The John J. Lanzendorf-National Geographic PaleoArt Prize was created by the late John Lanzendorf to recognize outstanding achievement in paleontological scientific illustration and naturalistic art. These are the only art awards presented by the scientific community that specifically recognize accomplishments in paleontological visualization. PaleoArt is broadly defined as the scientific or naturalistic rendering of paleontological subject matter. PaleoArt is one of the most important vehicles for communicating discoveries and data among Paleontologists and is critical to promulgating Paleontology across disciplines and to lay audiences.
CATEGORIES
- Scientific Illustration: Works that are regarded as text-figures within the body of a scientific paper or supplementary material. Any work prepared for publication in a research paper is eligible, but primary consideration will be given to works that depict fossil specimens or the anatomy of fossil organisms. Submissions must have been published in, or prepared for publication in, a research paper. The name of the research paper should be included as part of the submission. Traditional or digital media.
- 2-Dimensional Art: Any 2-D work, such as life reconstructions of animals or environments, that typically would NOT be regarded as text-figures within the body of a scientific paper or supplementary material. Traditional or digital media.
- 3-Dimensional Art: Works that exist in the 3-D physical (not digital) realm (e.g., sculpture).
- Digital Modeling and Animation: Works, including animations, created in 3D digital programs. Submissions must have been published in, or prepared for publication in, a research paper. The name of the research paper should be included as part of the submission.
ELIGIBILTY REQUIREMENTS
- If an artist has won an award in one of these categories, that artist may not submit artwork in that category again for 3 years.
- Submissions are limited to two examples of work completed by an artist or studio within the last two years that have not been previously submitted for the Lanzendorf-National Geographic PaleoArt Prize.
- Awards are not limited to any particular group, such as dinosaurs.
Applicants do not need to be members of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. You will be asked to complete a form providing name, email etc. but will not be prompted to pay for membership.
Paleoart entries must not have been created by utilizing AI image generators at any step in their preparation.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit applications during the annual application period via the SVP online system. Each application requires one work, but applicants may optionally include a second work in their application if desired.
You will be asked to provide the following:
EACH Two-Dimensional (2-D) Art, Three-Dimensional (3-D) Art, and Scientific Illustration entry requires:
- One (1) image (not exceeding 5 MB) in .jpeg format.
- A title for the work. You may enter "untitled" if you prefer but the work will be referred to as "untitled" in all award announcements and presentations should the work be awarded.
- A recent photo of the applicant and a brief (300-500 word) bio (these will only be used for the SVP Awards Banquet if the applicant receives this award).
EACH Digital Modeling and Animation entry requires:
- One (1) animation clip of no more than 60 seconds plus one second of playback for title, artist, contact information and credit.
- One (1) image (not exceeding 5 MB) of the digital model or animation still in .jpeg format.
- The video will be accepted via a YouTube link only.
- A title for the work. You may enter "untitled" if you prefer but the work will be referred to as "untitled" in all award announcements and presentations should the work be awarded.
- A recent photo of the applicant and a brief (300-500 word) bio (these will only be used for the SVP Awards Banquet if the applicant receives this award).
Be sure to name all uploaded files with your name and a description (e.g. John Smith Photo).
Applications for the 2025 Lanzendorf-National Geographic PaleoArt Prizes are now being accepted.
Click here to apply for the Lanzendorf 2-D Art Prize
Click here to apply for the Lanzendorf 3-D Art (Sculpture) Prize
Click here to apply for the Lanzendorf Scientific Illustration Prize
Click here to apply for the Lanzendorf Digital Modeling and Animation Prize
The submission deadline is April 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET.
QUESTIONS?
Julius Csotonyi, Chair, Lanzendorf Prize Panel