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Science & Technology, Editorial and Product & Packaging），and each category is divided into two groups: “published” and “unpublished”, aiming to provide a fair and impartial display platform for illustration works at different stages of creation.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Gold Awards (Unpublished 6/Published 6)

Unpublished Trophy and Certificate(3000CNY)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Expert Recommended Awards (Unpublished 6/Published 6)

Unpublished Trophy and Certificate(2000CNY)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 Prize (20)

Award Certificate

Second Prize (30)

Award Certificate

Third Prize (50)

Award Certificate

Excellence Awards (120)

Digital Award Certificate

Timeline

Submission period

October 10, 2025 – March 10, 2026

Review Period

Preliminary Review: March 20–25, 2026

Final Review: June 17–21, 2026

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

    • Picture Book Category: Submit no fewer than five illustrations from the same book or theme.
    • Packaging Category: Submit effect renderings, product images, or mockups.
    • Other Categories: Submit 1–3 illustrations.

  1. Submission Limits

    • Professional: Each participant can submit works in up to five categories, with one set of works per category.
    • Children: Each participant can submit works in up to two categories, with one set of works per category.

  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. Submission of Award-winning Work

    After the final evaluation, award-winning works must be submitted in their original form for the BIBF Illustration Exhibition. For the Professional Category, if return shipping is required, please include a printed return address and use SF Express Cash on Delivery. Teenager Category exhibition works will not be returned.

Declaration

  1. All entries must ensure that they do not infringe upon the rights of any third parties.
  2. The organizing committee reserves the right to reject any entries that violate the cultural or moral standards of any country or do not meet the competition requirements.
  3. Entries submitted by participants must be original works. In the event of any intellectual property or copyright disputes, the organizing committee has the right to disqualify the entry, and the participant must bear the corresponding consequences.
  4. The organizing institution has the right to exhibit, publish (including electronic publication), distribute, collect, conduct technical research and development, and use the entries for educational and other non-commercial purposes. It also has the right to modify and adjust them according to promotional needs without prior notice to the participant.
  5. Entries can cover traditional media and digital media, but entries generated or adjusted by artificial intelligence (AI) will not be accepted. If discovered, the organizing committee has the right to disqualify the entry, and the participant must bear the corresponding consequences.
  6. Any matters not covered by these rules will be further defined and interpreted by the organizing committee.