Recognition
Awards
Books, playful worlds and illustrations recognized by international awards and curators.
- 1book award Gold
- 6book-award finalist results
- 9shared game honors
- 5Behance curator features
Book awards
Books I’ve illustrated have received a Gold award and reached the finals of six international competitions.
- 2026Gold
- 2025Finalist
- 2025Finalist
- 2025Finalist
- 2025Finalist
- 2024Finalist
- 2023Finalist
Storytailors
Storytailors is a storytelling game I co-illustrated with Irina Pechenkina. Published as Fabelwelten and Fabulia, it has received nine international honors.
- 2021WinnerGraf LudoMost Beautiful Children's Game Graphics
- 2021NomineeKinderspiel des JahresChildren's Game of the Year
- 2021SelectedSpiele-Hit für KinderChildren's Game
- 2021ShortlistedImagination Gaming Family and Education Game AwardsBest Literacy Game
- 2021Second placeGolden Bear National AwardBest Toys and Games
- 2021NomineeGra RokuChildren's Game of the Year
- 2020WinnerGroupement des Boutiques LudiquesChildren's Game of the Year
- 2020FinalistPremio MalacitanoChildren's Game
- 2020NomineeTric TracBest Children's Game
Behance features
Three projects have been featured five times in Behance’s Illustration and Photoshop galleries.
Editorial recognition
Reviews that singled out the illustrations for praise.
Kirkus Reviews gave Grandma’s Timeless Wisdom a GET IT verdict and specifically praised the illustrations.
“The illustrations by Eugene Smolenceva were so clear, colorful, and expressive, and I was just captivated by them.”