Introduction

BIBF International Illustration Award is one of the special brands under the umbrella of Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF), with professional international review resources, integrating the three major projects of overseas artist residency, overseas publishing fund, and overseas exhibition of winning works. The competition categories are divided into professional and children's tracks. The winning works are recommended by BIBF to overseas publishing institutions, exhibited in the BIBF International Illustration Exhibition, and have the opportunity to be exhibited in the next Bologna Children's Book Fair. The winning illustrators will be invited to attend the award ceremony and BIBF International Illustration Forum during the Beijing International Book Fair.

Awards Introduction

Professional Competition

The 2026 BIBF International Illustration Awards (Professional) includes a total of six categories（Children’s Publishing, Advertising, Covers, Science & Technology, Editorial and Product & Packaging），and each category is divided into two groups: “published” and “unpublished”, aiming to provide a fair and impartial display platform for illustration works at different stages of creation.

A Gold Award and an Expert Recommended Award will be set for each group of each category in recognition of the artistic and professional excellence of illustrators. In addition, the competition will select a winner of the Global Award (Best of best), which represents the highest honor, among the entries in all groups for the Professional competition, in recognition of her/his outstanding contribution to creativity and influence.

BOB (Best of best) Global Award

Trophy and Certificate(10000CNY)

Gold Awards (Unpublished 6/Published 6)

Unpublished Trophy and Certificate(3000CNY)
Published Trophy and Certificate

Expert Recommended Awards (Unpublished 6/Published 6)

Unpublished Trophy and Certificate(2000CNY)
Published Trophy and Certificate

Shortlisted Awards (60)

 Certificate

* All prizes are pre-tax amounts, and the individual must pay the applicable tax.

Teenager Competition

The 2026 BIBF International Illustration Awards (Teenager) includes two major categories: picture books and the specific theme. Each category is divided into three groups: “4-8 years old group”, “9-12 years old group” and “13-18 years old group”, aiming to provide young creators of different ages with opportunities to showcase their talents and creativity and encourage their self-expression and exploration in the process of artistic creation.

In each category, each of the three groups will confer one Gold Award and one Expert Recommendation Award to recognize exceptional works by youth participants. In addition, First, Second, Third, and Merit Prizes are established to encourage broader participation and sustained advancement in artistic expression and creative conception.

Gold Awards (6)

Trophy and Certificate

Expert Recommended Awards (6)

Trophy and Certificate

First Award (20)

Award Certificate

Second Award (30)

Award Certificate

Third Award (50)

Award Certificate

Excellence Awards (160)

Digital Award Certificate

Timeline

Submission period

October 20, 2026 – March 10, 2027

Review Period

Preliminary Review: March 20–25, 2027

Final Review: June 16–20, 2027

Process

  1. Login and Registration

    Visit the official Awards website to register and access the appropriate link to complete the application form and submission page.

  2. Registration Methods

    Professional
    • Individual Illustrator Registration: Access the "Professional Individual Registration" portal to fill out the required details.
    • Art Schools, Publishing Institutions, Illustration Studios, or Creative Content Companies: Access the "Professional Institutional Registration" portal to complete the application.
    Teenger
    • Individual Registration: Access the "Teenager Individual Registration" portal to fill out the required details.

  3. Work Description

    Provide a brief work description of each submission, no more than 150 words, in both Chinese and English. Additional details, such as creative processes or sources of inspiration, may be included in the form.

  4. Submission Requirements

    Professional

    • Children’s Publishing: Submit at least 5 illustrations, all from the same book or based on the same creative theme;
    • Product & Packaging: In addition to illustrations, submit renderings, actual product photos, or prototype images;
    • Other Categories: Submit 1–3 illustrations.

    Teenager

    Picture Book: Entries must include image files of a complete picture book or handmade book, containing basic elements such as the cover, interior pages, back cover, text, and illustrations.

  1. Submission Limits

    • Professional: Each participant may enter up to 5 categories, with a limit of one set of works per category; the same work may not be submitted across multiple categories.
    • Children: Each participant may enter two categories, with a limit of one set of works per category; the same work may not be submitted to multiple categories.

  2. Artistic Techniques and Format

    • No restrictions on artistic techniques.
    • File format and size: JPG, 5MB to 10MB.
    • Resolution: At least 300 dpi.
    • Color mode: CMYK.
    • Suggest using Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox browser to upload.

  3. About Certificates

    For all shortlisted entrants across all tracks of this competition, the organizers will no longer mail paper certificates; digital certificates will be made available online, and entrants may download them directly from the competition website.

Declaration

  1. Entrants warrant that all submitted entries do not infringe upon any third party’s copyright, right of publicity, or other lawful rights and interests.
  2. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to directly reject any entry that violates the cultural norms or moral standards of any country, or that does not meet the contest’s submission requirements.
  3. Entries must be the entrant’s own original work. If any intellectual property or copyright disputes arise, the Organizing Committee reserves the right to disqualify the entrant, and the entrant shall bear all legal liabilities arising therefrom.
  4. The organizing body may use the submitted works for non-commercial purposes, including exhibition, publication (electronic publication), distribution, archiving, technological research and development, and educational purposes. For promotional purposes, the organizing body may make appropriate modifications or adjustments to the works without prior consent from the entrant.
  5. There are no restrictions on the medium of the entries; both traditional and digital media works are eligible for submission. This competition does not accept works generated or modified by artificial intelligence. Upon verification, the Organizing Committee reserves the right to disqualify the entrant, and the entrant shall bear all related consequences.
  6. For any matters not covered in these rules, the Organizing Committee shall formulate supplementary detailed rules and reserves the right of final interpretation.