The premier showcase for illustrators and animators, the Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition features over 400 pieces of the most outstanding works created throughout each year. Open to artists worldwide, thousands of entries are considered by a jury of professionals, which include renowned illustrators, art directors and designers. To learn how to enter your work visit the Call for Entries page.
The original works are exhibited at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators in two separate shows. The Sequential and Uncommissioned Exhibit features the year’s best multi-image projects and self-generated images made for self-promotion. The Editorial and Book Exhibit consists of art commissioned by newspapers, magazines and books. The Advertising and Institutional Exhibit features artwork created for advertisements and promotions. And the Surface/ Product Design category, which features work used on merchandise such as carpets, pillows, rugs, clothing etc., and can include repeat patterns seen on wrapping paper, wallpaper and other various textiles.
An Opening Award Gala for each part of the Annual Exhibitions is celebrated at the Society of Illustrators, and medals and certificates are presented to the illustrators and art directors whose works are judged best in each category.
All accepted entries are lavishly reproduced in full color in the Illustrators Annual Book. The leading directory of American and international illustration, the Annual presents not only the year’s finest illustrations, it also includes commentary by the artists, who explain their creative processes in their own words. In addition, essays about and examples of recipients of the Society’s Hall of Fame give historical context to the contemporary work in the book.