Did you know you can compete in the Artist Alley?

Not only do we have the best of the best artists featured in our alley, but we also have fun games and competitions to stretch your art-muscles and creativity!

The Artist Alley Art Competitions are open to everyone!  Contests will be held throughout the day, on all three days of the convention. Prizes are awarded to contest winners. Players who have not previously competed in a challenge have priority in entering future rounds of that challenge. Players who win a challenge are not eligible to enter future rounds of the same challenge.

Game Descriptions

  • Iron Artist Challenge
    Each contestant will be given blank 8.5” x 11” paper.  Once all the contestants are seated, the theme of the challenge will be announced. Contestants must complete three images that portray the given theme. At least one image must be in color using the artist’s choice of medium.
  • Scribble Challenge
    Each contestant will be given a 5.5” x 8.5” sheet of paper with a preprinted scribble.  All artists in a round will receive the same scribble. No theme will be given; contestants have the freedom to create any image they want, but must incorporate the scribble as part of the primary image.
  • Kawaii Sprite Attack
    Each contestant will be given a sheet of paper with a 25×25 grid.  A theme will be announced.  Contestants must make an “8-bit” image that fits the theme by coloring in the grid squares (one color per square).
  • Fill the Manga Box Challenge
    Each contestant will be given an 8.5 x 11 pre-printed manga panel sheet. Once contestants are seated, the theme will be announced. Contestants create a manga that reflects the theme.
  • Yonkoma/4-koma Challenge
    Each contestant will be given a preprinted Yonkoma sheet (approx. 3 x 8– 4 panels). Once contestants are seated, the theme will be announced. Contestants create a 4-panel comic that portrays the theme.
  • Black Cat Cosplay Challenge (a.k.a. Dress up Toby)
    Each contestant will be given a 5.5 x 8.5 sheet of paper to draw Toby, the Artist Alley Director’s black cat, in cosplay. Once contestants are seated, the category of what Toby likes to dress up as will be announced. Toby may be drawn as a human, but he must have black ears and tail.
  • Mascot Cosplay Challenge
    Contestants will be given a 5.5 x 8.5 sheet of paper to draw the Kawaii-Kon mascots, Nami, Takeshi, and Ai-chan in cosplay. The category of their latest costume will be announced.
  • Ad Lib Challenge
    Three random words will be announced.  Contestants must draw a picture that incorporates all the words.  Judging will be based on the ability to incorporate the random words into a single, well put-together image.
  • Thumbprint Challenge
    Contestants will be given a 3 x 3 sticky note and they must place thumbprint(s) on their sticky note. Once contestants are seated, the theme will be announced. The contestant must draw a picture that corresponds with the theme and uses the thumbprint(s) as part of the primary image 
  • Caption Challenge
    Contestants will be given a picture and must write a creative caption for the image.  Judging will be based on the creativity and how well the caption matches the image.
  • Pictionary Challenge
    Contestants take turns being the “Artist.”  The Artist has 1 minute to get the other Contestants to guess the word on the selected card.  No letters, numbers, and verbal or physical communication allowed.  The Artist earns 2 points if their word is guessed. Contestants earn 1 point by guessing the word first.  The player with the highest point total at the end of 3 rounds wins.
  • Scattergories Challenge
    Contestants are given a list of topics. Rolling an alphabet faced die determines the key letter. Contestants have 2.5 minutes to complete the topics with an answer starting with the key letter.  When time runs out, staff will collect the answer cards and tally the points.  The goal is unique answers (shared answers get 0 points for that particular topic). The player(s) with the most points wins.