The BDFIL Caran d’Ache Prize for Emerging Comic Artists is a prestigious competition that serves as a platform for discovering and promoting new talents in the comic arts industry. Aimed at artists who have not yet been published, the competition seeks to nurture creativity and innovation within the comic community. Participants are encouraged to explore and express the theme “HA HA HA HA” through a unique comic panel that reflects their personal interpretation and artistic vision. The competition accepts submissions from individuals aged 15 and over, from any geographic location, offering a global stage for their creative works.
Each entry to the competition must be a complete, original story presented on A3 paper in the French vertical format. This specific requirement ensures that all submissions maintain a standard size for exhibition and judging purposes. The content of the comic can be with or without text, but must adhere closely to the contest’s theme, providing a creative challenge to the participants. The choice of style, form, and materials is left entirely to the artist, allowing for a wide range of artistic expressions. Furthermore, the competition specifies that all dialogues or texts within the comic be in English or French, accommodating a broader audience and jury.
The BDFIL Caran d’Ache Prize not only offers significant exposure and recognition but also includes substantial financial rewards for the top entries. The prizes are distributed as CHF 2,000 for the first place, CHF 1,500 for the second place, and CHF 1,000 for the third place, with potential for special mentions that recognize particular artistic merits. The competition culminates in an exhibition where selected works are displayed, providing artists with the opportunity to showcase their talent to an international audience and network with other professionals in the comic arts field. This exposure can be a pivotal moment in the careers of emerging comic artists, marking their entry into the professional world of comics.
There is no entry fee.
Eligibility
Open to anyone 15 or older, not previously published, from anywhere in the world.
Prize
The competition offers three main prizes: CHF 2’000 for first place, CHF 1’500 for second place, and CHF 1’000 for third place. Winners will also be invited to the opening of the exhibition and the award ceremony on 21st September 2024. In addition to monetary awards, special mentions may be given to outstanding projects without prize money. The winners are responsible for their own travel and stay if they reside in Western Europe; those from outside Western Europe will have travel expenses partially reimbursed up to CHF 300.