SCBWI Australian Picture Book Illustrator Awards
The SCBWI Australian Picture Book Illustrator Awards recognise the talent of PAL published Australian children’s illustrators, in visual narrative for picture books and graphic novels from early childhood to young adult. The Award is managed by SCBWI Australia East and is funded by the Copyright Agency.
There are two categories – Established and Emerging Illustrator Awards for Australian illustrators with prize money to assist an illustrator with the creation of a new visual narrative picture book or graphic novel:
Established Illustrator Award for Australian Illustrators
Established illustrators, those with four or more picture books or graphic novels that are already published by a PAL publisher. The successful applicant will win an award of $8,000 to assist with the creation of a new picture book or graphic novel. Second prize is $3,000 and third $1,000. In addition, there can be up to two Highly Commended prizes of $500 each.
Emerging Illustrator Award for Australian Illustrators
Emerging illustrators, defined as those with between one and three picture books or graphic novels that are already published by a PAL Publisher. The successful applicant will win an award of $1,000 to assist with the creation of a new picture book or graphic novel. In addition, there can be up to two Highly Commended prizes of $500 each.
The awards can be used to help cover living expenses, travel and research costs, art materials, costs associated with training in a traditional technique, new technology, writing, design or layout, or costs associated with working with experts in identified areas of need including writing, editing or art methods.
All award winners will be asked to present at an online session for 10-12mins about an aspect of their process and give tips and advice for other creators keen to enter the awards.
If you wish to apply for this Award, please read the Guidelines and the FAQs before preparing your application.
To find the SCBWI guidelines and list of PAL Publishers CLICK HERE.
Key dates
Applications open: 1 May 2024
Applications close: Applications Closed
Notification of results: by email 1 September 2024
How to Apply for the Award
If you wish to apply for this Award, please read the Guidelines and the FAQs before preparing your application.
The Judges
Ann James—Author and Illustrator
Ann’s earlier life as an art teacher is the foundation for her approach to illustrating books for children. In a career spanning 45 years, she has illustrated over 70 books, collaborating with many authors and publishers. In 1988, she and Ann Haddon established Books Illustrated, a gallery and bookshop, promoting Australian picture books and their creators through exhibitions in Australia and overseas for 35 years.
Ann was a director on the Board of The Australian Society of Authors representing children’s book creators for 20 years, and a founding director on the Board of the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation. As an Ambassador of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, Ann has the wonderful opportunity to work with children in some of the most remote and inspiring communities in Australia. Her interest in supporting and promoting creators of Australian children’s books has been acknowledged over her career. In 2000 she was awarded the Pixie O’Harris Award and, in 2002, the Dromkeen Medal for services to children's literature. Ann was the Australian illustrator nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2020. In 2016 Ann was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia.
Angus Yuen-Killick—Publisher, Red Comet Press
His roles have included VP of Marketing at Penguin Young Readers, Global Director of Marketing at Disney Publishing Worldwide, and Associate Publisher at Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. Experience includes publishing strategy, publicity, sub-rights, licensing, contract negotiations, brand and IP management.
Angus has served on the boards of the Children’s Book Council and the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of NCTE, a judge for the Reading Rainbow competition, and taught at the Columbia Publishing Course. He is currently serving on the board of the US Board of Books for Young People and is a trustee on the board of his son’s school which serves students with learning disabilities.
Tiffany Malins—Publisher, Scholastic Press
Tiffany Malins is a Publisher with over 15 years’ editing and publishing experience. She started her working life as a bookseller, before completing a Bachelor of Design in Visual Communications (Hons), where she developed her long-standing interest in visual and illustrated storytelling. Tiffany has spent the majority of her career working in children’s publishing and is currently Publisher at Scholastic Press, Scholastic Australia.
Thank you to Liz Anelli for creating the gorgeous artwork for the awards!
