All MCPL Locations: Illustration Contest

Calling all artists and illustrators! Bring our creative writers’ stories to life by making a piece of artwork to illustrate a cover or a scene for our winning stories. Let your creativity shine as you turn someone’s written words into amazing artwork! With exciting prizes for each age group and a chance to see your work in the spotlight, this is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself and share your creativity.

The contest will begin on Friday, August 1st, 2025 and the deadline for submission is Sunday, August 31st, 2025. There will be two separate age groups: Teen (ages 13-18) and Adult (ages 19+.) Our winning stories from our Creative Writing Contest will be posted on July 28, 2025 so you have time to read them before the illustration contest opens.

Submissions should be:

• Original, unpublished work
• Suitable and appropriate for a general audience

Submitting your work:

• Submit your work in PNG or JPG format to the email address: contest@mcpl.us with the subject heading: “Illustration Contest 2025 – ‘Your Age Group’.”
• Include your full name in the email.
• You may submit multiple pieces of art for different writing entries, but only one piece will be selected as your best work. You will only be eligible to win with that selected piece of art.
• If physical art is created we can help you scan the art for submission as long as the artwork is 2-Dimensional and does not exceed 11 x 17 inches. You may also choose to take a picture of your physical art and send it in. Make sure your photo has as few shadows as possible and is aligned in the photo as straight as you can make it.
• If artwork is submitted well before the due date (5 days) we may be able to troubleshoot any file issues, however if the artwork is submitted close to the deadline we will not consider it for the contest if we cannot open the file.

There will be separate winners for each age group, Teen and Adult. First place winners will receive some library swag, a gift card, and the chance to participate in an author reading & recognition ceremony during the 2025 Central Wisconsin Book Festival the last weekend of September. Second & Third places will also be recognized and receive prizes. All winning illustrations will be displayed at the library with artist information. Applicants must be able to receive their prize in person. Any submissions that fail to meet the above requirements will not be considered for the contest. 

For more information, call 715-261-7230.