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
Silver Awards x 5
Artist Ultra 14
US$500
5,000 X-Coins
Bronze Awards x 8
Artist 12 3rd
US$100
3,000 X-Coins
Excellency Awards x 20
Deco 640
2,000 X-Coins
Special Awards x 3
Magic Drawing Pad
5,000 X-Coins
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.
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