Illustrator Oliver Jeffers shares advice for Big Issue's Christmas Kids Cover Competition: 'We're all artists'

Entries are flooding in for our Christmas Kids Cover Competition – so we’ve decided to extend the deadline! The competition will remain open until Monday 4 December 2023.

This year’s theme is WELCOME and we’re open to designs from creative children aged 13 and younger. The winning entry will appear on the front of one of our Christmas editions.

We’re on the lookout for bright, bold, eye-grabbing art that will catch the attention of passers-by and help us to include the words BIG ISSUE prominently!

The 2023 competition is being judged by celebrated author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers, who told The Big Issue it was a “privilege” to be able to support the next generation of artists

“It’s always a privilege to be able to support the next generation of artists in all and any way I can,” Jeffers told The Big Issue.

“I truly believe we are all born artists, and some just lose their way. Fostering a space for creativity and continuing to preach the importance of art is a big thing for me.

“So I’m delighted to be asked to judge the Big Issue Kids Cover this year. Hopefully, I’ll be able to take some inspiration from the entries!”

The Northern Irish-born, New York-based children’s author and visual artist offered the following tips for young artists entering The Big Issue’s Christmas Cover Competition for 2023.

“When folks ask me for my advice on creating art, and creativity in general,” Jeffers said, “my response is always the same.

“Make sure you’re having fun! Don’t care what people think (unless they’re paying you!). And don’t forget to take the lid off the pen!”

Find out more about how to enter the competition here. Anyone aged 13 or under can enter and the competition will close on Monday 4th December at 23:59.