Key Colours Competition for Children's Books Illustrators and a 7500 Euro Prize

Clavis Publishing and the city of Hasselt launch the 14th edition of Key Colours, the two-yearly international contest for illustrators of children’s books. Only a children’s book, intended for children from 2 to 7 years old, can qualify for the award. 

• The winner receives 7,500 euro and the winning work will be published by Clavis Publishing.
• From all entries, a selection will be made for a children’s books exhibition in Hasselt. At the exhibition children will award their favourite illustration with the Children’s Award. 
• Apart from the winner, other entries may also be considered for publication by Clavis. The award and the resulting picture books will be largely discussed in the press and at book fairs abroad. For many illustrators this unique award is the start of a successful international career.

• Each illustrator may participate in the contest, notwithstanding nationality, language or experience. Participation of groups is allowed as well.
• The book is intended for children of the age from 2 to 7 years old. Only a children’s book can therefore be eligible for award.
• By the participation in the contest the illustrators and/or authors guarantee that the submitted work is fully original and was never published before in any form whatsoever. They also guarantee that they have the full copyright on it and that they can transfer the full rights of first publication to Clavis Publishing.
• The competing works should be sent digital.
• The text must be sent in the original language. If the original language is not the Dutch, French, English or German language, a translation in one of those four languages should be added.
• Each presented work must have a title.
• The decision of the jury will be announced in September 2022.

Files requirements:

• A children’s story for ages 2 to 7, written on a max of 4 pages, divided into text blocks.
• A full-size mockup, sketched in pencil, with all the plates of the book as they will be worked out afterwards. The text blocks are indicated on all these pages.
• Three of the above-mentioned plates fully worked out in colour on at least 1 entire page. The chosen technique is free.
• Name the files with the title of your work and a number (1, 2, 3 …).
• You choose one of the following usual formats. 250 x 260 mm 290 x 210 mm (portrait or landscape) 235 x 325 mm. The story will be told in exactly 24 pages (cover, end paper and title page not included), starting on the left page. The original drawings should be full size, with a bleed of 5 mm.

About Key Colours:

Key Colours is a two-yearly international contest for illustrators of children’s books launched by Clavis Publishing and the city of Hasselt. 

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