COPIC AWARD 2026
Competition Brief
The COPIC AWARD 2026 is an international art competition organised by Too Marker Products Inc. (Too Group), inviting artists worldwide to submit original artworks created primarily with Copic markers and related products. The competition has no specific theme, encouraging free artistic expression across various styles and techniques.
Intent
The intent is to provide a global platform for Copic users to share diverse creative works, inspire one another, and celebrate the joy of artistic expression using the brand’s tools.
Purpose
It aims to build a worldwide creative community by connecting artists, showcasing talent, and promoting Copic products through exhibitions, publications, and promotional activities.
Requirements
Entries must be original artworks made primarily with Copic products (markers, Multiliner pens, etc.). Other mediums are allowed if Copic dominates. Submissions are limited to one piece per person, with maximum dimensions of A3 equivalent and weight under 5kg. AI-generated works are prohibited. Participants submit three high-quality JPG images via the official website. The work must not have been previously published except on personal social media or exhibitions.
Jury
- Kage – Representative of Caricature Japan, world champion caricaturist and Hall of Fame inductee.
- fuzichoco – Illustrator known for light novels, games, and major visual works.
- Sunao Maruyama – Designer and Associate Professor at Tokyo University of the Arts.
- Tsubasa Yamaguchi – Manga artist, author of Blue Period.
- Yuta Okuda – Artist combining fashion background with vigorous brushwork and vibrant colours.
- Julia Gisella (Guest Judge) – Realistic portrait and optical illusion artist with collaborations including Netflix, Nike, and BTS.
Fees
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | Free |
Rewards
| Award | Prize Details |
|---|---|
| Grand Prize (1) | US$1,500 cash + full Copic product sets + trophy + art book + certificate + possible paid commission |
| Second Place (2) | US$1,000 cash + full Copic product sets + trophy + art book + certificate |
| Future Generation Art Prize Grand (1, under 19) | Full Copic product sets + trophy + art book + certificate (no cash) |
| Judges’ Awards (5) | Special judge-selected Copic set + products + trophy + art book |
| Finalists (50) & Other Special Awards | Special Copic sets, art book, certificates, and additional recognitions (pixiv Award, Regional Awards, etc.) |
Dates
| Milestone | Date (JST) |
|---|---|
| Applicant Registration Opens | April 1, 2026 |
| Artwork Submission Period | May 1 – June 30, 2026 (12:00 to 23:59) |
| Winners Announcement | To be confirmed on official website |
✦ ArchUp Competition Review
Too Marker Products Inc. organizes the COPIC AWARD 2026 as a product-centred art competition. Jury transparency is high with six named members, including established illustrators, manga artists, designers, and a guest judge, providing credible artistic expertise. The format is an open call for marker-based artworks without categories or theme. No entry fees exist, while rewards combine modest cash prizes (up to US$1,500) with substantial product sets and publicity. Compared to the simple submission requirements, the prizes seem reasonable for a promotional art award. For participants, the main benefit is portfolio exposure, product rewards, and possible publication rather than implementation or major career advancement, making it largely a creative recognition exercise. The jury’s professional backgrounds strengthen evaluation credibility, though the competition remains tied to promoting the Copic brand.
Marker and illustration-focused awards often relate to broader trends in architecture visualisation and presentation techniques. For more on creative tools in design, readers may explore coverage of urban design representation methods. Similar calls also connect to discussions in sustainability regarding material innovation in art and design.
Conclusion and final thoughts
The COPIC AWARD comes from Too Marker Products, a commercial art supplies company with a consistent history of running this annual competition to promote its marker products. It holds moderate recognition within illustration and marker art communities but limited prominence in the wider architecture or design industry. While it offers accessible participation and tangible rewards, its contribution to the broader field appears modest, primarily serving brand promotion and hobbyist/illustrator visibility rather than advancing critical discourse or professional practice. The free entry and named jury add some value, yet the product-heavy prizes and lack of implementation opportunities limit its overall professional weight for serious designers or architects.
Registration Deadline
Brought to you by the ArchUp Editorial Team
Inspiration starts here. Dive deeper into Architecture, Interior Design, Research, Cities, Design, and cutting-edge Projects on
