The 2025 Folio Book Illustration Award is an internationally acclaimed competition that seeks illustrators to showcase their creativity and storytelling skills through visual art. This award, organized annually by The Folio Society, highlights exceptional talent in book illustration, inviting artists from around the globe to create compelling artwork based on timeless literary narratives. For the 2025 edition, illustrators are specifically challenged to interpret the enchanting Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Rapunzel, capturing the essence and magic of the classic story through a single, striking illustration.
As a renowned platform for emerging illustrators, the Folio Book Illustration Award serves as a significant career milestone, offering unparalleled exposure within the publishing industry. Participants have the opportunity to gain recognition from leading industry professionals, enhancing their portfolios and broadening their professional networks. The award is uniquely designed to foster creativity, originality, and innovative artistic interpretation, encouraging entrants to explore diverse styles and visual storytelling techniques while reimagining iconic literary moments.
In addition to promoting artistic excellence, the Folio Book Illustration Award embodies The Folio Society’s longstanding commitment to quality book design and illustration. It underscores the importance of visual storytelling in enhancing readers’ experiences and supports the development of future generations of book illustrators. By spotlighting fresh talent annually, the award not only enriches the publishing world but also ensures that the vibrant tradition of beautifully illustrated literature continues to thrive and inspire readers worldwide.
There is no entry fee.
Eligibility
Open to anyone aged 18 or over who has not previously been commissioned by The Folio Society.
Prize
The winner will receive a £2,000 cash prize, £500 in Folio Society vouchers, and the opportunity for their artwork to be featured in a future Folio edition. Additionally, five runners-up will each receive £500 in Folio vouchers.