Draw This!
Draw This! supports SCBWI illustrators through monthly art prompts and an online showcase, helping their children’s book artwork reach fellow creators, reviewers, and publishing professionals.
Funder: Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
Due Dates: October 29, 2026 (Monthly submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: Two winning pieces featured in Insight, on the website, and on social media
Summary: A monthly art prompt and showcase that brings SCBWI illustrators’ work to the children’s book community and publishing professionals.
Key Information: Applicants must be current SCBWI members, and submitted artwork must not use generative AI.
Description
Draw This! is a monthly illustration prompt run by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) as part of its Insight publication. Members create artwork inspired by the monthly prompt and share it through online galleries and social media. Submissions are showcased online, and two winning pieces receive additional exposure in the Insight email newsletter, on the SCBWI website, and on social media. The showcase helps reviewers, agents, art directors, editors, and fellow creators find illustrator members’ work.
The October 2026 prompt is “Freedom to Read,” connected to Banned Books Week, October 4–10, 2026. Participants are invited to create a new piece celebrating the freedom to read. The program welcomes a range of media and formats, provided the artwork is appropriate for the children’s book market.
