See SPOTS. Win.

Every art director knows that sometimes the best work you can do in a day is to assign just the right illustrator for that possibly-impossible-to-describe assignment and getting back the perfect solution. "Spot" illustrations may be small in size, but they play an enormous role in the world of editorial design. Measuring no more than 5 x 6 inches, a spot much catch readers' eyes, draw them into a story, and convey complex ideas--often while competing with other visual elements on the page.

SPD is the only organization to honor these hard-working little gems with its annual SPOTS Competition. Chaired this year by Criswell Lappin of Fahrenheit 212 and Matthew Lenning of MAT: Design Company, the SPOTS Competition for the work of 2010 will be judged by a group of outstanding art directors and illustrators who all champion illustration on a daily basis. Read more here about the jury, the books, the party and the glory of winning.

Click here for the entry forms (pdf download) and here for more info, and we'll see your best little gems by March 30th!