American Illustration 46: Call for Entries

American Illustration is one of the most influential annual illustration competitions, founded in 1982 to give experimental and personal illustration the attention it deserved. Run by AI-AP, it selects the best illustration of the year for a large hardcover annual, printed one image per page. The call for entries for American Illustration 46 is open, and the deadline is 5 March 2027.

The book is a reference for art directors who commission illustrators, and it has long given space to unpublished and personal work alongside commissions.

Who Can Enter American Illustration?

Eligibility is broader than the name suggests:

• Anyone living, working or studying in the Americas (the US, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean), of any nationality
• International illustrators with citizenship of a country in the Americas, or with representation there
• Illustrators whose work has been published or exhibited in the Americas, in print, online or in a gallery, including in international publications with global distribution

Illustrators, agencies, publishers, representatives, educators and students can all enter. Published and unpublished work is eligible, including personal work and commissions that were never used. Check the eligibility page for the exact period in which work must have been made or published.

Human-Made Work Only

AI-AP requires entrants to confirm authorship and copyright, and only accepts work made by a human creator. Images generated by artificial intelligence are not eligible.

What Selected Illustrators Receive

• Publication in the annual, a large-format hardcover book designed by a different designer each year
• A place in the online archive, with contact details and credits
• The winners' slideshow sent to the organisers' subscribers
• Introductions to clients through AI-AP's consultancy service
• A discounted ticket to the launch party in New York

All entrants receive the organisers' newsletters and can buy the book at a discount.

How to Enter

Create an AI-AP account or log in, start a new entry, choose single, series or student, and select a category. Add the illustrator's name, title, a short description, publication details and date, then upload JPG files of at least 72 dpi in RGB, up to 5 MB each, and pay by card, PayPal or invoice. Educators can enter several students as one series portfolio for extra savings.

Tips for Entering

Show your most distinctive work: the annual favours originality and a strong point of view over safe, conventional pieces. Personal and unpublished work is welcome, so don't limit yourself to commissions. Credit art directors and clients clearly for published work.

Why It Matters

For illustrators, a place in the annual is a recognised credential in editorial, publishing and advertising. Art directors use the book and the online archive to find illustrators, and AI-AP introduces winners to clients for assignments, with no charge for the introduction. The organisers also send extra copies of the book to art directors and editors recommended by winners. The annual's long-standing openness to unpublished and experimental work makes it a good place for personal projects that would not fit a commercial competition.

Credits and Permissions

For commissioned work, gather full credits before you start: the client, the publication or agency, the art director and the date of publication. Accurate credits matter if your work is selected for the annual, and they help art directors find and contact you afterwards.

Things to Consider

• Americas connection required.
• No AI-generated images.
• Personal work is welcome.
• Deadline: 5 March 2027.

Enter the Competition

Ready to be considered for the annual?

Enter American Illustration 46

Eligibility, instructions and the entry system are on the AI-AP website.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: November 4, 2026