPG or PNG format with a maximum file size of 2MB.

How to Submit

Register on the Dots x Circles website.
Log in and pay the entry fee (discounts available for General members and Gold members) on the Member Club.
Complete the entry form, providing details about yourself and your artwork. Upload your artwork according to category-specific requirements.
Submit before the deadline to be eligible.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be reviewed by a panel of experts invited by Dots x Circles based on the following:

Concept & Creativity (40%) – Innovation, originality, and storytelling impact.
Technical Execution (30%) – Artistic skill, composition, and technique.
Category Relevance (20%) – How well the illustration fits its respective category.
Industry Impact (10%) – The artwork’s potential for professional or commercial success.

Licensing & Usage Rights

Artists retain full ownership and copyright of their work.
By submitting, artists grant Dots x Circles Illustration Awards a non-exclusive right to showcase winning and shortlisted works for competition-related promotions (e.g., website, social media, press features).
Winning works will also be sent to art directors, publishers, and industry professionals worldwide to help artists gain exposure.
Any further commercial use will require direct artist permission.

Prizes & Recognition

Black Circle Award(Best of the Best) - 1 overall winner (Cash Prize US $2000 ) – Certificate + Cash Prize + Exclusive Digital Annual feature and free copy + Feature in all forms of Promotional Campaign
Red Circle Award (First Place in Each Category) – 1 winner per category (US $350 each) – Certificate + Cash Prize + Exclusive Digital Annual feature and free copy + Feature in all forms of Promotional Campaign
Yellow Circle Award (Second Place in Each Category) – 1 winner per each category – Certificate + Exclusive Digital Annual feature and free copy + Spotlight on Official Website + Online Gallery Exhibition + Social Media Feature
Blue Circle Award (Third Place in Each Category) – Up to 20 winners per category –Certificate + Official Website feature + Online Gallery Exhibition + Social Media Feature
Shortlists – Digital Showcase & Social Media Feature + Exclusive Digital Annual feature and discount on purchase
Longlists – Social Media Feature