Contest Time
Time Zone: UTC+8
Submission
Review
Announcement
Aug 16th-Oct 16th, 2026
Oct 16th-Nov 5th, 2026
Nov 5th, 2026
Contest Introduction
How many possibilities can one character hold?
To celebrate its 21st anniversary, XPPen has teamed up with TOP TOY, a global art toy brand, to launch a global design contest inspired by TOP TOY's original IP character, Zero. Creators are invited to explore Zero's diverse looks and craft their own unique trend toy designs. The winning entries will not only receive XPPen's flagship creative devices and generous prizes, but also have the chance to be developed into physical art toys and stocked in TOP TOY stores worldwide—bringing your creative vision from the screen to reality, and putting it in the spotlight for audiences everywhere.
Now, pick up your pen and reimagine the infinite possibilities of Zero!
1. Creative Brief
Zero & Null – Character Introduction
Zero is an introverted, quiet boy who loves sewing and handicrafts. He often stays in his secret hideout, immersed in his own world of stitching and fabrics. One day, Zero finds a worn-out teddy bear and names it "Null." He uses buttons for Null's eyes and carefully mends its tattered body. Through Zero's meticulous repairs, Null seems to come to life—transformed into a vibrant little bear that can even wrap around Zero as a bear coat whenever he needs it.
Design Task
This contest invites participants to create a complete art toy outfit centered around Zero. Each entry must include the following three components, all with both front and back views:
a. Null Shell Design
A creative take on the original Null bear shell based on Zero's version.
b. Fenix Shell Design
A Fenix-themed shell design for Zero, incorporating key visual traits of XPPen's IP character, Fenix.
c. Zero Figure Design
A full appearance design for the Zero figure itself, aligned with the overall creative theme of the entry.
Entry Examples
The official sample works are provided solely to illustrate the submission format and requirements. They do not restrict the thematic expression or visual creativity of the entries.
2. Creation Themes
This contest offers two major creative directions: seasons and clothing styles.
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Clothing Styles: Y2K, Cyberpunk, Neo-Chinese Trend, Preppy, Sporty, Gothic, and more.
Participants are also welcome to go beyond the above directions and define their own original themes to present their unique creative visions.
Whether you're drawn to mechanical futurism, cyber fantasy, soft and healing aesthetics, or fantasy fairy tales, you can bring Zero a brand-new identity and story through shape, color, and detail.
3. Design Guidelines and Examples
Character Design Specifications
This contest focuses on outfit design. Designs must preserve Zero's original character image and core identifying features, while also taking into account the feasibility of physical production:
-Maintain a body proportion of approximately three heads tall. Do not alter the position or proportion of facial features, skin tone, or body structure.
-Retain signature features including dark circles under the eyes, eyebrows that are thin at the front and thick at the back, four fingers, white pants, white socks, and earrings. The white socks must remain one high and one low.
-The Null outer shell design must preserve its left-right split structure, button eyes, and stitched mouth.
-Hair color may be changed. Outfits, accessories, scenes, and poses that align with the theme may be added. Facial features must maintain correct orientation and perspective according to the pose and viewing angle.
-Facial expressions should mainly be cold and serious; avoid using overly happy expressions or those inconsistent with the character setting.
IP Three-View Drawings and Facial Proportion Reference:
4. Submission Guidelines
a. Entries may be created using digital drawing software or traditional hand-drawn techniques. Please keep the original files of your work, such as PSD files, sketches, line art, and other creative process records. If the originality of your submission is questioned during the review process, these materials will serve as proof of authenticity.
b. All submissions must be originally created by the participant themselves. The use of generative AI, online images, or any other unauthorized third-party materials is strictly prohibited. Plagiarism, misappropriation, or infringement of others' legal rights is not allowed.
c. Submission specifications:
Dimensions: 1920 × 1080 px
Resolution: 300 dpi or higher
Format: JPG
File size: No more than 10 MB
Submission Channel
Please select the appropriate submission channel based on your region, and please do not submit your work repeatedly.
Participants from other regions worldwide
Participants from other regions worldwide should submit their work through the XPPen Community event page. After logging in or registering an XPPen account, go to the event page to upload your work and fill in the title and description of your creation. When submitting, please select this event in the Events section. Works not selected for this event or not submitted through the designated event page will not be considered for judging.
Submit Your EntryParticipants from China
Participants from China must post their work on Rednote or Douyin to participate in the event. For complete participation rules, submission requirements, and judging criteria, please visit the official XPPen social media accounts and refer to the event details for the Chinese region.
Contest Awards
Golden Award x 1
Artist Pro 27 (Gen 2)
US$800
10,000 X-Coins
Zero Rhapsody Series Blind Box Figure x 1 Set
Gyun Art Journey Series Blind Box x 1 Set
Silver Awards x 5
Artist Ultra 14
US$500
5,000 X-Coins
Zero Rhapsody Series Blind Box Figure x 1 Set
Bronze Awards x 8
Artist 12 3rd
US$100
3,000 X-Coins
Gyun Art Journey Series Blind Box x 4
Excellency Awards x 20
Deco 640
2,000 X-Coins
Random Blind Box × 2
Special Awards x 3
Magic Drawing Pad
5,000 X-Coins
Top Toy Blind Box × 6
Submission Award
50 X-Coins
Participants will receive 50 X-Coins after submitting their work for the first time in this contest and having it approved. Each participant is eligible to receive this reward only once. X-Coins can be used to redeem gifts at the X-Coins Shop on the XPPen Community.
Meet the Judges
Katun
One of the most influential graffiti artists in Southeast Asia, with deep roots in illustration, art toys, and graffiti. He founded the art brand 4 Stages and has collaborated with brands such as Vans, Marshall, Samsung, and Sony, as well as Grammy-winning artists like Chris Brown and Post Malone.
Josephine Rais
German illustrator and strategic designer. Her brand collaborations include Adidas, Apple, Adobe, Coca-Cola, TikTok, and Xbox. She has been invited to share her creative insights at international platforms such as Google Berlin, Pictoplasma, and Forward Festival, and received the 2021 About You Award for Digital Art.
Jun Oson
Japanese illustrator and renowned contemporary artist, active across art, fashion, and brand design. He has worked with global brands including Converse, New Balance, CASETiFY, ZARA, McDonald's, and Sony, and has been selected for international honors such as American Illustration 28.
TOP TOY Art Toy Designer Jury
A professional judging panel from TOP TOY, a leading art toy brand. The team is deeply involved in original IP incubation, art toy product development, and market operations, with extensive experience in artist collaborations and art toy commercialization. They will evaluate all entries comprehensively across multiple dimensions, including creative expression, production feasibility, market potential, and brand alignment.
Review Mechanism
This contest will consist of two stages: preliminary judging and final judging.
Preliminary Judging
The XPPen art team and the TOP TOY toy design team will review and select all submissions based on the contest requirements, character design guidelines, and the event theme to determine the shortlisted entries.
Final Judging
a. Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Excellency awards will be selected by the artist judging panel. b. Special Awards will be selected by the TOP TOY toy design team.
Judging Criteria
Artistic Quality
40 points
The work demonstrates strong artistic expression and visual appeal, in line with contemporary art toy aesthetic trends. The character design is complete, the artistic style is distinctive, and the color palette is harmonious. The work exhibits clear creative expression and emotional resonance.
Thematic Relevance
40 points
The work closely aligns with the contest theme and IP creation requirements, accurately interpreting and representing the character's core identifying features. The design is highly consistent with the event theme, with clear narrative coherence and world-building.
Production Feasibility
20 points
The character structure, costume accessories, and detailed design are viable for physical production, with potential for subsequent development and mass production.
Have questions about the contest rules or creative requirements? Feel free to leave a comment in the official discussion post, or email us at community@xp-pen.com.
Join the Discussion- Winner Gallery -
Golden Award x 1
Artist Pro 27 (Gen 2)
Zero Rhapsody Series Blind Box Figure x 1 Set
Gyun Art Journey Series Blind Box x 1 Set
Silver Awards x 5
Artist Ultra 14
Zero Rhapsody Series Blind Box Figure x 1 Set
Bronze Awards x 8
Artist 12 3rd
Gyun Art Journey Series Blind Box x 4
Excellency Awards x 20
Deco 640
Random Blind Box × 2
Special Awards x 3
Congratulations to all winners !
Please note that if any winner is found to have violated any of the established rules, their award will be automatically disqualified.
We will contact the winners via email within 7 business days of the results announcement.
If you are a winner, please check your email (including your spam folder) for relevant instructions within 10 days of the results announcement, or send an email to community@xp-pen.com for award information. If we cannot contact the winner within 10 days, their award will be disqualified, and we will select another winner.
The XPPen contest is ongoing and continues to grow. Thank you for choosing XPPen as your partner; we are delighted to witness your journey in pursuing your artistic dreams.
XPPen will always be there for you, helping you enjoy drawing, inspiring your creativity, and giving you unlimited creative space.
We look forward to your participation in the next contest.
For the China Region winners, please visit the corresponding event page: https://www.xp-pen.com.cn/topic/global-art-toy-design-contest.html
*XPPen and TOP TOY reserve the final right of interpretation concerning this competition and related IP matters.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions
By participating in this contest, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the following terms:
1
Entries must be submitted before the contest deadline. Any submissions received after the specified deadline will be considered invalid.
2
Entries must not contain sensitive or inappropriate content for public display, including but not limited to gore, pornography, violence, religious, or political material.
3
Entries must not include any other brands, products, or commercial promotional information.
4
Entries must be your own original work and must not infringe upon any third-party rights. Any instances of plagiarism, copyright infringement, or AI-generated artwork will result in disqualification.
5
Participants should retain the source files and keep all elements independent for future verification and potential commercial expansion.
6
Once a submission is made, participants agree that the organizers may display, promote, and publicize the entries through official social media channels and other designated platforms during the contest and related promotional periods.
7
Minor participants must obtain authorization from their parents or legal guardians before entering the contest.
8
Award results are subject to the final announcement on the official platforms.
9
Cash prizes will be transferred via PayPal. Winners must provide a valid PayPal account within the specified timeframe to receive the cash prize. To ensure accurate distribution, we will collect and use your PayPal account name and PayPal account email address.
10
The contest organizers will cover the necessary international transfer fees, such as service charges. Winners are responsible for any applicable taxes in accordance with the individual income tax policies of their respective countries or regions. The actual amount received may vary based on the laws, regulations, and tax policies of the winner's jurisdiction.
11
To arrange prize delivery through third-party logistics services, we will collect and use your address, contact information, and other personal data as specified on the information collection page. Such personal data will only be used by us and our third-party logistics providers and will not be disclosed to other third parties without your prior consent.
12
XPPen and TOP TOY reserve the right of final interpretation.
Copyright & Usage Terms
1
All intellectual property rights (including copyright property rights and other transferable IP rights) in award‑winning works (Gold, Silver, Bronze) shall be transferred to the organizer. By participating in the contest, participants are deemed to have accepted this term.
2
If the organizer wishes to develop products or commercially use the winning works, winners shall sign the relevant transfer documents and provide source files, design materials, and other reasonable assistance as required.
3
The copyrights of non-winning entries remain with the original creators (excluding the organizers'/committee's logos or the products themselves), but may not be used for any commercial purposes. The organizers and committee may not use or disclose the source files of non-winning entries without authorization.
4
The committee has the right to exhibit, report on, and promote all contest entries, while participating creators retain the right of authorship.
5
Once a submission is made, the participating creator agrees to and complies with the relevant contest regulations. In the event of copyright disputes arising from commercial use of the work, the organizers assume no legal liability arising from the work's infringement of others' rights. The participating creator who submitted the work shall bear all legal liability.
6
If a winning participant fails to fulfill their obligations related to copyright transfer or authorization, they will be deemed to have voluntarily forfeited the corresponding awards.
FAQ
Q: How do I upload my contest entry to the XPPen official website?
A: Go to XPPen Community >> Events >> Ongoing >> Submit Your Work. (Please note that any entries suspected of plagiarism or copyright infringement will be immediately disqualified.)
Q: Must the submitted works be digital illustrations?
A: No, works in any medium are welcome. You may submit original works in any medium, including digital drawing, traditional art forms such as watercolor or oil painting, marker drawings, and more. As long as the work meets the theme requirements.
Q: Are there any shipping restrictions?
A: Due to shipping restrictions, we are currently unable to ship to the Middle East (excluding the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia), India, and Africa. Winners from these regions will receive cash instead. Please note: *When physical prizes are converted to cash equivalents, logistics, taxes, and product operational costs will be deducted.
Q: Are there any age restrictions?
A: There is no age restriction. You can join the contest at any age. However, if you are a minor, you must obtain permission from your parent or guardian. Submitting an entry is deemed as having obtained such permission.
Q: How can I contact the official team?
A: If you have any questions, please contact community@xp-pen.com, or reach out to us via the official XPPen accounts on social media platforms. Award notifications will be sent to the winning artists via email within 7 working days after the final results are announced. Please ensure that the contact information you provide is valid and accurate.
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