We all deserve to be recognized for our incredible ink work! Your published storytelling is eligible for consideration in any of our five inking categories—SEE BELOW. (Unlike some other awards, we do not charge a fee.) While our volunteer nomination committee (“NomCom”) can still submit their choices, they just can’t see all the wonderful work during the year from all publishers large and small. So it’s up to YOU!
Important details:
WHAT TO SEND:
1. Examples of TWO to THREE (max) interior pages—one interior splash can be allowed from that count or a cover (as long as it’s from the same source as an interior page…do not cite a source where you only inked the cover)—of published & printed comic-book ink work you’ve done from any published comic book (per categories below) RELEASE-DATED 2026 (sorry, no webcomics unless also printed.). Send either links to your specific samples (not general site links), or low-res image files. (Do not send large files–we’re not a printer!) DO NOT SEND PHYSICAL COPIES–they will not be eligible. For each image, you can include a pencils & inks file combined for each category of samples.
2. NAMES of the inker and penciller, your preferred EMAIL ADDRESS, the TITLE/ISSUE #(s) and PUBLISHER.
3. The CATEGORY(-IES) for each sample. You may submit the same or different work to different categories, EXCEPT “Favorite Inker” and “Props”–pick one or the other. Categories are:
1. Favorite Inker: favorite ink artist over the pencils of another artist. (Can’t be nominated for “Props.”)
2. Most-Adaptable: showing exceptional ink style versatility over other pencil artists. (Minimum of two pencillers [maximum of three], with each allowed TWO pairs of files, pencils & inks side by side combined into a single file.)
3. Props award: ink artist deserving of more attention for work over other pencillers. (Can’t be past winner or nominated for “Favorite Inker.”)
4. The S.P.A.M.I: for favorite Small Press And Mainstream-Independent comic book ink work over another pencil artist or yourself (Non-Marvel or DC).
5. All-in-One award: for favorite artist inking his/her own pencils.
(Make sure you read and understand the BIG RULES below before sending.)
WHERE TO SEND:
Email samples back here to inkwellawards@yahoo.com, with the Subject “2027 Inkwell Awards.” (Questions? Same email or ask us on Facebook.)
WHEN TO SEND:
The deadline is JANUARY 23rd, 2027 (we’ll post reminders, but earlier is better).
PLEASE help us help you by following the directions and rules specifically. If not, or if AI is involved, your work cannot be considered and you may be banned from turning in future submissions. We are merely a few working professionals who volunteer when time allows so we don’t have the time/manpower to micro-manage.
THE BIG RULES (Please read):
-Inks can be with traditional or digital tools (e.g., brush, pen, marker, stylus, Apple Pen, Wacom, etc., but NOT just pencils darkened/manipulated via Photoshop/software—must be drawn by HAND).
-Work must have been printed with a 2026 release date. No Web-only comics.
-Our volunteer NomCom may also submit their choices. All entries will be considered equally and tallied.
-The core committee is not permitted to nominate, nor vote, for anyone (so save your bribes).
-All links sent must be to the specific pages being considered. Any general site links (“JohnDoe.com,” DeviantArt portfolios, etc.) will be ignored. No physical copies.
–If work does not meet the criteria above or is not submitted in accordance with these rules, it will not be considered. Fraudulent entries will be voided and will result in your not being considered for any future awards (and any awards won will be forfeited and given to the runner-up).
-The Inkwell Awards is not responsible for any power outages, server issues, software or hardware malfunctions, human error, acts of God, zombie apocalypses and any other stuff beyond our control.
Again, if you have questions or need more info, send an email to either inkwellawards@yahoo.com, or to me directly at the address below.
Thank you and good luck!
Sincerely,
Ray Burke (Assistant Director and The Inkwell Awards Committee)
The Inkwell Awards
inkwellawards@yahoo.com
Site: inkwellawards.com
Facebook.com/groups/TheInkwellAwards
WHO WE ARE:
In case you still haven’t heard, The Inkwell Awards (inkwellawards.com) is an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to educate the public and promote the art form of comic-book inking, as well as annually recognize and award the best ink artists and their work. Founded in 2008, the organization is overseen by a volunteer committee of industry professionals and assisted by various pro ambassadors, numerous contributors and supporters. We sponsor the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Kubert School and host the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award.
—
About Author
