What is Key Colours? A Comprehensive Look at the Prestigious Global Children’s Book Illustration Competition
If you’re passionate about illustration and love the colorful world of picture books, Key Colours is a name you should know. Held every two years by Clavis Publishing, this international competition celebrates creativity and helps illustrators from around the world bring their stories to life.
About the Key Colours Award
History and Organizer – Clavis Publishing
Launched in 1996, Key Colours is organized by Clavis Publishing, one of the largest children’s book publishers in Belgium. With a mission to nurture imagination and creativity, Clavis offers a professional platform for illustrators to showcase their work internationally.
Over the years, Key Colours has become a launchpad for many young talents, giving them the chance to publish their very first picture books.
The Purpose of the Award
Key Colours is more than just a competition – it’s an opportunity to:
- Express your visual storytelling through original picture books
- Connect with the international publishing industry
- Receive constructive feedback from experienced professionals
Who Can Enter the Competition?
Eligibility and Language Requirements
Key Colours is open to everyone, regardless of age, nationality, or professional experience. Entries can be submitted in any language, though English, Dutch, German, or French are preferred to facilitate judging and evaluation.
Submission Format and Requirements
Participants must submit a complete picture book draft (including illustrations and text), targeting children aged 2 to 7 years old. Submissions should be sent as a printed version along with a digital copy, following Clavis’ specific size and format guidelines.
Exciting Prize Structure
Grand Prize: €7,500 + Official Publishing Opportunity
The winner of the Key Colours Award receives a cash prize of €7,500 and a professional publishing contract with Clavis Publishing – a rare opportunity to get your work into bookstores and libraries around the world.
Children’s Choice Award – From the Hasselt Exhibition
In addition to the jury prize, Key Colours also offers a Children’s Choice Award, where young readers vote for their favorite book at the Hasselt Illustration Exhibition in Belgium. This unique feedback from the target audience is invaluable for any aspiring author-illustrator.
Why You Should Join Key Colours
- 🌍 International exposure: Open to illustrators from all over the world.
- ✍️ Chance to get published: Winning entries are professionally published by Clavis.
- 🧒 Create for a meaningful audience: Your story could become a treasured part of a child’s reading journey.
- 💼 Boost your creative portfolio: Whether you win or are shortlisted, Key Colours adds credibility to your career.
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your picture book on shelves and in children’s hands, Key Colours is the door you’ve been waiting to open. It’s not just a contest – it’s a career opportunity, a learning experience, and a celebration of your creativity.
#KeyColours2025 #ChildrensBookIllustration #InternationalIllustrationContest #ClavisPublishing #PictureBookAward #CreativeForKids #WhatIsKeyColours #VoteMe #Votingplatform #BlockchainVoting #VoteWithoutBorders #AIinVoting
Vote with confidence. Join the future of engagement.
VOTEME is a Web3 voting platform with AI, enabling real-time results, NFT rewards, and global fan engagement through secure, transparent, and scalable event voting.
------------------------------------------------------
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@votemeglobal
Email: hi@voteme.now
Website: https://www.voteme.now/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@votemenow
Twitter: https://x.com/voteme_now
