We now proudly announce the winner to be Max Kostenko of Moscow, Russia. We look forward to bringing him to NYC where we will host a reception and introduce him to our friends as well as award him his prize. For more information about Max, visit his website.

The idea took shape while we were brainstorming during our staff dinner meeting in the winter of 2011. My staff and all artists understand how hard it is to break through and succeed as a professional illustrator in today’s market. This is why we named the contest  “Breakthrough”. We targeted young artists and so the rules stated that the entrant must be under 35 years old with less than 5 years professional experience or a student from anywhere in the world.

Our goal was to create a contest that would produce a long term benefit for the winner. After all, every young artist’s greatest concern is to have a successful career. Unlike other competitions which simply offer a cash prize or a scholarship, we have gone a step further. We will bring the winner to New York City where they will meet top art/creative directors, be given constructive criticism and advice by the industry’s top pros needed to succeed as a professional illustrator.