Illustrators of the Future Contest 2027

The Illustrators of the Future Contest is a free, long-running competition for new science fiction and fantasy artists from anywhere in the world. Every quarter, judges choose three winners, each receiving $500. Once a year, one of the twelve quarterly winners receives the Golden Brush Award and an additional $5,000. Entry is free, you keep all publication rights, and the next deadline is 31 December 2026 for the first quarter of 2027.

The contest runs alongside the Writers of the Future Contest, and winning illustrators are published in the annual anthology, illustrating stories by the winning writers.

Who Can Enter the Contest?

New science fiction and fantasy artists worldwide. You can enter once per quarter, and in all four quarters of a year. It is particularly relevant to:

• Illustrators who want to work on book covers and genre publishing
• Concept artists building a portfolio
• Students and self-taught artists drawn to science fiction and fantasy

What Can You Enter?

Three science fiction or fantasy artworks, in colour or black and white. AI-generated art is not accepted. The full rules on the official site explain the eligibility limits for artists who have already been professionally published.

Entry Fees

Free to enter. Entrants keep all publication rights.

What Do Winners Receive?

• Quarterly prizes: three winners each receive $500, for $1,500 per quarter
• Annual grand prize: the L. Ron Hubbard Golden Brush Award and an additional $5,000
• Publication: winners illustrate stories in the annual anthology

Submission Requirements

Submit three original artworks online through the official contest page before the quarterly deadline. Read the full contest rules before entering, especially the eligibility requirements.

Why Enter Illustrators of the Future?

Free competitions with regular cash prizes are rare in illustration, and this one gives new artists a route into published genre work. Because there are four deadlines a year, you can enter again with new work if you are not selected.

How to Make a Strong Entry

Treat the three pieces as a small portfolio. Show that you can design a convincing world, tell a story in one image and draw figures, creatures or machines with confidence. Variety helps: a character piece, an environment and a narrative scene show range. Choose work that suits book illustration: clear composition, strong lighting and an image that makes the viewer ask what happens next. Avoid fan art of existing franchises; original ideas are what the judges are looking for.

About the Contest

The illustration contest was founded in 1988 as the companion to the Writers of the Future Contest, which began in 1983. Over the decades it has helped many artists start careers in illustration, games and film.

What the Judges Look For

The judges are professional illustrators and artists from the science fiction and fantasy field. They look for imagination, storytelling and solid fundamentals: anatomy, perspective, light and colour. Digital and traditional work are both welcome, but the images should feel finished. Think of your entry as the beginning of a professional portfolio for book covers, games and film.

Things to Consider

• Free entry: no fee, and you keep your rights.
• Three artworks: science fiction or fantasy only.
• No AI art: entries must be your own work.
• Quarterly: enter again next quarter with new work.
• Deadline: 31 December 2026, 11:59 p.m. Pacific time.

Enter the Competition

Ready to submit your artwork?

Enter the Illustrator Contest

For the full rules and entry form, visit the official Writers of the Future website.

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

Last verified: October 28, 2026