It's official. The Association of Illustrators, in partnership with the Directory of Illustration in California, has announced the winners for the 2017 competition. The World Illustration Awards exhibition showcased 50 shortlisted projects across eight different categories

Notable shortlisted works included Claudine O'Sullivan's complex digital illustrations for the Apple Pencil Campaign; a characterful portrait of Bill Murray for the Washington Post by artist Tony Rodriguez; and Lizzy Stewart's playful illustrations for the children's book There's a Tiger in the Garden.

This year’s winning entries were selected by a panel of international judges from all aspects of the industry including commissioners, publishers and artists, such as Alexandra Zsigmond, designer at the New York Times, Matt Smith, creative at Australian public broadcaster SBS and London­‐based Jonathan Hubbard, creative director and founder of The Clearing.

Category winners include a characterful portrait of Bill Murray for the Washington Post by US­‐based artist Tony Rodriguez, which was lauded by the jury for its strong composition and well executed traditional technique that captures the subject perfectly in a unique style. 

Claudine O'Sullivan's complex digital illustrations for the Apple Pencil campaign were commended for their superb technique. Judge Gabe Usadel said: "Flawlessly executed: can't stop myself from staring at the pencil's mesmerising effect, it's quite original."

Lizzy Stewart's playful and vibrant illustrations for children's book There's a Tiger in the Garden were an immediate favourite thanks to their full texture and character which reflect the key scenes from the book. Up-and-coming British talent Bethan Woollvin's college project Little Red delighted the jury with its simple yet powerful imagery.

You can see all of the winners – across categories of advertising and design to books and editorial – in the exhibition at Somerset House from 31 July until 28 August 2017. In the meantime, check out the full list of winners at theaoi.com.

Advertising New Talent – Marco Palena

 

Self-Initiated New Talent – Rosalba Cafforio

 

Books New Talent – Inhye Moon

 

Cover by Self-Initiated Professional – Steven Choi