© Michael Skrepnick

The Lanzendorf-National Geographic PaleoArt Prize was created by John J. 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 2D 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 3D physical (not digital) realm (e.g., sculpture).
• National Geographic Digital Modeling and Animation Prize: 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.

WHAT TO SUBMIT

Please utilize the SVP online award submission system to apply. Any materials sent by e-mail, fax or mail will NOT be reviewed. Applicants can enter up to two separate submissions of their works. Once you click “submit” the award application is complete so be sure to double check that all fields and uploads are exactly as you wish BEFORE clicking “submit”. Be sure to name all uploaded documents with your name and a description of the attachment (ie John Smith Photo). Have the following items ready when you submit your application:

EACH Two Dimensional (2-D), Three Dimensional (3-D) and Scientific Illustration entry requires: 

• One (1) image which should not exceed 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 photo of the artist.
• Your email address and a brief (500 word max) bio. Name the uploaded bio with your name and SVP year (IE Mary Smith Bio SVP 2030).

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 of the digital model or animation still which should not exceed 5 MB 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 photo of the artist.
• Your email address and a brief (500 word max) bio. Name the uploaded bio with your name and SVP year (IE Mary Smith Bio SVP 2030).

Please see the links below to apply for your award category:

Applications for the 2024 Lanzendorf-National Geographic PaleoArt Prizes are now closed.

QUESTIONS?

Julius Csotonyi, Chair, Lanzendorf Prize Panel