18 days left Fully Funded

Illustrators of the Future Contest

Last updated Sep 1, 2026

Deadline

2026-09-30

Organization

L. Ron Hubbard Library

Field

Science Fiction Art, Fantasy Art

Funding

fully funded

Overview

The L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of the Future Contest is an international opportunity for new science fiction and fantasy artists worldwide to have their work recognized by masters in the field and gain exposure. It is a merit-based competition.

Coverage

Three prizes of $500 are awarded each quarter, totaling $1,500. From the twelve annual quarterly winners, one grand prize winner receives the L. Ron Hubbard Golden Brush Award and an additional $5,000 cash prize. This is a cash award for artistic achievement, not funding for academic study.

Eligibility

This contest is open to new and amateur artists from any country worldwide. Applicants must not have been professionally published and paid for more than three black-and-white story illustrations, or more than one process-color painting, in media broadly distributed to the general public. AI-generated art is not accepted.

Requirements

Applicants must submit three original science fiction or fantasy pieces of art. These can be in color or black and white.

How to apply

To apply, visit the official contest portal via the provided application URL. You can enter once per quarter and up to four quarters each year. Entries are judged anonymously by professional artists.

Notes

The contest is free to enter, and entrants retain all publication rights to their submitted work. Quarterly deadlines are December 31st, March 31st, June 30th, and September 30th. The deadline for the 4th Quarter 2026 is September 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Source & Verification

Host organization: L. Ron Hubbard Library

Original source: JLV College Counseling

Official application page: https://webportalapp.com/sp/illustrators

Verify the deadline, eligibility, and document list on the official website before applying.

How to Apply

1

Read the full requirements

Visit the official application page and read all eligibility criteria carefully before investing time in the application.
2

Gather your documents

Collect transcripts, certificates, and references. Official copies may require apostille — start this process early.
3

Request recommendation letters

Contact your referees at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Brief them on the scholarship and your goals.
4

Write your motivation letter

Be specific about your goals, why you chose this program, and your plan to contribute to Ethiopia after completing your studies.
5

Proofread and submit early

Submit at least 3–5 days before the deadline. Technical issues are common — never submit on the last day.