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Clip Studio Paint x Artfol: Global Comic Awards 2026

Clip Studio Paint x Artfol: Global Comic Awards 2026 Artfol is excited to partner with Clip Studio Paint once again to bring you the Global Comic Awards 2026! Theme: **Out of Frame** Not everything has to stay inside the panel. Bend the rules of comics and storytelling by exploring what happens beyond the frame. Surprise us with a unique interpretation that takes readers somewhere they never expected. Rules: • Single image comic: up to 12 panels allowed (max aspect ratio 1:3; tall uploads won’t be cropped) • No fan art or copyrighted characters/material • No submissions created using AI in any form, whether partially or entirely. All work must be your own original work. • No NSFW, gore, or content containing mature or 18+ themes • No content that contains any Artfol custom filters. These are filters built into Artfol that can be applied to artwork uploaded to the platform. • Must follow Artfol content guidelines: https://artfol.app/legal/content-guidelines • Language: English is recommended, but other languages are also accepted • The same author may submit only one work • No works under review, previously submitted to other contests/awards, or intended for future commercial release. Entries must not be submitted elsewhere or commercialized until results are announced, except for posting on personal sites/blogs or non-commercial platforms (including Artfol) where they can be edited or removed. Prizes: Grand Prize (1 winner) $3,300 USD + 3 years of Clip Studio Paint EX (single-device) 2nd & 3rd Place $1,000 USD each + 3 years of Clip Studio Paint EX (single-device) Excellence Award (10 winners) $100 USD each + 1 year of Clip Studio Paint EX (single-device) How to Participate: 1. Create your Out of Frame comic following the rules above. 2. Upload your comic as a submission to this challenge by selecting "Participate". This contest will run from September 1st to November 16th. Submissions will be officially closed on November 16th, 2026 23:59 UTC. Rights & Usage Terms • By entering, the participant agrees that their submission, comments, and Artfol usernames may be translated into other languages by CELSYS Inc., or their business partners. • By entering, the participant agrees that their work, Artfol username, and related contest information may be shared on official social media accounts of Artfol and CELSYS Inc., as well as used as promotion such as displayed at exhibitions, published in magazines or books, and may be adapted or lightly edited if needed. • Even after the announcement of the winners and the transfer of prize money, the award may be revoked and the prize money/items must be returned if any of the following are found: The content infringes on the intellectual property rights of a third party Use of generative AI Regarding Prize Money Distribution • Winners must provide the following information to receive their prize: Name, bank account, address, telephone number and e-mail address. The prize in Dollars will be transferred to each winner's bank account by Artfol within 30 days of the final results and after communication of the winners' contact details. • Prize money will be paid via bank transfer or via PayPal. The prize money will be paid in USD. If valid bank account information or a PayPal account e-mail address is not provided within 7 days of Artfol's notification of the award, or if the prize money is not claimed within 30 days after Artfol initiates the payment process, the right to receive the prize money will be forfeited. • Any transfer or handling fees shall be borne by the winner. Offers from Partner Companies • During the contest period, participants may receive offers from Partner Companies for potential serialization in their media. Participants are expected to give priority to these offers over others from non-Partner Companies, especially from the submission period until the announcement of the contest results. • If Partner Companies express the desire to contact participants for publication purposes, Artfol and CELSYS Inc. will share the participant's personal information (including but not limited to their name, Artfol username, and email address) with the Partner Companies, but only after obtaining the participant's prior consent. • If you are unable to accept an offer from a Partner Company, please contact us: contact@artfolapp.com. • Please include your e-mail address, nickname, inquiry, and the subject “About Global Comic Awards 2026”. For a full list of supporting publishers, please visit the contest page at: https://artfol.app/contest/GlobalComicAwards2026 Artist shown in the promotional image: @yukilian @AriaKey

Challenge creator
Artfol

It's all just frames

This single-page comic is a deeply personal project based on my own life experience and a difficult path that I had to walk. Through these drawings, I wanted to show what it feels like to be trapped inside your own mind, and how, with faith and strength, you can overcome it.

The story combines three interconnected artworks from my original series in their true order:
"Go away bad thoughts!"
"Triumph over everything bad!"
"Panic"

The chaotic and heavily detailed patterns represent the overwhelming feeling of anxiety and internal traps that many of us face in life. But the true breakthrough happens at the very bottom. By realizing that fear is just an illusion, the character opens their eyes and bursts through the heavy black panel. The hands literally step "Out of Frame" into the absolute freedom of the white space. It is a reminder to everyone going through dark times: everything holding us back is just a self-imposed boundary. It’s all just frames. Step out.
Sep 5, 2026
#highmeaningfulmyart
#outofframe
#globalcomicawards2026
#alhamdulillahforeverything
#illustration
Comments
Such a fantastic and inspiring piece! The art world needs fresh ideas, bold concepts, and artists who are not afraid to explore new possibilities. Definitely one to pay attention to!
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Wow, this is genuinely impressive! There is something special about artwork that dares to be different and creates its own visual language. The concept feels fresh, and the creative direction makes the piece stand out. This artist has brought something interesting to the competition, and I would love to see more work like this in the future!
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Incredible work! It is exciting to see comic art explored as a powerful form of artistic expression. This piece brings a different perspective and shows how creativity can challenge traditional expectations. Original ideas like this deserve to be celebrated, especially in competitions that aim to discover outstanding talent!
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Art that makes an impression! Absolutely fantastic work!
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What an amazing piece of art! The creativity, imagination, and originality behind this work are impressive.This work has its own identity and really coool
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Truly outstanding and original!
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Outstanding work Queenie! new masterpiece in the world of art! Wow! This is absolutely incredible! Such a unique and exciting approach to art. Comic art presented in such a creative way brings something fresh and different to the artistic world. It is bold, original, and full of character. This is the kind of work that deserves attention and recognition!
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Fabulous and thought-provoking masterpiece! It’s not just visually stunning, but it also carries a profound depth that truly makes you reflect on its meaning. It is incredibly unique and intriguing. You can instantly feel that this work is shaped by rich personal experience and created with genuine love and absolute devotion to art.
It’s so wonderful that contests like this exist—they give us a fantastic opportunity to discover such unique and extraordinary talents. Wishing everyone the best of luck, Akulya, thank you for all your amazing works! 👏👍
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An absolute masterpiece of visual storytelling! The creativity behind this concept is mind-blowing—the flow, the composition, and the atmosphere are all flawlessly executed. It’s rare to see separate masterpieces come together so perfectly to tell such a compelling story. This work truly stands out at the Comic Awards and sets a whole new standard. Incredible job by a deeply talented artist! Highly deserved recognition! 🚀🔥Queenie bravissimoo👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
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This caught my attention immediately. Such a unique and creative piece!
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This is such a cool contest! The concept is brilliant, and your artwork fits the theme perfectly. Really well done!
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This is next level. Bold, original, and unforgettable.
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There’s something very deep about this artwork. I keep looking at it and discovering new details.
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This is seriously cool. The visual idea is so original!
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I love how much emotion and meaning you put into this work. Truly impressive.
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Wow, this is absolutely amazing! The concept is so powerful.
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Wow, it's a great work. Your ability to express a huge meaning in such a compact way is a rare gift. This is real mastery! I absolutely love all of your work. Keep surprising us, you are truly a magnificent artist and you're doing an amazing job!👍🏻
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Wow, this is absolutely mind-blowing! The artistry and pure imagination here are on a whole different level. It fits the 'Out of Frame' theme perfectly. Each drawing looks incredibly stunning. It takes massive skill to deliver such a compelling story on a single page, but you nailed it flawlessly. Truly outstanding work👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
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I’m a huge fan of your works and follow you on Pinterest, Behance, and other social media platforms! You are such a unique and innovative artist. Every piece you create has a deep story behind it, and this entry is no exception. It hits so close to my perception because I’ve been through similar struggles, and your art genuinely made me feel better. You have a Almighty-given talent and inspire me and others so much. To the Queen of All Art — I wish you all the best. Thank you for your hard work, and continue surprising us with your beautiful creations!
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Wow, just wow. Absolutely great & interesting
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Incredible concept, wishing you the best of luck Queenie of All Art
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Every single panel a piece of great art on its own. Stunning work!
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The atmosphere in this comic is unmatched. You have such a unique and powerful voice as an artist!
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This art style is so striking! It stands out so much from everything else I’ve seen.
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Amazing job Queenie, Best wishes
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I’m obsessed with the chaotic energy in the middle panel and how it breaks into clarity at the end.
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The contrast and ink work here are incredible. The composition is top-tier!
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Great love it!
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This literally gave me goosebumps. 'It's just all frames. Step out.' – what a powerful line!
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The transition from the messy lines to the literal breakthrough at the bottom is pure genius.
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Wow, the storytelling in these panels is insane. You nailed the prompt perfectly!
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This is such a brilliant take on the 'out of frame' theme! Absolutely love the depth here. Good luck!
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