Call for Clarion West 2026 Featured Artist

Clarion West is searching for an artist to create artwork for our 2026 featured artwork. Clarion West seeks to commission one custom illustration with unlimited global rights. Please share this call with the artists you know that might be a great fit, and see below for details.

What we’re looking for:

Each year, we commission an artist to create Clarion West’s design theme for the year — a nod to all of the meanings, interpretations, shifts, and evolutions in speculative literature. The artwork is featured prominently on Clarion West’s website, becomes the unifying theme through all of our programming communications, and may be featured in the collateral we create for our events! We see it as an excellent opportunity to highlight visual storytellers alongside the creators of prose we develop through our mission.

The right artwork may be used for all or any of the following:

Use on the website as the 2026 hero image.
Use for our 2026 summer workshop poster art
Social media channels and print collateral such as event programs, flyers, and postcards
fundraising rewards, including, but not limited to stickers, notebooks, cups, and tote bags.

Clarion West may also be interested in pursuing merchandising of the artwork, with royalty percentage to be negotiated with the artist.

Details

Composition: We leave this up to the artists, however it should be representative of speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, horror, and similar genres) as well as support our core values of diversity and inclusion.

Budget: $1,200

Deliverables: A suite of graphic assets inclusive of the following

Qty 1 full-color 24”x36” poster of the fully composed artwork rendered at 300dpi (for printing)
Qty 1 1920x1080p landscape-orientated version of artwork
Composition should be layered or layerable elements (tbd based on mockups)
Delivered in file types: PDF/EPS, PNG, JPEG
Palette should be complementary of CW brand colors (see resources below)

Rights

Clarion West commissions rights to print and digital use of the artwork worldwide and in perpetuity with an 18-month exclusivity period. Any conditions wherein Clarion West might benefit from the sale of print merch will negotiate royalties with the artist.

The artist retains copyright and all rights not described here, and is free to include the completed work in their portfolio.

Timeline

Applications Open: November 7, 2025

Artist selected: December 15, 2025

Concept sketch(es) due: January 23, 2026

Final art due: February 27, 2026

Payment rendered: Promptly (within 7 days) upon receipt of final art

To apply

To be considered as our featured artist, please submit your application here.

Select artists may receive an invitation to interview, providing an opportunity to discuss the brief and address any questions or concerns. BIPOC, PGM (People of the Global Majority), and LGBTQIA+ artists encouraged to apply.