NEXT ILLUST AWARD 2026
Global Illustration Contest
Submission Deadline: November 30, 2026, until 11:59 p.m. JST
PIE International, in collaboration with COMICUP, is organizing the Next ILLUST Award 2026, a global illustration contest open to artists from Japan, China, and around the world.
The contest offers artists the opportunity to have their work reviewed by internationally recognized illustrators and industry professionals, as well as the chance to have winning works featured in the magazine S.
Eligibility
Anyone may enter regardless of:
- Age
- Profession
- Nationality
Theme
There is no set theme.
Participants are free to submit an original illustration on any subject they choose.
Number of Entries
Each participant may submit up to two works.
Submission Period
August 18 – November 30, 2026
The submission deadline is November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. JST.
Artwork Requirements
- Only original works created by the entrant will be accepted.
- Fan art based on existing characters or specific existing works is not accepted.
- Both traditional and digital artwork are accepted.
- There are no restrictions on artistic materials or media.
- Artwork should be approximately A4 (210 × 297 mm) or F3 (273 × 220 mm).
- A resolution of at least 300 dpi is recommended.
- Low-resolution works may be reproduced at a smaller size when printed or published.
- Entries must be submitted online.
- Artwork should not be sent by post.
Works That Are Not Accepted
Entries will not be accepted, or may be disqualified, if they:
- Use AI-generated content, including AI-generated images or text.
- Infringe copyrights, portrait rights, or other third-party rights.
- Are traced from another person’s work or are suspected of being traced.
How to Enter
Japan
Entries from Japan are submitted through the official S / SS (Small S) website.
China
Entries from China are submitted through the COMICUP Special Website.
Other Countries and Regions
Participants from other countries and regions should submit their work through the PIE International Discord Server.
After joining the server, participants should check:
#next-illust-award-2026-overview
and submit their artwork through:
#submit-your-artwork-for-next-illust-award-2026
The following information must be included with the submission:
- Nickname — the name to appear in the magazine
- Social media account, if available
- Country of origin
- Tools used
- Comment about the artwork
Participants should also review the submission examples pinned in the submission channel before submitting their work.
Results Announcement
The winning works will be announced in S Vol. 97, scheduled for release in Japan on March 17, 2027.
Planned release dates for other regions:
- East / Southeast Asia / Oceania: March 17, 2027
- Europe / South Asia / Middle East: October 2027
- Americas: January 2028
Awards
Gold Award — 1 Winner
- 3-year subscription to CLIP STUDIO PAINT PRO, 2-device plan
- Kamvas Pad 12
- Cash prize of JPY 100,000
- One book published by PIE International
Silver Award — 2 Winners
- 2-year subscription to CLIP STUDIO PAINT PRO, 2-device plan
- Kamvas 13 (Gen 3)
- Cash prize of JPY 50,000
- One book published by PIE International
Bronze Award — 4 Winners
- 1-year subscription to CLIP STUDIO PAINT PRO, 1-device plan
- Inspiroy Frego M
- One book published by PIE International
Judges’ Award — 9 Winners
- One book published by PIE International
Winners residing in mainland China will receive 優動漫 PAINT instead of CLIP STUDIO PAINT PRO.
Judges
The judging panel includes:
- Range Murata – Illustrator / Character Designer
- Mai Yoneyama – Animator / Illustration Artist
- sakusya2 – Illustrator
- Zeen Chin – Illustrator / Concept Artist
- Kinokuniya USA
- Kinokuniya Asia-Pacific
- COMICUP
- S Editorial Department
- PIE Comic Art Editorial Department
Entry Fee
The official Next ILLUST Award 2026 announcement does not state an entry fee. Therefore, participants should check the official submission information for the latest details.
Organizer
PIE International / S Editorial Department
Co-organizer: COMICUP
In cooperation with: Kinokuniya USA / Kinokuniya Asia-Pacific
Sponsors: CLIP STUDIO PAINT / HUION
Official Information
PIE International – Next ILLUST Award 2026 Official Announcement
Important: Contest details are subject to change, and the event may be canceled without prior notice. Participants should always check the official website and submission channels for the latest rules, deadlines, and application information before submitting their work.
