The competition, titled Dots x Circles Illustration Awards 2025 ("the Competition"), is organized and promoted by Dots x Circles, an initiative dedicated to supporting and recognizing illustrators worldwide.

2.1 The Competition is open to illustrators worldwide, except where participation is prohibited by local laws.
2.2 Entrants must be at least 18 years old.
2.3 Eligible entrants include:

• Professional illustrators submitting their own work.

• Students enrolled in art or design programs.

• Collaborative artworks (Illustrations created by multiple artists) are not allowed.

• Agents, commissioners, or tutors submitting on behalf of an illustrator with written permission.

2.4 Submitted works must not have received any previous awards.
2.5 Employees, affiliates, and judges associated with Dots x Circles are not eligible to participate.

4.1 Entry fees are determined per category and are non-refundable.
4.2 Payment must be completed before the submission deadline.
4.3 Discounts are offered for membership submissions entries.

5.1 An expert panel of industry professionals will evaluate the submissions.
5.2 The judging criteria include concept, creativity, technical execution, originality, artistic merit, and thematic relevance.
5.3 Judging occurs in multiple rounds, including longlisting, shortlisting, and final selection of winners.
5.4 All judges’ decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

6.1 Winning and shortlisted entries will be showcased in an online exhibition and promoted through Dots x Circles’ platforms
6.2 Winners may receive cash prizes, certificates, and promotional opportunities.

6.3 Cash awards will be paid by bank transfer in US Dollars only into the prize winner's nominated bank account. If the winner is not a US resident, the cash award may be subject to international wire transfer fees and applicable tax withholding.
6.4 Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for other goods or services.

6.5 Dots x Circles reserves the right not to present an award if the quality of entries in a particular category is deemed insufficient.

7.1 Entrants retain full copyright ownership of their submitted works.
7.2 By entering, participants grant Dots x Circles a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to feature their work and the personal information submitted with it for credit in promotional materials, annuals, magazines, exhibitions, and online showcases.
7.3 Proper credit will always be given to the artist in any promotional use.

8.1 Dots x Circles is not responsible for lost, incomplete, or corrupted submissions.
8.2 Entrants are responsible for ensuring they have the legal right to submit their work.
8.3 The competition organizers reserve the right to disqualify any entry that violates these terms.

9.1 Dots x Circles reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time.
9.2 Any disputes will be resolved under the jurisdiction of the governing laws of the United States.