Spectrum Fantastic Art

It's not a competition as such, but I still think this is of relevant interest.

"Fantasy creatures, heroes and heroines, space scenarios, elves and dragons—[Spectrum] is a must for fans of science fiction and fantasy and an indispensable reference work for art collectors, galleries, and advertising agencies."

ART SCENE INTERNATIONAL magazine

Spectrum is an annual art-book designed as a showcase for the best fantastical artwork produced in the preceding year. The book is divided into several categories, the one of which I think is of most interest to us is the Unpublished section. As it indicates, unlike all the other categories in the book, work entered here does not have to've been published; anything goes, including student work.

Despite not being an official competition, there are a lot more entries than get published in the book, so competition to get in is fierce. The deadline for this year (Spectrum 17) is 22nd of January, so there's still time to get something in!

The book itself is widely sold around the world, has one of the biggest circulations for any fantastic art-book, your contact details can go into the back, and copies are given to many major publishers and art directors, so exposure from getting into the book is huuuuuuge! Not to mention prestigious, especially if one wins an award.

There is a fee of around $10 per entry though. . .

Links:
Home - http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com/
About - http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com/about.php
Entry info - http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com/entry_info.php
The books - http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com/books.php?id=567
FAQ - http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com/faq.php

Association of Illustrators - Images

Images is the UK's leading illustration competition, annual, awards show, and touring exhibition dedicated to showcasing the very best contemporary illustration published in the UK.





Images is unique in that it is Britain's only jury-selected illustration competition, judged by a highly regarded panel of industry experts, spanning multiple categories. Each entry is marked according to how well the work fulfils the brief, originality, and technical ability. Only the highest scoring images are invited to feature in the annual, who’s structure and design combines contemporary book design of the highest quality with functionality - making Images an indispensable tool for leading commissioners and industry professionals.


FEES PER ENTRY...

£20 AOI full/associate member
£23 AOI student/college member
£30 AOI corporate/AOI/SAA agent member

£38 Non-member
£30 Student/college non-member

CATEGORIES

Advertising - AD
Books - BK
Children's Books - CB
Design - DE
New Media - NM
Editorial - ED
Self-promotion - SP
New Talent - ST

Communication Arts - 22nd January

Enter by 8th January 2010 for free
Enter by 22nd January 2010 for $10

Text taken from http://www.commarts.com/competitions/illustration

Introduce your work to the world. Enter the most prestigious competition for creativity in illustration, the Communication Arts Illustration Competition. Any Illustration first printed or produced within the last twelve months prior to the deadline is eligible. Selected by a nationally representative jury of distinguished designers, art directors and illustrators, the winning entries will be distributed worldwide in the Communication Arts Illustration Annual and on commarts.com, assuring important exposure to the creators of this outstanding work. As a service to art directors, designers and art buyers, a comprehensive index will carry contact information of the illustrators represented.

CA's Award of Excellence is one of the most-coveted awards in the industry. If chosen, winning places you in the highest ranks of your profession. Ask any creative director which competitions rank as the most influential and they'll place Communication Arts at the top of the list.

What to Enter

Any Illustration first printed or produced within the last twelve months prior to the deadline is eligible. Entries may originate from any country. Explanation of the function in English is very important to the judges. Submission of entries acknowledges the right of Communication Arts to use them for publication and exhibition.

Illustration Competition Categories/Fees
These categories are judged by the illustration jury and will appear in the Illustration Annual:
Advertising: $35 single entry/$70 series
Books: $35 single entry/$70 series
Editorial: $35 single entry/$70 series
For Sale: $35 single entry/$70 series
Institutional: $35 single entry/$70 series
Motion/Animation: $80 single entry/$160 series
Self-Promotion: $35 single entry/$70 series
Unpublished: $35 single entry/$70 series