Spring 2026
Illustration Contest

Secrets of the Wild:
The Mystery of the Morels

Artists may submit one or
more double-page spread entries
for a STEM-focused picture
chapbook for children ages 4–8.

The goal of each spread should
be to help children explore the
hidden life of morel mushrooms through
visual storytelling, with some spreads
incorporating cutaway compositions.


Submission Window:
January 1 – June 15, 2026


Eligibility:
Students & non-professional illustrators
(artists under 18 may participate
with parent/legal guardian permission)


Grand Prize: $300 USD
Second Place, Third Place with five Honorable Mentions

Artist Portal - LEARN MORE
Educator Portal - Learn more

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UPCOMING CONTESTS


Fall 2026 Illustration Contest

Inkspire.gallery’s 2026 Fall Illustration Contest will challenge emerging artists to illustrate scenes from North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (1855). This project shines a spotlight on the novel’s enduring relevance—an exploration of empathy and social justice that continues to resonate today.

Artists will have the opportunity to respond to themed illustration prompts and may choose to work in their own distinctive style or draw inspiration from a Western or global artistic tradition.

Submission Window: July 1 – December 15, 2026

Spring 2027 Illustration Contest


Inkspire.gallery’s 2027 Spring Illustration Contest will invite artists to create illustrations that help toddlers say goodnight to baby forest friends.

Artists will be challenged to convey warmth and emotional connection while working within carefully defined color palette and layout guidelines.

Submission Window: January 1 – June 15, 2027


Frequently Asked Questions

  • This contest is open to students and early-career (non-professional) illustrators. Artists under the age of 18 may participate with parental or legal guardian permission.

  • For the purposes of this contest, an early-career illustrator is defined as an artist who has no more than four (4) published illustrations in widely distributed books, magazines, or media.

    Work published on personal websites, social media platforms, independent zines, class projects, or self-published outlets does not count toward this total.

  • Yes. Artists under 18 are Artists under 18 are welcome to participate with parent or legal guardian consent. The required permission form must be completed and signed during submission; entries submitted without proper consent are not eligible to receive contest prizes.

  • Both traditional and digital artwork are welcome. Please note that submissions are expected to meet the technical specifications outlined in the contest guidelines. Only entries that meet these requirements are eligible for prizes.

  • No. AI-generated or AI-assisted imagery is not permitted.

  • Yes. Digital illustration tools and software are allowed, provided the artwork is created by the artist and does not involve generative AI imagery.

  • Entry to the Artist Portal is required to access official contest prompts, guidelines, and submission instructions.

  • Access to the Artist Portal is free; submitting artwork requires a separate paid contest entry.

Enter Artist Portal