KU illustration and animation students earn national honors from Society of Illustrators

A still from an animated short shows a stylized blue dog standing on a sidewalk at night, looking into a brightly lit bakery window. Inside the window, baskets of golden baguettes glow in warm yellow light, contrasting with the cool blue tones of the street and buildings outside.

Still from "Golden," the award‑winning 2D animated short by KU illustration and animation student Bella LeJuerrne. Set on the streets of Paris, the film explores loneliness and the search for connection.

Tue, 05/05/2026

Dan Rolf

LAWRENCE — Two students from the University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design have been recognized by the Society of Illustrators in its highly competitive 2025 Student Competition, one of the most prestigious illustration competitions for students in the United States.

A charcoal drawing of a full‑length figure standing in a narrow city street, wearing a hat, jacket, jeans, and boots, and holding a rectangular object. Strong light and shadow emphasize textures in the buildings and clothing. — “Self Portrait,” charcoal drawing by Waverly Altis.

Waverly Altis, a junior in illustration from Shawnee, and Bella LeJuerrne, a senior in illustration and animation from Tecumseh, were selected from more than 4,550 entries, with their work chosen among just 216 featured pieces nationwide.

Founded in 1901, the Society of Illustrators is the oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to the art of illustration in America. Each year, its student competition highlights exceptional emerging talent across traditional and digital media.

Altis received honors for “Self Portrait,” a charcoal drawing, developed in the studio of design lecturer Stephen T. Johnson. LeJuerrne was recognized for “Golden,” a 2D digital animated short, created with mentorship from Kent Smith, assistant teaching professor of animation and illustration.

The award‑winning works will be featured in a public exhibition at the Society of Illustrators Museum, located at 128 E. 63rd St. in New York City, from May 2-16, and will also appear in the society’s online gallery.