Malta Community of Illustrators Annual 2025 — Call for Submissions OPEN

We are thrilled to announce the call for submissions for our fifth publication, The Malta Community of Illustrators Annual 2025! As always, this edition aims to celebrate and document local illustration. Whether you’re a seasoned illustrator or an emerging talent, we invite you to share your work with us.

What is the Malta Community Of Illustrators?

The Malta Community of Illustrators was founded in 2020 by a group of Maltese illustrators. The point of MCOI is to encourage collaboration and discussion among local illustrators, to provide opportunities, to educate and to put a spotlight on our wonderful creative industry.

What’s the Malta Community Of Illustrators Annual?

The MCOI Annual is a publication that aims to document and showcase the best Maltese illustrative work year after year. The MCOI Annual is the first ever project in Malta to do such a task. It is supported by The National Book Council (Malta), MCAST Research and our Book Festival events by Arts Council Malta. The MCOI Annual is mailed to local and international creative agencies, publishers, creative organisations and education institutions. This is done thanks to the wonderful Souvenirs That Don’t Suck team. We are also very much supported by Il-Lokal, who help distribute our Annual from their shop and events. The MCOI Annual is launched at the Malta Book Festival, and showcased at the London Book Fair, where we exhibit selected artworks during both of these festivals and help drive local illustrative work out into the world.

What have we achieved in the past year?

Reflecting on our accomplishments over the past year has become a tradition of sorts. It allows us to take stock of everything we’ve achieved.

Last year we launched and distributed our beautiful 2024 Annual. The Annual was printed and launched thanks to the Malta National Book Council. Distribution was handled locally/internationally by Souvenirs That Don’t Suck & also locally by il-Lokal.

The Malta Community of Illustrator Annual 2024

The cover illustration by Marietta Mifsud (Photo by Marietta Mifsud)

Our Annual was once again designed by Steven Scicluna, one of the MCOI founders. The chosen illustration for the cover was that of illustrator and graphic designer, Marietta Mifsud who also happens to have been involved with MCOI from the very beginning. We commissioned an up and coming illustrator and student, Violeta Toncheva to create an illustration to accompany the Annual foreword, which was graciously written for us by Jasmine Bajada.

Marietta’s sketches for the illustration selected for the cover (provided by Marietta)

Interview with Marietta Mifsud

In the 2024 Annual you will also find an interview with Marietta. We thought it would be nice to put a spotlight on the cover artists. This is something we will be having in the 2025 Annual as well.

Violeta’s Illustration and part of Jasmine’s essay

Migration Nation

Towards the end of the summer, selected MCOI illustrators collaborated with artist/illustrator/designer Daniela Attard (iella) for her solo exhibition, ‘Migration Nation’ at Spazju Kreattiv.

Migration Nation is an extensive project and exhibition thinking through the human impact of climate migration by London-based Maltese artist Iella.

MCOI Illustrators were invited to create illustrations on the topic of ‘Migration’ that would be folded into paper boats as part of a large collaborative and interactive installation.

Towards the end of the exhibition path, the installation is reflective of a collaborative instinct in which the physical act of building a structure from many contributions can also be seen as a call for solidarity and empathy with those less fortunate than ourselves. The public was invited to interact and contribute to this piece.

The Creative team behind this exhibition:

Artist and project management: Iella (Daniela Attard) Curator: Margerita Pulè Invited artist: SeaPuppy (Christian de Souza Jensen) Collaborators: Malta Community of Illustrators, Clara Azzopardi, Zoe Briffa, Jessica Cutajar, Shanice Farrugia, Kath Flask, Miriam Galea, Mel Grech, Zoe Marsh, Ellie Scerri, Matthew Schembri, Moira Scicluna Zahra, Naomi Smith, Steffi Venturi, Kyle Xuereb Cunningham

Supported by Arts Council Malta, Exhibited at Spazju Kreattiv

The selected illustrations for ‘Migration Nation’

Images provided by Daniella Attard (iella)

The Migration Nation Installation at Spazju Kreattiv

Tomorrow starts with a vision

As part of the Malta Book Festival 2024 theme of sustainable practices, we presented ‘Għada Jibda bl-Għajn — Tomorrow Starts with a Vision’ a special exhibition of artworks in the form of hardback books. Together with the Centre for Environmental Education and Research (CEER) at the University of Malta, MCOI looked at themes of environmental sustainability.

Exhibiting illustrators explored questions such as: What would Malta look like in 20 years if we did everything in our power to be sustainable as we could possible be? What would Malta look like if we got every choice, decision and policy related to the environment right?

The books and the printing of the dust jackets for this exhibition were sponsored by **@gutenbergpressltd . The book covers were designed by Sarah Cachia Falzon. The project was supported by [@nbc_malta](https://www.instagram.com/_u/nbc_malta?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR18baq9PacYanB45HztfA5i0qOs2x1T1oDXVUWXVnrpw9iFnxqaE2KHz2M_aem_Y_OJeG-845aCKTunOYirCQ) , [@artscouncilmalta](https://www.instagram.com/_u/artscouncilmalta?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2_jK7nkQUD4TxWXkRvxtyrg4AP5FX8ZfxvjDOTZk2yMMWpEiCWh0W1i5c_aem_CEAJIZSGHtzm9PPQ5TPi6A)** , MCAST Research and Gutenberg Press.

The exhibiting illustrators were: Trudy Gera **@trudygera_art , Naomi Gatt [@naomisartworkmalta](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2F_u%2Fnaomigattart%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3-fa6DMzJoA02pz92X-Vjyj2F5pa_7KnoK6IXkoZxhUAYRHXfBtQ3ys6s_aem_gpsFb0zoN-Yz2HG3VA8LOQ&h=AT0NszAgTCSeyhLVQBGx2wXA8OVWAc6xD7jKgL2PpKzgdCqy3yrLq_9-Ms-QCKbFc1d6fV3in7af_J5b5_I3Y7SfIWA4BZ6HC60nl2oHKkMFnYJGdp1kg4uEMz1mDzll2QV7Ia8&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT1llmhHuzBknTOC8BeGGVMwoW_Ci4t64EXCl2zZxLO-orAEoZtrEtVpDD1PT_jI5Mfp0Yt8v8T9ELNezXKoYsbxZjcqdwWWWLhf44QN3XYahbGM9d2wJ64AfV2CqlE8QfACUMB0dL2xFiJViPCWfeDHUceO1JzxHvqWPdqZtQKi0D19mjas4sNBbOwP83kv) , Maia Buttigieg @maiabuttigieg , Amy Attard [@amyattard.art](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2F_u%2Famyattard.art%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3pBMAA2Sxg4108ZNntBzHa-rajexSKcDd5hdqTlfwBPKgZN3y5ysbDqUo_aem_5Idm9PSak927dobSZsDIDw&h=AT2AIzaZAVFzR6USLwi_qrsh6c1kYr6rVj0cSQ6muQwxyL7MgsHzqAZPuIjRXDKEgFwG3WL8BsBk9OU2PLjTrjbooA2AAlZFE_sq0-voACs447tcXWAKFZ0rPYb7HFzx6eBUWwQ&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT1llmhHuzBknTOC8BeGGVMwoW_Ci4t64EXCl2zZxLO-orAEoZtrEtVpDD1PT_jI5Mfp0Yt8v8T9ELNezXKoYsbxZjcqdwWWWLhf44QN3XYahbGM9d2wJ64AfV2CqlE8QfACUMB0dL2xFiJViPCWfeDHUceO1JzxHvqWPdqZtQKi0D19mjas4sNBbOwP83kv) and Natalija Bozhinova [@nb.design.artwork](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2F_u%2Fnb.design.artwork%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2_jK7nkQUD4TxWXkRvxtyrg4AP5FX8ZfxvjDOTZk2yMMWpEiCWh0W1i5c_aem_CEAJIZSGHtzm9PPQ5TPi6A&h=AT3PeBXWz4-je-o09Mv4ul-SgDQFZQnCKKFcolYUeFVNNdpfp-p4GOsA84ZK8_2s-vpfYaVlw33j9p7ElX85luzp0Nq-k7opyutRS9F8yF4T-G8mCU-GYJzGTTqNLxC45DHnaeQ&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT1llmhHuzBknTOC8BeGGVMwoW_Ci4t64EXCl2zZxLO-orAEoZtrEtVpDD1PT_jI5Mfp0Yt8v8T9ELNezXKoYsbxZjcqdwWWWLhf44QN3XYahbGM9d2wJ64AfV2CqlE8QfACUMB0dL2xFiJViPCWfeDHUceO1JzxHvqWPdqZtQKi0D19mjas4sNBbOwP83kv)**.

Our main event during the Malta Book Festival 2024 that also served as our official Annual launch, was a panel discussion on ‘The Role of Contemporary Illustrators.

In this panel moderated by Ruth Ancilleri, guest speakers Ed Dingli, Philip Sultana and Dr Ċensu Caruana (Centre for Environmental Education & Research) discussed the ‘polymath’ illustrator and the multifaceted nature of contemporary illustration, examining how illustrators can use their skills to address pressing environmental concerns. The discussion was live-streamed on our Instagram Page.

From Illustration to Book

Thanks to the Malta Book Council and Arts Council Malta, in 2024 we had an MCOI exhibit at the Malta Book Festival. Some of our members also took part in the ‘From Illustration to Book’ Exhibition organised by Arts Council Malta.

London Book Fair 2025

Our Illustrators were showcased during the 2025 London Book Fair, thanks once again to both Arts Council Malta and the Malta Book Council. Local illustrators had a dedicated Illustrators Gallery and our Annual took centre stage! The London Book Fair drew around 30,000 attendees in 2025, so we are super grateful to have a yearly presence here.

Image via Instagram.com/naomigattart

Aside from the above, we have several ongoing calls, events and opportunities. One that we are actively working on at the moment is a project we have launched with Kotba Calleja.

Towards the beginning of 2025, we launched an exciting collaboration with Kotba Calleja which will lead to a unique publication and an exhibition of sketchbooks. This project will come to a close towards the ends of 2025.

Together with Kotba Calleja, we have carefully selected 20 artists and illustrators who were given a brief and a number of writings from Maltese writers and poets to illustrate in their Kotba Calleja sketchbook.

Instagram stories from Jade Zammit, Miriam Galea and Alexine Sammut showing the process for our collab with Kotba Calleja

Instagram stories from Debbie Caruana Dingli and Steve Micallef showing the process for our collab with Kotba Calleja

Another call we rolled out in February with Arts Council Malta

Why submit to the Malta Community of Illustrators Annual?

What are the benefits of being included in the Malta Illustration Annual?

You are being included in the first ever effort to document local illustration. We feel this recognition is prestigious on its own, especially taking into account the consistent distinguished background of our panel of judges who have worked for various high-profile international clients.

As you will have seen from this blog post, the illustrators who are selected for the Annual get the chance to exhibit and have their work seen in reputable festivals both in Malta and abroad. Together with the Malta Book Council and Arts Council Malta, we are always looking to reward Maltese illustrators. Each year, we have several things in store for the MCOI Annual selected illustrators, and this year is no different.

We get so many opportunities throughout the year stemming from the Annual, that we feel it would be a bit silly not to submit, especially given that submission once again remains free.

Judging Panel

Our panel of Judges this year are:

Magda Azab, an Italian-Egyptian graphic designer by training and illustrator by vocation. Magda likes to play with colours, graphic elements, irony, and lateral thinking. She works with clients from all around the world on a wide range of projects from editorial illustrations to animations, branding images, or pattern design.

Magda’s clients include: The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Daily Telegraph, La Stampa, L’unità, Mondadori, Donna Moderna, Endless Vacation Magazine, Teatru Malta, Arts Council Malta, Infinity TV, Skytg24, Cellularline, Lucana Film Commission.

Magda was involved with the MCOI from the beginning, and helped us find our first ever round of judges. We will be forever grateful, and we are now proud to have her as one of our judges.

Via: https://magdaazab.it/

Pilar Garcia de Leaniz, an award-winning illustrator based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Pilar graduated with an MA in illustration at the Edinburgh College of Art (University of Edinburgh) where she lectures design and illustration.

Her journey includes collaborations with prestigious institutions such as The Scottish Government, University of Edinburgh, NHS, Anaya Publisher, among others. Pilar’s style is based on communities, relationships, international culture, diversity and mental health.

Pilar’s work features public murals and art exhibitions. Notably Pilar’s body of work includes illustrations and design for publications, advertising and a wide variety of commissioned works.

Via: https://pilargarciadeleaniz.com/

Matt Stroud, a Maltese illustrator and animator with a focus on narrative based art, as well as entertainment and education aimed at children. With 10 years of experience in the industry, Matt has illustrated over 30 children’s books for various local publishers and won 4 ‘Terramaxka’ National Book Prizes in the process.

Matt has applied his storytelling and animation skills for various purposes over the years. He has created 12 preschool animations for the National Literacy Agency, a full animated show to accompany classical music for a Malta Philharmonic Orchestra concert as well as creating promotional illustrations and animations for various organizations and events, such as The National Book Council Malta, CRPD and Ziguzajg.

Images provided by artist

Selection Process

Our selection process is gradually transitioning to a more transparent scoring system. This year, your work will be evaluated based on these four criteria:

• Creativity

Does the work show originality and innovation?

How unique is the illustrators’s approach to the theme?

• Execution

Is the idea clearly communicated?

Does the artwork effectively convey the intended message?

• Interpretation of the Brief

How well does the artwork respond to and interpret the given brief?

Is the concept engaging and relevant?

• Technical Skill

How proficient is the artist with their chosen techniques?

Is there attention to detail in the artwork?

Submission Regulations

• Any illustration first published or produced from June 2024 through June 2025 is eligible.
• AI-generated images are generally not accepted as standalone illustrations due to concerns regarding originality and authorship. However, if AI is used as an innovative tool in the creative process, we will consider the illustration carefully.
• By filling and submitting the MCOI Annual form, you acknowledge and confirm that the work being submitted is entirely your own creation. You grant us the permission and the right to publish, display, distribute, and reproduce the work in any form or medium, whether now known or hereafter developed. (We may reproduce your work for the purpose of the annual and its promotion.) You also affirm that the work does not infringe upon any intellectual property rights, and you hold us harmless from any claims or liabilities arising from the publication or use of the work.

Categories

A — Commercial Illustration: ads, posters, music and product packaging B — Publishing: book covers, jackets, interiors, editorial illustrations for magazines, newspapers, illustration for published online articles etc… C — Personal Projects and Student work: prints, greeting cards, licensing/stock, gallery sale, online store, unpublished work, student work D — Motion/2D Animation: time-based media for film, television, video or web, storyboards and animatics

Starting this year, we will be placing greater emphasis on commissioned work for the MCOI Annual. Our primary aim has always been to showcase professional illustration, however we will continue to welcome exceptional personal projects and student submissions. Thank you for your understanding and support!

How to submit

• Please fill and submit your work using the form below:

https://forms.gle/noLaCrp7bQnwziDp9

• The artwork/s must be 300dpi RGB high-resolution JPG and must be submitted using the following naming convention:

Image name: red_sun.jpg, waves.jpg (replace with titles, use underscores for spaces)

• Motion/Animation Entries: Please upload and submit a link to your video as well as a few supporting images. For storyboards, submit your best sequence up to 20 boards.
• Please make sure that traditional illustration is scanned properly and there are no visible shadows or uneven lighting.
• You may submit up to two artworks from the same project or two completely different artworks in separate categories, but overall you cannot exceed the submission of 2 artworks.

Submissions will close on Wednesday the 2nd of July 2025 Extended until the 10th of July****

The selected works will be announced in August. We are as always super excited to see your work and to put this Annual together. If you have any questions please email us: maltaillustrators@gmail.com