Pictoric Illustration Contest 2026 reveals first winners across main categories

The Pictoric Illustration Contest 2026 has announced the winners of its two main categories, Children’s Book Illustration and Student Illustration. Selected by an international jury from 873 authors worldwide, the winners represent a diverse range of countries and artistic approaches. The contest aims to support illustration as a professional artistic practice while fostering creative exchange, professional growth, and international dialogue among illustrators.

The 2026 edition featured three categories: “Children’s Book Illustration,” “Student Illustration,” and “Special Theme,” connected to the Book Arsenal theme “Bear Your Freedom.”

In the “Children’s Book Illustration” category, first place was awarded to Luis San Vicente (Mexico) for the project “Kala.” Chenyue Yuan (United Kingdom) received second place for “Gugu on the Pasture.” Third place was shared by Natalia Aguerre (Argentina) for “Un nudo en la garganta,” and Hsi Hui-Lin (Taiwan) for “Where is Mr. MOON?”

A special jury prize went to Lucia Sarabia (Mexico) for “¡Que viva el pulque!”

The category’s shortlist featured 20 artists from Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Israel, Poland, Ukraine, Germany, Colombia, Vietnam, the United States, Hungary, and Uruguay.

In the “Student Illustration” category, Windi Zhu (China) won first place with “Little dragon king.” Harpreet Singh (India) took second place for “Its Delhi there is space for everyone.” Third place was shared by Nataliia Vishchyk (Ukraine) for “Gentle Giant,” and Oliver Arthur (Canada) for “Death Rattle.”

A special mention was awarded to Bomi Son (South Korea) for Little by little, again, eventually… 

The student category shortlist included 22 young illustrators from Lithuania, Germany, Israel, France, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Poland, Colombia, Turkey, and China.

According to the organizers, the Pictoric Illustration Contest helps strengthen the international illustration community by providing creators with opportunities for professional recognition, international visibility, and participation in global cultural dialogue.

The contest was established by the Pictoric community in collaboration with Goethe-Institut Ukraine, Book Arsenal, and the Polish Institute in Kyiv.

The international jury for the competition included:

• Artist and printmaker Katrin Stangl;
• Art director and publisher Flóra Peťovská;
• Founders of the Agrafka art studio Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv;
• Illustrator Anna Sarvira;
• Illustrator Gosia Herba.

The Pictoric Illustration Contest (PIC) is an international platform created to support illustration as a contemporary professional practice. The contest brings together illustrators from different countries and career stages, offering a space for artistic exchange, experimentation, and professional visibility. Developed with strong institutional and international support, PIC follows high professional standards while remaining open and accessible.

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Main image: Pictoric

Images: Artem Galkin