Illustrators of the Future Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by L. Ron Hubbard
Description
**Purpose — Encourage and teach new illustrators**
The contest is designed to help aspiring science fiction and fantasy illustrators develop and gain recognition by rewarding work that interprets narrative material. Rather than celebrating genre-themed art alone, the competition evaluates how effectively an image distills a story’s essence and provokes curiosity about the underlying narrative. Entrants are encouraged to study short science fiction and fantasy stories and use those narratives as inspiration for their illustrations.
Key takeaways
- The contest rewards illustrations that convey a story, not just genre motifs.
- Emphasis is on evocative, narrative-driven imagery.
- Entrants are encouraged to read short SF/F stories for inspiration.
- Artistic development and teaching are core aims.
Eligibility
**Who may enter** | **Amateur status and limits** | **Entry agreements**
Open to entrants worldwide, provided they can manage some written communication in English. The contest is limited to new and amateur artists — defined by minimal professional publication and payment (not paid for more than three black-and-white story illustrations or more than one process-color painting in broadly distributed media). Each entrant must agree to the contest rules, submit original unpublished work, and may submit only one set of illustrations per quarter. Previous quarterly winners are ineligible to enter again.
Key takeaways
- Open internationally; English communication recommended.
- Amateur-only: strict limits on prior paid publication.
- One submission set per entrant per quarter.
- Entrant must accept and follow all contest rules.
- Past quarterly winners cannot re-enter.
Submission Requirements
**Entry composition** | **Digital specs** | **Hard-copy and anonymity** | **Prohibited methods**
Each entry is a set of three original illustrations created from the artist’s imagination; each illustration must depict a different subject. Digital submissions must be .jpg/.jpeg/.png, no larger than 10 MB each, at least 300 dpi, and between 5 x 7 inches and 8.5 x 11 inches. Hard-copy submissions must be high-quality reproductions (not originals), flat and unfolded in an envelope no larger than 9 x 12 inches, with removable cover sheets for anonymous judging; signatures on images must be deleted. Use of grayscale, mixed media, photo/design software, and photography is allowed, but images generated by AI or similar programs are disqualified. Source/reference imagery may be requested to verify compliance.
Key takeaways
- Submit three distinct illustrations per entry; originals not required for mail submissions.
- Accepted digital formats: .jpg, .jpeg, .png; max 10 MB; 300 dpi; 5x7 to 8.5x11 in.
- Remove artist signatures; include removable cover sheets for hard copies.
- AI-generated art is prohibited; source images may be requested.
- Electronic submissions must include the artist’s legal name and contact details separately.
Award Value
**Quarterly prizes** | **Annual Grand Prize**
Each quarter produces three co-winners; each quarterly winner receives US $500 and a trophy, plus eligibility to compete for the annual Grand Prize. The annual Grand Prize is US $5,000 and a trophy. Quarterly winners assigned to the Grand Prize are given a specification sheet and a winning short story to illustrate and must return their Grand-Prize illustration within 30 days to retain eligibility. The Grand Prize is awarded by judges based on how strongly an illustration makes them want to read the story it represents; the winner is announced at the annual L. Ron Hubbard awards ceremony.
Key takeaways
- Three co-winners per quarter; each gets $500 and a trophy.
- Quarterly winners become eligible for the $5,000 annual Grand Prize.
- Grand-Prize entrants must illustrate an assigned story within 30 days.
- Grand Prize judged on how much the illustration compels reading the story.
- Winners are presented trophies at the annual awards ceremony.
Application Timeline
**Quarter schedule** | **Submission channels and late entries**
The contest runs on four quarterly cycles beginning October 1, January 1, April 1, and July 1, with the contest year ending September 30. To be eligible for a quarter, an entry must be postmarked or received electronically by midnight on the last day of that quarter; late entries are carried forward into the next quarter and entrants will be notified. Electronic submissions follow instructions at the contest website; mailed entries should be addressed to the contest’s Los Angeles address. Include appropriate return postage (SASE for U.S.; international reply coupons for non-U.S.) unless you mark copies “DISPOSABLE: DO NOT RETURN.”
Key takeaways
- Four quarters: Oct 1, Jan 1, Apr 1, Jul 1; year ends Sep 30.
- Entries must be received or postmarked by the last day of the quarter.
- Late submissions roll into the next quarter; entrants will be informed.
- Submit online via the contest site or by mail to the Los Angeles address.
- Include return postage or mark copies disposable if you do not want them returned.
Judging & Notification
**Judging panels** | **Evaluation and finality** | **Winner notification**
Entries are judged by panels of professional artists; panels may differ between quarterly and Grand Prize judging. Quarterly judging evaluates artistic merit and the illustration’s ability to represent story essence; Grand Prize judging has its own specified criterion. Judges’ decisions are final and binding. Quarterly winners are notified individually by phone, mail, or email.
Key takeaways
- Professional artists serve as judges; panels may vary.
- Judges decide based on artistic execution and narrative connection.
- All judging decisions are final and binding.
- Winners are notified directly by phone, mail, or email.
History of the Award
**Origins and administration** | **Mission over time** | **Updates and resources**
L. Ron Hubbard’s Illustrators of the Future Contest was created to identify and develop new talent in science fiction and fantasy illustration. It is associated with the broader Writers of the Future/Illustrators of the Future program and is administered by Author Services, Inc. Over time the contest has maintained a focus on teaching and encouraging amateur artists while providing public recognition and cash awards. Contest rules and submission procedures are updated as needed on the official websites.
Key takeaways
- Established to discover and foster new SF/F illustrators.
- Administered by Author Services, Inc. as part of the Writers/Illustrators of the Future programs.
- Emphasizes education, exposure, and professional development for amateurs.
- Check the official contest websites for the latest rules and instructions.