As the 2024 Golden Pinwheel call for entries drew to an end on 11 June, the CCBF-run illustration competition launched in 2015 once again confirmed it has won the confidence and attention of young illustrators all around the planet. During over two months submission period, we received widespread attention and participation from illustrators and children's book creators around the world.
This year's competition received a total of 2,584 valid submissions from 72 countries and regions on six continents, by 2,228 illustrators, including 2,050 in the Book Publishing Category and 534 in the Commercial Category. The total number of works reached 14,067, up 10.7% year-on-year compared to 2023. Among them, 66% of the submissions came from China and 34% from overseas countries and regions, once again confirming the growing scale and influence of the competition.
The top 10 countries and regions in terms of the number of submissions are China, Russia, Iran, Italy, Malaysia, Spain, Brazil, UK, Poland, USA & Mexico (The last two are tied for tenth place). Among them, Malaysia, USA and Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time. Surprisingly, new illustrators from Cyprus, Sweden, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Honduras, Cuba, Barbados and Afghanistan were also added to the competition. In addition to individual submissions, 41 other publishers, design studios, industry associations and professional institutions from home and abroad participated in the competition in the name of their institutions. They submitted a total of 147 entries, an increase of 21.5% compared to the same period last year in 2023.
The illustration works submitted this year present a rich and colourful theme, as well as the novel theme. They not only showcase the unique expression of the artist’s distinct personality, but also exude a childlike viewing interest. At the same time, there is also a deep exploration of the self-world and a sincere expression of true emotions.
Since the Commercial category establishment, it has received widespread attention from both inside and outside the industry. This year, as the second year of its establishment, the organising committee was delighted to find that the quality of these entries had significantly improved compared to last year. This is not only reflected in the rich diversity of creativity and design, but also in the commercial value and market application potential conveyed by the work. At the same time, book publishing submissions are equally brilliant, with numerous talented illustrators using diverse artistic techniques, not only showcasing their superb skills, but also showcasing profound thinking and thoughtful creation in the content and themes of children's literature.
Since 19 June, the competition has been in an intense judging phase for the finalists. The jury of eight renowned industry professionals with different professional backgrounds includes Yukiko Hiromatsu (Japan), Jon Klassen (USA), Morgane Vasta (France), Xiao Aozi (China), Yao Hong (China) in the Book Publishing category, and Hadi Barkat (Switzerland), Giacomo Benelli (Italy), Tango (China) in the Commercial category. will select finalists in the book publishing and commercial application categories from valid submissions through a blind judging process.
Let's wait for the announcement of all finalist illustrators on September 5!
All finalists in Book Publishing category and all awarded entries in Commercial category will be presented at the 2024 Golden Pinwheel International Young Illustrators Competition Exhibition to be held concurrently at the Shanghai Children's Book Fair site this year, which will be held at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center from November 15 to 17.
All finalists' works (including the Book Publishing category and Commercial category) will also be included in the "2024 Golden Pinwheel International Young Illustrator Competition Yearbook" and promoted among domestic and international children's book publishers, agents, editors, as well as major branding, art and advertising related professionals and commercial organisations, to bring more creative opportunities for outstanding young illustrators.
Winners will be announced during the Shanghai Children's Book Fair. In addition to the competition exhibition, the organising committee will also present a series of professional activities designed for illustrators during the Shanghai Children's Book Fair:
- An Illustrators Survival Corner that includes forums, creative workshops and one-on-one portfolio reviews;
- The Young Illustrators Avenue for illustrators, artists and content creators, which combines business collaboration, learning exchange, industry socialization and product showcase. This year's recruitment will be launched soon, so stay tuned to the official information of the Shanghai Children's Book Fair!
The success of the 2024 Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition call for entries would not have been possible without the support of our numerous partners. A big thank you from all of us, and we look forward to having you back on board next year!
