I find participating in online art challenges is one of the best ways to put yourself out there, and potentially earn some fun prizes along. The rewards are lucrative, ranging from large cash prizes and electronics, to a potential publishing deal. Below I listed some ongoing art contests and other opportunities that you can participate in today. I only included contests that are free entry.
1. Huion “Mind Palace” Drawing Contest
Huion is a digital drawing tablet company that hosts these contests pretty often. Always a great opportunity to get your name out there and win cool prizes!
Time period: February 9, 2026 ~ May 25, 2026.
Theme: Mind Palace. “Unleash your ultimate imagination. You can depict this futuristic “living universe” through illustrations, comics, or 3D art. You may explore the following creative directions (but are not limited to them): Construct a personal universe, immersive interaction, alien vision.“
Prize:
1st Place – Kamvas Pro 24 (gen 3) + Clip Studio Paint Pro 1-device, 24-month subscription
2nd Place (2 winners) – Kamvas Pro 19 + Clip Studio Paint Pro 1-device, 12-month subscription
3rd Place (3 winners) – Kamvas 16 (gen 3) + Clip Studio Paint Pro 1-device, 12-month subscription
Honorable Mention (4 winners) – Inspiroy 2 L, Clip Studio Paint Pro 1-device, 6-month subscription
Things to note:
– There will be multiple winners on each of the tiers (besides 1st place)
– You can do a maximum of 3 entries
– Any visual media are allowed – illustrations (both traditional and digital), comics, and 3D art
Check out their official page for specifics on how to participate.
2. Pixiv x Clip Studio Paint: Global Comic Awards 2026
If you want to become a mangaka or a webtoon artist this contest is just for you!
Time Period: January 14, 2026 ~ March 31, 2026
Theme: There are two categories – Theme Category: Journey, or Open Category (any theme). Submissions must be in manga format (includes Toonscroll format)
Prize:
1st – $3,250USD + 3 years of Clip Studio Paint EX for 1-device
2nd (one Theme Category, one Open Category) – $980USD + 3 years of Clip Studio Paint EX for 1-device
Excellence Award (10 winners) – $130USD + 1 year of Clip Studio Paint EX for 1-device
Things to note:
– You may post more than one entry. You cannot post the same entry more than once
– Standalone works and incomplete series are accepted
– Series submissions are accepted. Just tag the first episode of the series
– The submission must be posted on Pixiv with the proper tag
Check out their official page for specifics on how to participate.
3. DoKomi X Mynavi Publishing Illustration Contest
This contest is hosted by the German anime convention DoKomi and Mynavi Publishing, a Japanese publishing company. Contestants can be residing in Germany or abroad.
Time Period: December 23, 2025 ~ April 19, 2026
Theme: Kawaii! (Cute). Must include four different illustrations
Grand Prize (one winner):
– Cash reward of ¥100,000 (subject to potential transfer fees)
– A safe artist booth at DoKomi 2027. The booth has to be paid by the participant
and the participant has to comply with our T&C.
– Electronic publishing rights in Japan
– Panel display of the winning illustration (to be presented at the award
ceremony)
Things to note:
– Contestants can be residing in Germany or abroad
– Both unpublished and previously created works are eligible for submission
Check out their official page for specifics on how to participate.
4. L. Ron Hubbard’s Illustrators of the Future Contest
This is a quarterly free contest that anyone internationally can participate in.
Time Period: January 1, 2026 ~ March 31, 2026
Theme: Science Fiction. “This contest evaluates an entrant’s ability to illustrate a science fiction or fantasy story, rather than simply create art with those themes. A strong illustration distills the essence of a story—conveying hundreds of thousands of words in a single powerful, evocative image that draws the viewer in and sparks curiosity about the narrative behind it. Entries that clearly demonstrate an understanding of and connection to a story through the artwork will score highly. Entrants are strongly encouraged to read short science fiction or fantasy stories for inspiration and to base their illustrations for entry to the contest.”
Prize (3 co-winners):
– Cash prize of $500USD
– Receive trophies at an annual awards ceremony (the contest will pay for the winner’s travel and hotel)
– Winners will also receive eligibility to compete for the annual Grand Prize
Things to note:
– Entries can be submitted electronically or physically
– All themes of science fiction and fantasy illustrations are welcome
Check out their official page for specifics on how to participate.
I hope this article was helpful for all of you out there looking for opportunities to showcase your talent. I’ll mostly likely post another article with more art contests that you participate in the future. Feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you know of any contests/opportunities that I should share.
