Global Comic Awards 2023: A Platform for Creators Worldwide

Introduction

The 9th Global Comic Awards, hosted by Celsys in collaboration with Artfol, kicked off on September 1st. This international contest aims to gather comic creators from various backgrounds, including manga, comics, and webtoons, offering them a unique platform to showcase their work and enhance their skills.

About Celsys

Celsys is known for its painting application, CLIP STUDIO PAINT, which boasts support for 11 languages and is popular among global users—80% of whom are based outside Japan. The Global Comic Awards embody Celsys's commitment to fostering creativity and supporting aspiring professionals in the comic industry. By participating, creators gain opportunities for recognition and invaluable interactions with major media and art platforms.

Collaboration with Artfol

This year's awards include a partnership with Artfol, a creative social network emphasizing artist collaboration. With over 500,000 registered artists, Artfol provides a vibrant space for sharing artwork, exchanging feedback, and engaging in discussions within the creative community. Together, Celsys and Artfol aim to bridge the gap between emerging artists and established industry professionals through this contest.

Opportunities for Creators

The Global Comic Awards offer participants not only a chance to display their art but also the possibility of being scouted by prestigious editors from influential publishers such as KADOKAWA and Jump TOON. Those who excel in the contest will receive not only cash prizes but also licenses for CLIP STUDIO PAINT, further aiding their creative endeavors.

Media Partners

The contest is supported by a range of media partners, including:

- KADOKAWA
- Jump TOON
- Ki-oon
- Star Comics
- Manga Tale
- Norma Editorial
- Planeta Cómic

This diverse collaboration enhances the visibility of the contest and increases opportunities for participants to connect with potential editors.

Notable Guest Judges

This year, the contest has attracted notable guest judges from various creative backgrounds:

Yi Chen Hock

Yi Chen Hock, an accomplished artist originally from Singapore and the UK, currently resides in New York. A Cambridge University graduate in Computer Engineering, Yi is a self-taught artist who excels in illustration, animation, and game development. His impressive portfolio includes past roles at Meta, Adobe, and King (known for Candy Crush).

- Instagram
- Official Site

Scott Higginbotham

Scott Higginbotham is an illustrator, comic artist, and art instructor widely recognized for projects like "Obojima: Tales From the Tall Grass," the original Webtoon series "Solid State," and other comic works published through Koguchi Press. His insight and expertise will provide valuable perspectives for participants in the contest.

- Instagram

Role of CLIP STUDIO PAINT

CLIP STUDIO PAINT is at the heart of the contest, providing a seamless creative environment for artists. With over 60 million users globally, it delivers powerful graphic capabilities tailored for illustrators, comic artists, and animators. Celsys remains dedicated to refining their technology and supporting the global creator community through innovative tools and platforms.

Future of Creators

Celsys is committed to nurturing the expanding creator economy and supporting artists at every stage of their career journey. By embracing technology and creativity, the Global Comic Awards exemplify the brand's dedication to fostering a colorful, interconnected world of creative expression. The awards open doors for countless artists, propelling their dreams and aspirations forward.

For those interested in participating, further information about the contest can be found on the official Artfol contest page.