An animation graduate from Leeds Arts University has been shortlisted in the Animation category 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 4,500 projects entered into the competition. The shortlist whittles down 500 longlisted entries to 200 selected projects, with winners across 10 categories to be announced on 8 September 2026.
Olive Jackson’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.
Olive said: “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!”
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.
