The Association of Illustrators (AOI), in partnership with the Directory of Illustration, has announced the long-awaited shortlist for the 2025 World Illustration Awards.
From over 4,700 submissions across 85 countries, just 200 projects have been selected and are now available to view in a spectacular online exhibition celebrating the best in global illustration.
This year’s entries, spanning categories such as Editorial, Children’s Books, Science and Technology, Animation, Design Product and Packaging, Advertising, and Site Specific works, highlight the craftsmanship and talent of contemporary illustrators, with judges praising innovation, emotion, and technical prowess.
The shortlist showcases some of the most exciting illustration work from around the world. It is an important way for clients to discover quality illustrators and to honor the illustration industry.
All shortlisted projects are in contention to win, and on 16 of September 2025, the Category Winning and Highly Commended projects in each category will be announced online.
“Judging this year’s entries was like being handed a front-row seat to a visual fireworks show,” said Editorial judge Dian Holton. “The range, heart, and sheer imagination in the work was a reminder of just how thrilling this field can be.”
Tim Claeys, a judge in the Exploration and Science & Technology categories, echoed the excitement: “The standard of illustrations we were presented with was really high and stylistically diverse. Illustrators are leveraging technology not just for efficiency but to push visual boundaries.”
There are also four cross-category honours, including the SAA Award for an unrepresented student and the XPPen Digital Innovation Award for the most cutting-edge digital work.
The World Illustration Awards, presented annually by AOI and Directory of Illustration, are one of the industry’s most prestigious platforms, celebrating creativity and promoting illustrators on the global stage.
Explore the full shortlist now at worldillustrationawards.com/projects. We are proud of all illustrators.
