Organizer Information
The contest is organized by CELSYS, Inc., the company behind the illustration software Clip Studio Paint. This is a global, international contest series aimed at celebrating and encouraging digital art creation.
Title & Description
46th International Illustration Contest
Artists are invited to draw original illustrations based on the theme of "Cats." The purpose is to capture the charm of cats (whether graceful, playful, or mischievous) and showcase original artwork.
Categories
- Visual Art / Illustration
- Digital Art (Any app or software is permitted)
- Traditional Art (Traditional works are accepted if submitted as photos or scans).
Eligibility
- International. Open to participants globally.
- Original Artwork: Submissions must be entirely original works for which the contestant owns the copyright.
- Prohibited Entries: Entries created using generative AI (Artificial Intelligence), fanart, works depicting real people or existing characters/products/brands, and traced or copied works.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Grand Prize (1 winner): $2,000 USD cash prize, Clip Studio Paint EX Activation Code (Dual-device, 3 years), 10,000 GOLD, and a social media profile picture frame.
- 2nd Place (1 winner): $500 USD cash prize, Clip Studio Paint EX Activation Code (Dual-device, 3 years), 10,000 GOLD, and a profile picture frame.
- 3rd - 5th Place (3 winners): $200 USD cash prize, Clip Studio Paint EX Activation Code (Dual-device, 1 year), 5,000 GOLD, and a profile picture frame.
- Other Prizes: Cash prizes and Clip Studio Paint PRO/EX codes are awarded for 6th - 10th Place, Honorable Mentions, Challenger Award, Smartphone Award (lottery), and Timelapse Prize (lottery).
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Original illustration focusing on the theme "Cats."
- Must be submitted via social media posts using the required contest hashtags.
- The use of Generative AI is strictly prohibited.
- During judging, finalists may be required to submit a time-lapse video or work files to verify the creation process.
- Multiple entries by a single participant are permitted.
How to Apply?
Submit your original illustration via one of the following social media platforms:
- X (formerly Twitter): Post your work with the hashtag #cspcontest46.
- Instagram: Post your work with the hashtag #cspcontest46 and mention the official account @clipstudioofficial.
- Facebook: Join the dedicated Contest Facebook group and post your work using the hashtag #cspcontest46.
- Application Link: The submission process is done through social media posting; the contest details and links to the official accounts/groups are on the main website.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 5 January 2026
- Winner Announcements: February 9, 2026 (tentative)
Location
Online
Additional Details
- There are special lottery awards for artists who use a smartphone drawing app (using #cspcontest46_smartphone) or submit a timelapse video (using #cspcontest46_timelapse).
- Winners will be contacted via Direct Message (DM) on the platform used for submission.
- Submissions will be judged on quality, thematic relevance, and originality.