News / 19 Aug 2026
Student and graduate shortlisted at the World Illustration Awards 2026
BA (Hons) Animation
MA Illustration
BA (Hons) Animation graduate, Olive Jackson, and MA Illustration with Graphic Novel student (now MA Illustration), Irena Yeremenko, have been shortlisted at this year’s World Illustration Awards
The World Illustration Awards is a global celebration of the best talent in illustration, and this year saw 4500 projects entered into the competition. The shortlist whittles down 500 longlisted entries into 200 selected projects, with winners across 10 categories to be announced on 8 September 2026.
Olive’s entry, ‘Sword and the Seasons’, has been shortlisted in the Animation category, and sees them using forest scenery to explore texture and colour in a lineless style. Olive’s practice is rooted in illustration and printmaking, incorporating digital programs alongside traditional techniques, including lino printing and painting.
Since graduating, Olive has worked as a freelance illustrator and designer based in Manchester. Alongside selling their own prints and products, Olive has received commissions from Bird and Blend, and Rudy’s Pizzeria. They have recently exhibited at 'The Great Leeds Fungi Exhibition' with Studio Greenly, and competed in Art Battle.
“It feels so strange to be selected but amazing at the same time! I hadn't animated anything since graduating but it felt right to bring the forest alive!”
Olive Jackson, BA (Hons) Animation graduate
Irena's entry, 'Quiet Presence', has been shortlisted in the Editorial category. The series forms a visual essay covering themes of "mental health, solitude, and inner stillness", and their place in contemporary life. The project draws on Irena's experience of living through a time of war, and the role that nature can play in providing "space for inner refuge".
"When you submit your work, of course you hope to be selected, but when it actually happens, it still comes as a wonderful surprise. I would say being selected for both the longlist and shortlist of the World Illustration Awards 2026 was incredibly encouraging. It made me feel that the stories and visual worlds I create can connect with others, and gave me confidence to keep developing my work. It was also inspiring and motivating, encouraging me to continue working, to make my practice more visible, and to further develop my ideas and artistic vision through my own visual language."
Irena Yeremenko, MA Illustration with Graphic Novel student