ANNOUNCING: Our 2016 Challenge Logo winner!

We are delighted to announce our Logo winner for 2016. Congratulations go to ...

Jess Racklyeft 

... for her amazing logo, which so beautifully personifies what the Challenge is all about!

Winning Logo by Jess Racklyeft

Biggest congrats, Jess!

Jess's work will be featured on all Challenge websites throughout 2016. You will be able to purchase this year's logo on bags, mugs and notebooks HERE and badges and magnets HERE from 5 January 2016.

Thank you to everyone who entered our logo comp for 2016. We were overwhelmed with the amount and calibre of entries--you made it a tough decision for Nicky and me!

And now--onto 2016. We're thrilled to continue on with the Challenge--our third year running!--with talented author/illustrator Nicky Johnston as Creative Director for the second time, and with our fabulous admin team ...

Lisa-Marie Kerr
Leonie Cheetham
Sophie Pittaway
Sally Fawcett
Penny Fisher
Jess Racklyeft
Heidi Cooper
Patricia Ward
Natalie Daniel
Kim Bergstrom

... and me, Challenge-Founder-At-Large, Tania McCartney.

If you would like to become a Challenge member, head to our official Challenge Facebook group right HERE (you need to request to join) and you can also see our Community Page, where members are welcome to post and network, right HERE.

Here's to a sensationally arty 2016 and to our amazing 52-Week Illustration Challenge. May it continue to be a supportive, creative and divine space for many years to come!

Tania

A Note from Jess Racklyeft

Jess Racklyeft - 2016 logo winner

I have always dabbled in illustration, but it took until my first year of maternity leave to say 'righto, if I've ever going to make a career of this, now is the time!' I went crazy--working on anything I could get my hands on, and by the end of the year, I realised I could do it if I worked as hard as I could possibly could.

And I have. It's been almost four years--cramming projects around raising (now two) kiddies--and I've now got three books being released next year, I'm selling portraits on Etsy, and completing client projects and card designs on the go. I’m loving it, and working harder than I ever had before (happily)!

The Challenge has been such a great weekly ritual for me, and I've built a big variety of work I wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s lead to amazing opportunities, most excitingly my first picture book which is due for release in February 2016 (written by Challenge founder Tania McCartney). I love the camaraderie and talent of the Challenge, and the support of other members which is so unusual really for an online world--a testament to Nicky and Tania’s work.

In 2016, I’d like to try my hand at creating a series of board books as well as some great art projects ... and keep building my work and illustration opportunities. I'd also like to learn how to balance this with a busy life with two kidlets!

I was so thrilled and honoured to have had my logo selected. The entries were outstanding, with so many great designs to choose from. 

You can find Jess online:
website: jessesmess.com

Etsy: etsy.com/au/shop/JesssesMess

Facebook: facebook.com/JessesMessIllustrations

Instagram: instagram.com/jessesmess

2016 Logo SHORTLIST!

2016 Logo Comp

We are delighted to announce the shortlist for our Challenge Logo for 2016. Thank you to everyone who submitted something--it was a lot of fun enjoying each and every gorgeous image, and mulling over which imagery we feel best portrays the Challenge and what it's all about.

Herewith, our 2016 shortlistees, in no particular order. The winner will be announced on 1 January 2016, along with a Facebook header change. We can't wait to reveal all!

Congratulations to the following talent:

Joanne Stead

Prue Pittock

Elizabeth Kelly

Jess Racklyeft

Alisha Caitlin

Sarah Epstein

Natalie Daniel

You can see all submissions HERE.

2016 Challenge LOGO Competition

I am excited to share that we have decided to continue the Challenge and its inspirational themes in 2016! Our new themes will be revealed soon--keep at eye on the Challenge Wall for more.

To help celebrate a NEW YEAR of creativity, we would love our members to create a new Logo for 2016.

2016 CHALLENGE LOGO COMPETITION

The 2016 Challenge Logo competition is open to all Challenge members. All you need to do is design either a completely square or round logo. Text on the logo should include ’52-Week Illustration Challenge 2016’ (no other text, signature or watermarks to be included).

We will adapt the chosen logo to suit the size of the Facebook Page banner and Blog banner and for merchandise once the winner has been decided.

Condition of entry is that the winner will agree to allow full use of the logo in all Challenge promotion, publications, merchandise. There will be no payment made to the winner but the logo will be fully credited to the winner, along with links to winner’s website, gallery or blog.

To enter, please post your logo design directly to the Challenge wall labelled 2016 LOGO COMP as well as posting into the ‘2016 Logo Completion’ photo album created in the Challenge Group Photos.

Entries will close 18th December and the winner will be announced 1st January to help kick-start the year 2016 of 52-week Illustration Challenge.

Terms & Conditions:

• Logo must be your own artwork and not infringe on any copyright or trademark.
• An ‘Agreement to Release Artwork’ form will be signed by winning Challenge member releasing the logo to be used for all promotion, marketing, website, blog, Facebook both in print and online.
• No payment will be received for winning logo. No royalties for usage will be earned.
• Copyright and full credit of winning logo artist will be attributed and displayed on the Challenge website, Facebook and blog.
• Entries close 18th December.

2015 WINNING LOGO

Thank you to Sally-May Lott who was the designer of 2015 Logo. She did an amazing job and her design was embraced by the whole community during 2015. You can read more about Sally-May HERE.

If you missed out on buying 2015 merchandise, there are still a few badges and magnets available and bags, mugs etc... HERE.

See 2015 logo shortlist HERE.

2015 winning logo by Sally-May Lott

2015 Logo by Sally-May Lott adapted for Blog and Facebook Banner

2015 Logo by Sally-May Lott adapted for merchandise

2015 logo by Sally-May Lott adapted for the Challenge Facebook Page

CYA conference Challenge winners

This year was the 10th Anniversary of CYA Conference held on 4th July 2015, South Brisbane, Australia. 

The conference was aimed as professional development for new and established writers and illustrators of Children’s and Young Adult literature. Master classes and workshops were also conducted by authors, illustrators and industry professionals.

Many of our Challenge members attended the conference and also entered the CYA Writers and Illustrators Competition.

I am thrilled to announce the following achievements of our very own Challenge members. CONGRATULATIONS, we are SO proud of you....

Category 4a: Chapter Books - Younger Reader
1st - Ramona Davey - The Woodlings

Catergory 4b: Chapter Books - Older Readers
1st - Kelly McDonald (Kelly Artist) - Gordon Hackney And The Nit Factory

3rd - Ramona Davey - Sirona's Secret

Category 6 & 7: Graphic Novels, Illustrated Picture books & Illustrated Middle Grade Novels
1st - Heidi Cooper - Odd Sock Sid

2nd - Vair Buchanan - The Little Key

Category 8 - Illustrations
1st - Takara Beech - option: The Music Box

Published Author

YA Novels & Chapter Books & Picture Books:
3rd - Coral Vass - Grandma's Shoes

1st - Heidi Cooper - Odd Sock Sid

1st - Heidi Cooper - Odd Sock Sid

1st - Heidi Cooper - Odd Sock Sid

2nd - Vair Buchanan - The Little Key

2nd - Vair Buchanan - The Little Key

2nd - Vair Buchanan - The Little Key

1st - Takara Beech - The Music Box

1st - Takara Beed - The Music Box

1st - Takara Beech - The Music Box

Some photos from the CYA Conference (Thank you Vair!)

Illustrations on display

Illustrations on display

Illustrations on display

Heidi Cooper (left), Michelle, Vair Buchanan (Right)

Congratulations to all who entered, shortlisted and placed, it is so wonderful to celebrate everyone's success and achievements.

Our 2015 Logo Comp Winner!

We are excited to announce the winner of the Challenge Logo Design competition.

Congratulations to...... Sally-May Lott

I am a loved wife, Mum of three and a Kiwi.

I come from a visually creative family, with Mum playing a huge role in inspiring my siblings and I during our childhood. She would sit with us and just draw, with whatever we had on hand - usually crayons and pencils. In my teenage years I studied art and photography at College (High School), but did not pursue them further. A few sketches here, a doodle there, were all I had to show for the next decade or so. Life was busy and fulfilling with 3 little ones spread over 3 ¼ years.

In May 2014 my Facebook news feed informed me that an Aunty had 'liked' the Challenge. My curiosity was piqued, my youngest had just started school, and I thought the discipline of submitting weekly was just what was needed. I dove in.

The 52-Week Illustration Challenge has exceeded my expectations - I have tried new mediums (discovering a leaning towards digital), am bolder when tackling new subjects and have met fabulous new people (such an encouraging environment!). I am a more joyous person than I was in my teens, and I have come to realise my choices of colour reflect that - bold bright cheerful colours are my preference. The Challenge has brought unexpected joy within my family life too - I am now a Mum who sits and draws with her children. What a blessing!

After a very dedicated approach to the Challenge last year, this year I am hoping to focus on projects close to my heart - such as writing and illustrating a book with my 7 year old daughter. With the help of Founder Tania McCartney's 'Fantastical Flying Creator' course, I am also investigating what my future may hold artistically, and how to face further challenges within the art realm. I sincerely hope to encourage other Mums, with artistic leanings long put on the back-burner, to take up the 52-Week Illustration Challenge!

I was genuinely surprised and humbled that my logo has been chosen from among such talented illustrators and designers. I am conscience that I have MUCH to learn, but I am so grateful that I am taking this journey alongside such kind folk.

A sincere thank you to all the administration team and our founder, Tania - this Challenge would not exist without your commitment and labour. You are all treasures.

I whole heartedly thank the Lord Jesus Christ, Creator of all, for making us all in His image - including our natural creativity.

~ Sally-May Lott

We also have a new 'website logo button' (in the right hand column) that you can proudly wear to your own website or blog. Simply copy and paste the code in the box to include it on your website.

Tottie and Dot Drawing Competition

Want to win a fabulous Tottie and Dot prize pack including some activity pages, lemon drop lollies, a personalised letter from Tottie and Dot, your very own signed copy of the book--and some other little surprises??

All you have to do is create your own Tottie and Dot drawing. You can use the book cover (below) or the poster (above) for inspiration. You can also visit the Tottie and Dot website for more ideas.

When you've created your masterpiece, have mum or dad scan it and email it to infoATtaniamccartney.com, along with your full name, age and state (or country if outside Australia).

You have until 7 October, so get sketching! Good luck!

COMP RULES: Comp is open to kids aged 12 and under. Winner can be from any country but must have an Australian address to post the prize to. Comp opens Sunday 7 September and closes Tuesday 7 October, midnight Australian EST. Winner will be notified by return email. This is a game of skill, not chance. Judge's decision is final. All competition entries will be kept strictly confidential and will be permanently deleted at end of comp.