News

Notes & Queries announced the launch of the Notes & Queries Fresh Ink Prize, an annual £5,000 award designed to spotlight and support the next generation of British artists, illustrators and young greeting-card publishers. Beginning on Sept. 1, 2026, this initiative will offer one deserving creative not only invaluable industry recognition, but also a meaningful financial boost to help fuel their artistic ambitions.

Why we’re doing this

The greeting card industry thrives on originality — on the spark of a line, the charm of a character, the punch of a fresh idea. But getting started can be challenging. Early-stage publishers and illustrators often juggle creative work with financial pressures, production costs, and the challenge of getting noticed in a crowded marketplace.

By offering this prize, Notes & Queries aims to:

• Elevate new artistic voices and give them a platform to shine.
• Encourage innovation, bold design, and meaningful creative risk-taking.
• Provide practical support to help a new publisher grow, expand a line, or take that next professional leap.
• Nurture the future of our industry by investing in the talent that will shape it.

Who can enter?

Any artist, illustrator or greeting-card publisher from the United Kingdom under five years old is welcome to submit a portfolio.

What to submit

Applicants must present an art portfolio containing at least 24 different greeting cards — a showcase of their range, originality, and artistic perspective. In addition, we need at last 20 samples each of each range/collection that is being presented.

Key dates

• Submissions open: Sept. 1, 2026
• Submission deadline: Dec. 31, 2026
• Panel review: Conducted by a distinguished jury of twelve American retailers and four British retailers, bringing together a wealth of market insight from both sides of the Atlantic.
• Finalist chosen: By May 13, 2027
• Winner announced: Live at PG LIVE 2027, London—one of the most vibrant and respected events in the global greeting-card calendar.

Why this matters for emerging publishers

Winning the Notes & Queries Emerging Illustrator Prize means more than a headline or a cheque. It means:

• Industry visibility in front of top retailers and publishers.
• Validation from seasoned buyers who understand the market and its opportunities.
• Momentum, powered by £5,000 to invest in materials, printing, brand development, exhibitions, or new creative ventures.
• A platform to connect with retailers, distributors, and fellow creatives at PG LIVE.

This prize is a celebration of possibility — a belief that talent should be nurtured, voices should be heard, and creativity should be supported from the very beginning.

Proposals can be submitted to:

Notes & Queries
7110 Golden Ring Road, Suite 108
Essex, Maryland 21221

Retailers invited to join the panel for the N&Q Fresh Ink Prize

Notes & Queries is assembling a panel of twelve American retailers and four British retailers to review submissions and help select the 2027 finalist. Your insight is invaluable: as a retailer, you know what resonates on the shelf, what customers truly connect with and what makes a fresh creative voice stand out.

Why join the panel?

• Shape the future of the industry: Help elevate a rising talent at a pivotal moment in their career.
• Be the first to see fresh work: Review exciting new collections from publishers less than three years old.
• Strengthen industry community: Join a collaborative, cross-Atlantic group of retailers who care about nurturing creativity.
• Support emerging voices: Your perspective will directly contribute to awarding a £5,000 prize that helps a young creator grow their vision.

Panel review will take place between Jan. 15, 2027 – April 15, 2027, with the winner announced at PG LIVE 2027 in London.

If you’d like to participate — or know a retailer who would be a great fit — reach out to Notes & Queries.