The day is finally here! We’re so excited to announce the winner of the Kelpies Illustration Prize 2018.

The Kelpies Illustration Prize 2018 challenged illustrators and designers based in Scotland to create a new cover for Soldier’s Game by Jim Killgore. Soldier’s Game is a remarkable novel of war, football and loyalty, based on the true story of Edinburgh’s ‘Hearts Battalion’. The book was chosen to commemorate the centenary of the First World War armistice.

The inimitable Vivian French joined us to announce the prize. In 2016, Vivian was awarded an MBE for services to literature, literacy, illustration, and the arts. And, the Scottish Book Trust presented her with an Outstanding Achievement Award just last month!

So, without further ado, find out our winners here…

Our judging panel looked for covers that would appeal to the book’s target audience of children aged 8-12. They were also looking for bold and earnest designs that clearly communicated the football and First World War themes of the book.

The winning design impressed the judges with its striking and sensitive representation of the protagonists, the skilful illustration of First World War motifs, and a well-considered design for the full book cover. The active feel of our Highly Commended entry would really appeal to the age group. Both Vivian French and our judges loved  the consideration of typography as part of the design. And the public loved the empathetic and engaging representation of the protagonist in our People’s Choice Winner.

Massive congratulations to our winners!

Download our press release here.

---

More about the Kelpies Illustration Prize 2018

The Kelpies Illustration Prize invites illustrators and designers based in Scotland to create a book cover. Each year, we choose a Kelpies children’s novel that we think will inspire creatives to come up with brilliant designs.

See our full shortlist for the Kelpies Illustration Prize 2018 here. Or, take a look at our past winners.

So, what do you think of our winners? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #KIP2018.

Are you a Scotland-based illustrator or designer? Keep an eye on our website for details of next year’s prize!