Anime Blues Con 12 Art Contest

Looking for some creative inspiration this winter? Why not enter our art contest and win some cool prizes! This contest is open to all ages and all skill levels. We’re looking for unique and fun entries that show off your creativity! If you would like to enter, please read the following information. We look forward to seeing your wonderful work!

Entries Open: November 1, 2023

Entries Close: February 1, 2024

Winners Announced: Mid/Late February (subject to change depending on the amount of entries)

Theme: Draw your original character in the theme of “midnight”.

Artists may interpret the above theme however they wish. Please make sure you read the guidelines below to ensure you entry meets all requirements.

 

CATEGORIES

  • Adult (for artists aged 18 and older)
  • High School (grades 9-12)
  • Middle School (grades 6-8)
  • Elementary School (grades K-5)

HOW TO ENTER

  • If you would like to enter, please email jessi.gaston@mcaentertainment.org with your entry and a completed art contest entry form

  • Please read the list of guidelines below so you entry is received successfully. For artists 13 and younger – A parent, legal guardian, or teacher must submit entries for artists aged 13 and younger.

PRIZES

  • 1st Place Elementary School – t-shirt and certificate
  • 1st Place Middle School – t-shirt and certificate
  • 1st Place High School – 3-day pass to ABC 2024, t-shirt, collectible coin, and certificate
  • 1st Place Adult – 3-day pass to ABC 2024, t-shirt, collectible coin, and certificate
  • Honorable mentions – collectible coin and certificate

GUIDELINES and RULES

  1. One entry per person.
  2. Entries should solely be completed by the entrant. Collaborative works are not accepted.
  3. Entries should be of an original character of your own design. Fan art will not be accepted. Original characters do not have to be human.
  4. Entries should include the the theme of “midnight” in their artwork. It is up to each artist how they want to interpret the theme.
  5. Entries can be completed in any 2D media (including but not limited to: digital art, watercolor, colored pencil, crayon, pencil, ink, oil painting, acrylic painting, mixed media, etc.)
  6. Entries can be completed in any style (including but not limited to: manga, Western comics, realistic, kawaii/cute, furry, etc.)
  7. There are no specific size or dimension requirements but it is recommended that all entries submit a high resolution file of their artwork. If the judges can’t clearly see the work, they can’t judge the work!
  8. All entrants should place their signature or initials on the front of their artwork. This includes digital or traditional media. This may be done wherever is suitable on the artwork.
  9. Traditional media artworks should be scanned or a photo of the artwork taken in outdoor lighting.
  10. Accepted file types are .JPG, .PNG, .PDF, or .TIFF. No links to artworks will be accepted. It must be attached to the entry email.
  11. No AI created artwork will be accepted.
  12. All works must be submitted online. We will not accept originals. There is no drop off location available.
  13. Our staff cannot edit entries (such as color balancing, cropping, etc.). You may edit these things before submitting your entry.
  14. Artworks will only be used in the scope of the contest – announcing the winners online/at the convention and showcasing the entries online/at the convention. Artworks will not be used for any promotions or merchandise.
  15. Entries cannot be changed once submitted. We cannot swap your entry for a new entry or accept a newly edited file (unless specifically requested because the file is low resolution or corrupted).
  16. Entries should be PG. Nudity, gore, political or religious statements, foul language, or content deemed too mature for a family friendly audience will not be accepted.
  17. Entries for artists aged 13 and under should be submitted by a parent or guardian who authorizes that the artist may enter the contest. A certified teacher may also submit an entry on behalf of their students.
  18. 18 year old contestants may enter the grade level they are currently in or as an adult.
  19. Prizes are non-negotiable, non-transferrable, and only valid for Anime Blues Con 2024. No prizes will be mailed and must be picked up at the Anime Blues Con 2024 event.
  20. All prizes won will be revoked if a winner is found to have falsified or misrepresented their entry information or used stolen or AI generated artwork.
  21. Winners will be notified through email and announced online.
  22. All entries should be accompanied by a completed entry form and signed by a parent or guardian if the artist is 13 years of age or under. Incomplete, missing, or illegible entry forms will void entry to the contest. Entry forms should be sent at the same time as the artwork.
  23. Entries will only be accepted between November 1, 2023 12:00AM through February 1, 2024 11:59PM. Entries received before or after this period will not be accepted.
  24. Entry forms may be filled out digitally or printed, signed, and scanned.
  25. The contest is juried.
  26. A photograph of a cosplay (even if it is an original character) or any type of 3D artwork (sculpture, etc.) will not be accepted. Animation will not be accepted. Artworks must be static.
  27. Adult and High School level entries may include their online art portfolio or art website on their form if they wish to. This will be displayed alongside your entry online.
  28. Anime Blues Con staff maintain the right to change the contest rules, guidelines, categories, prizes, deadlines or other parameters of the contest at any time without notice. The Anime Blues Con staff maintain the right to cancel the contest at any time without notice.