International Illustration Competition 2026 with a Prize of Up to $2,000
Applicant criteria
- NationalityNo specific nationality required
- AgeNo specific age required
- GenderBoth
Opportunity criteria
- Opportunity FieldMusic, Art and Graphic Design, Others
- LocationRemotely
- Deadline2026-11-04
Opportunity description
Japanese company CELSYS, the developer of CLIP STUDIO PAINT, has opened submissions for the 49th International Illustration Contest 2026, held under the theme “Spooky Creatures.”
The competition invites artists, illustrators, and creators from around the world to submit original artwork inspired by ghosts, mythical creatures, and mysterious imaginary beings. The illustrations do not necessarily have to be frightening; participants may also submit cute, humorous, unusual, or quirky characters inspired by stories, legends, or their own imagination.
The competition aims to encourage artistic creativity and showcase talent in both digital and traditional illustration, while giving participants the opportunity to compete for cash prizes of up to $2,000 USD, along with CLIP STUDIO PAINT licenses and additional prizes.
Benefits
First Place: A cash prize of $2,000 USD, plus a 3-year CLIP STUDIO PAINT EX license or 10,000 GOLD points.
Second Place: A cash prize of $500 USD, plus a 3-year software license or 10,000 GOLD points.
Third to Fifth Place: A cash prize of $200 USD for each winner, plus a 1-year software license or 5,000 GOLD points.
Sixth to Tenth Place: A cash prize of $100 USD for each winner, plus a 1-year CLIP STUDIO PAINT PRO license or 3,000 GOLD points.
Honorable Mention Awards: Software licenses or GOLD points for a number of outstanding participants.
Additional Awards: Special prizes for participants who create their work using smartphones or submit a video documenting the drawing process.
Free Participation: There is no registration fee, and participants are not required to use CLIP STUDIO PAINT to create their artwork.
Global Exposure: Winning works will be showcased through the competition’s official channels, giving artists the opportunity to reach an international audience of artists and designers.
Eligibility criteria
The competition is open to artists and illustrators from around the world.
Both beginners and professionals may participate; no professional experience or academic qualification is required.
Participants must submit original artwork that matches the theme “Spooky Creatures.”
Participants must own the intellectual property rights to the submitted work.
Any digital drawing software or traditional art tools may be used.
The use of generative AI, either fully or partially, is prohibited.
Copied or derivative works based on other artists’ creations are not accepted, nor are works featuring existing characters or trademarks.
Artwork depicting real people or pre-existing well-known characters is not accepted.
Participants may submit more than one artwork.
Entries must be published through the participant’s personal account and remain publicly viewable.
Shortlisted participants may be asked to provide working files or a video documenting the drawing process to verify the originality of the artwork.
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