"Once Upon an Idea" Illustration Competition
about
Key Highlights
Once Upon an Idea was a storytelling-based card game designed to teach entrepreneurship in a creative and engaging way, using Dungeons & Dragons-inspired narratives. We invited talented illustrators from across Ireland to bring this vision to life.
On March 4th, finalists presented their artwork at Trinity College Dublin, where the audience and judges voted for their favourite piece. One artist was chosen as the Official Illustrator, winning €1,000 and the chance to illustrate the full 10-card deck.
70+
Attendants
17
Artworks submitted
Winners
Meet the talented illustrators who brought Chapter 1 to life and claimed the top prizes.
Grand Prize Winner
Dylan Breheny
€1000 EURO • Trinity College Dublin
Audience Vote Winner
Ellen Brennan
€250 EURO • Trinity College Dublin
All artworks
Explore the full gallery of magical submissions from students and alumni across Ireland.
Xin Wu
Leah McGrath
Laura Micianiec
Aidan Fox
Sage Tagiso
Yasmin Woodlock
Dylan Breheny
Rose Masterson
AJ Margretts
Mo Campbell
Sophia Leonard
Etain Sievers
Ellen Brennan
Marius Warhola
Olivia Creagh
Antonia Popova
Martyna Kaczmarek
Judges
Get to know the creatives and experts who selected the finalists and winning illustrations.
Judges
Judging Criteria
Creativity & Originality
◦ Does the illustration bring a unique and imaginative vision toThe Shadows in the Woods?
◦ Does it showcase an original artistic style?
◦ Does it showcase an original artistic style?
Storytelling & Interpretation
◦ How well does the illustration capture the mystery and courage of the given story prompt?
◦ Does it effectively convey the problem lurking in the woods?
◦ Does it effectively convey the problem lurking in the woods?
Technical Skill & Execution
◦ Is the artwork well-crafted with strong composition, technique, and attention to detail?
◦ Does it demonstrate artistic skill and professionalism?
◦ Does it demonstrate artistic skill and professionalism?
Emotional Impact & Atmosphere
◦ Does the illustration evoke a strong mood, atmosphere, or emotion?
◦ Does it draw the viewer into the world of the story?
◦ Does it draw the viewer into the world of the story?
Suitability for the Card Deck
◦ Would this illustration fit within the style and vision of theOnce Upon an Idea deck?
◦ Is it adaptable for the full 10-card series?
◦ Is it adaptable for the full 10-card series?
Timeline
Submission deadline
February 23, 2025
Results announced
February 27, 2025
Final exhibition event
March 4, 2025
Exhibition Agenda
A look back at the key moments, workshops, and showcase that shaped the competition.
March 4
18:00 – 18:45
Networking and gallery walkthrough featuring all 17 illustrations of Shadows in the Woods
18:45 – 19:00
Opening remarks
19:00 – 19:15
Audience voting for the favorite piece
19:15 – 19:25
Judges announce the winners
19:25 – 19:30
Closing remarks
Organizers
Learn more about the team behind Once Upon an Idea and the vision that inspired it.
FAQ
Once Upon an Idea was a unique storytelling game and card deck that guided players through the 10 essential steps of entrepreneurship, inspired by the world of Dungeons & Dragons. The competition invited talented illustrators to bring these stories to life through their artwork.
The competition was open to university students across Ireland and TCD alumni who were illustrators, painters, sketchers, or digital artists—whether professional or not.
Artists illustrated Chapter 1: The Shadows in the Woods, setting the tone for the adventure. The artwork captured the themes of mystery and courage as the journey began.
◦ Submitted artwork in A3 Portrait format (PDF or image);
◦ Included a short overview describing the proposed illustration;
◦ Uploaded a portfolio of 3–5 pieces showcasing artistic work;
◦ AI-generated artwork was not allowed.
◦ Included a short overview describing the proposed illustration;
◦ Uploaded a portfolio of 3–5 pieces showcasing artistic work;
◦ AI-generated artwork was not allowed.
◦ All selected finalists showcased their work at a gallery-style exhibition.
◦ Guests and judges voted for their favourite illustration.
◦ The Audience Favourite won €250.
◦ The Grand Prize Winner illustrated the full deck and received €1,000.
◦ Guests and judges voted for their favourite illustration.
◦ The Audience Favourite won €250.
◦ The Grand Prize Winner illustrated the full deck and received €1,000.
Finalists confirmed their attendance by emailing ask@openincubator.ie to ensure their artwork was included in the showcase.
The Grand Prize Winner received €1,000 and the opportunity to illustrate all 10 cards of the Once Upon an Idea deck.
The selected illustrations were printed and showcased at the exhibition, with the winner’s work featured in the final deck.
Future opportunities
Explore our latest programs designed to spark innovation, nurture ideas, and support your journey from concept to impactful venture.
Social Innovation Challenge 2.0
Calling all students across Ireland! Got an idea that can tackle a pressing social challenge? This is your chance to innovate for impact! Submit your idea, collaborate with changemakers, and get the support you need to turn your vision into reality. Ready to make a difference?
Apply now
Last Call:
May 5, 2025
May 5, 2025
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Built @Trinity College Dublin for the benefit of all Irish Innovators.
Built @Trinity College Dublin for the benefit of all Irish Innovators.