Submissions for this year’s Illustration Annual were up 14.4 percent over last year, with registered gains most notably in the Advertising and For Sale categories.

“Even at the brisk pace we were keeping in the judging process, it was evident that quite a lot of the work was structured around very apt expressions of concepts, arguments or observations; and not always in expected ways,” said juror Tim J Luddy. “As more of our visual input comes from smartphones, I wonder whether there is a growing appreciation for work commissioned for print that is perhaps a more subtle, but richer conceptual experience.”

“The field this year exhibited a high level of craftsmanship,” said juror Chris von Ende. “Some work rose to the top based on its originality, while other pieces were skillfully executed in a more traditional manner.”

“Illustration and design are merging,” juror Chad Beckerman said. “Illustrators are becoming designers and designers illustrators. It’s a natural progression and one that will help keep both fields vital.”