Design student in the running for worldwide fashion illustration award

Published on 20, November, 2025

A talented University of Sunderland student has made the shortlist for a prestigious award which recognises fashion illustrators across the globe.

The FIDA Awards 2025, which is now in its 11^th year, is a worldwide competition which celebrates the best in contemporary fashion art and illustration, giving creatives at all levels the chance to gain recognition, industry exposure and career-changing opportunities.

Second-year BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Promotion student, Eva Donkin, has been shortlisted in the Emerging Talent category for her digital illustration.

Eva, 19, from Seaham, County Durham, said: “Being chosen for the shortlist has made me realise that my art has been recognised by industry professionals when I’ve always just done it for the love of illustration.

“I never expected to be recognised in this way. I can’t wait to put it on my CV.”

Senior Lecturer in Fashion Design and Promotion at the University of Sunderland, Naomi Austin, who encouraged her students to enter the competition as part of their module, said: “I was absolutely delighted to have all of my second-year students longlisted but to have Eva make it onto the shortlist is just fantastic.

“To put this into perspective, this competition attracts thousands of entries from across the world, including highly renowned professional illustrators. Eva has always loved drawing, and most days, you can find her on her iPad creating some wonderful work.

“I think it’s so important to help our students achieve as much recognition as possible across the UK and the world, as they’re extremely talented and I’m very proud of what they do.”

Naomi has also made it onto the shortlist in the Professional Digital category.

The winners and finalists will be announced on Friday 21 November.

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