Break out your paints, pencils, clay, and canvases and come be part of Naka-Kon’s third annual art contest! Submit fanart based on Japanese works as well as original artwork inspired by Japanese history, art, or culture. Entries will be displayed in an art gallery open to all attendees!
Subject & Medium
- Fanart entries must be based on works of Japanese origin: anime, manga, video games, books, or bands. Original artwork entries inspired by Japanese history, art, or culture are also permitted.
- Entries may be created from any visual medium, including digital prints, photography, paint, pencil, crayon, pastels, etc. Maximum allowed size is 18 in. by 24 in.
- Sculpture art (wood, clay, stone, etc.) will be accepted; however, please make sure it is sturdy and will stand on its own. Sculptures must be no taller than 60 in. Tables will be available to display smaller sculptures.
- Photographic copies of artwork are not permitted as entries. (For clarity: An artistic photograph is permitted. A photo of a painting is not permitted.)
- Artwork containing assets partially or entirely generated by AI are not eligible for entry.
Contest Entry
- Attendees of all ages are permitted to enter the Art Contest. Attendees must present a valid Naka-Kon badge for the current convention year at time of entry.
- Attendees with an Adult badge (ages 13+) may enter themselves into the Art Contest.
- Attendees with a Child badge (ages 12 or under) are permitted to enter the Art Contest with an accompanying adult at time of entry.
- Entries are accepted at the Contests Office in Redbud, located in the lower level of the Sheraton. When submitting an entry to the Art Contest, you will be expected to provide your name, contact information, badge number, and physical copy of artwork.
- A physical copy of the artwork must be provided to Naka-Kon staff during entry.
- The choice of whether to submit an original version or a copy for judging is up to your discretion.
- Naka-Kon will make every effort to ensure that entries are displayed in a safe manner; however, Naka-Kon is not liable for lost, damaged, or stolen property.
- Entries are accepted first-come, first-serve. Entries will be accepted until 12:00 pm on Saturday, or until a maximum number of 20 total entries is reached. Only one entry will be accepted per attendee.
Selling Entries
- If you would like to sell your art, you may designate contact information and a price during entry, which may be displayed alongside your artwork.
- Naka-Kon will not facilitate any sales of artwork; it is the artist's responsibility to communicate with potential buyers and arrange for pick-up following the end of the contest.
Judging & Prizes
- Entries will be judged by the Naka-Kon Contests Team on Saturday afternoon.
- A small ribbon ceremony will take place at 5:00 pm on Saturday evening.
- Winners will be contacted via email on Saturday evening. Prizes may be picked up from the Contests Office during operating hours; see convention hours for details.
- If prize(s) are not picked up by 5:00 pm on Sunday afternoon, Contests Staff will attempt to contact the winner. If arrangements are not made to pick up the prize(s) in a timely manner, they will be considered forfeit.
- Best in Show
- Cash Prize: $75
- 1 winner
- Runner-Up
- Cash Prize: $50
- 1 winner
- Honorable Mention
- Cash Prize: $25
- 1 winner
Pick-Up
- Art may be picked up from the gallery on Sunday of the convention starting at 12:00 pm, or in the Redbud Room (Contest Office, Sheraton Lower Level) after Closing Ceremonies on Sunday afternoon. Pick-up closes at 5:00 pm.
- Artist name and associated badge number are required for pick-up of artwork.
- If the artist will be unavailable to pick up the artwork, please notify Contest Staff in person or via email (contests@naka-kon.com) to designate a proxy.
- If artwork is not picked up by 5:00 pm on Sunday afternoon, Contests Staff will attempt to contact the artist. If arrangements are not made to pick up artwork, it will be considered abandoned. Naka-Kon will not store artwork after the close of the convention.
Last updated on February 20, 2026.