Community · July 31, 2026

Illustration Contest: Pattern Play

A global illustration contest on Unsplash

Alyssa Wright

We’re inviting illustrators everywhere to take part in our latest community contest.

This month’s theme is Pattern Play. Submit your patterned vector illustrations for a chance to win $100 USD and be featured on Unsplash.

The Theme

Pattern Play

We’re looking for illustrations built around patterns and repetition. From geometric shapes to organic forms, create visuals designed to repeat, tile, or form a cohesive pattern. These could work as wallpapers, backgrounds, textiles, or graphic design elements.

Illustrations by Erina Dini, Gamma Valeri, Iryna Trigubova, Silali Banerjee, Akanksha Maurya, Ayush Kumar, Anny Cecilia Walter, Libre Clip Art, and Laura Della Scala

The Prize

One winning illustration will receive $100 USD (via Giftogram). We’ll also feature the winner and a selection of standout submissions in a curated Unsplash collection and across our social channels.

How to Enter

Want in? Here’s how:

Upload your vector illustrations to the new Pattern Play topic on Unsplash.
All entries must be new submissions, submitted after May 31, 2026, and must meet our submission guidelines.
Submit by August 31st, 2026.

Submissions are open globally, and there is no limit to the number of illustrations you can enter. Standard contest rules apply.

*Illustration by* Ilona Ilonitta. *By entering the contest, you agree to the* *standard contest terms* *as well as these terms and conditions: All entries must be received from 12:00 AM EST on August 1st, 2026, to 11:59 PM*, EST on August 31st, 2026. This contest is open in all jurisdictions unless prohibited by local law. Entrants must be over 18 years old on the date of their entry. One (1) winner will be selected by a community vote out of a shortlist of 10 and will be notified by September 8th, 2026, by Unsplash. If you win, to claim your prize, your name, email address and phone number must be provided to enable the fulfillment of the $100 USD Giftogram. The prize will be delivered via Giftogram and is subject to Giftogram’s terms and conditions, as well as availability and redemption restrictions based on the recipient’s country of residence. If you win, you agree that your *name and social media username will be posted on the social media profiles of Unsplash. Rules are subject to change*. *Void where prohibited.*

Submission Window

August 1st, 2026 – August 31st, 2026

Once submissions close, the Unsplash team will review entries and announce the winning illustration shortly after.

Winner Selection

Once submissions close on August 31st, 2026, the Unsplash team will review all entries and handpick a shortlist of 10 illustrations from the Pattern Play topic.

From there, the Unsplash community will vote to choose their favorite illustration. Make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter or many social channels to get involved in selecting the winner!

Ready to participate?

We can’t wait to see what you create.

Submit your illustrations.