Announcing the Results of pixiv’s Korean Student Illustration Contest 2024 - What astounding young talent!
The pixiv Korea Student Illustration Contest 2024, open to Korean high school students, vocational school students, and university students (including master’s students), or young people between the ages of 16 and 22, was held from August 7th, 2024 to September 20th, 2024. This was the first time that pixiv was able to hold an illustration contest for students living in Korea, thanks to the support of the Chungkang College of Cultural Industries, Korea’s first specialized cultural industry program that trains cultural content specialists, as well as the college’s animation school.
In addition to cash prizes and constructive feedback from the judges, winners will have their works featured on pixiv’s official YouTube channel and pixiv’s creative media site, pixivision. Winning entries will also be exhibited at Illustrator Fest 6, a Korean subculture event scheduled to be held in February 2025. Finally, winners will receive a copy of the “NEO RETRO ILLUSTRATIONS” art book by company sponsor PIE International.
After much deliberation, we are pleased to announce the winning works and the corresponding critiques from the judges. Out of nearly 500 entries, which works came out on top? Keep reading to find out!
Introducing Our Judges
Professors PJ.KIM and HyunSong We, who teach full-time at the Animation School of Chungkang College of Cultural Industries, served as the judges for the Grand Prize. For the Awards of Excellence, pixiv’s Korean Student Illustration Contest 2024 staff also lent a hand in selecting the winning works.
The judges for the Special Prizes include NAKDI, who was responsible for the early concept art for the famous Korean virtual idol group PLAVE; Rinotuna, who is popular for his illustrations based on meticulously crafted characters and stories; and Heo Sungmoo, who creates game illustrations and concept art.
The critiques by the judges—all well-known artists in Korea—contain nuggets of wisdom that are bound to be useful for aspiring illustrators, so make sure to read to the end!
Judges of the Grand Prize and Awards of Excellence
- The Animation School of Chungkang College of Cultural Industries, Professor PJ.KIM
- Born in 1979, PJ.KIM is a professor, filmmaker, children’s book author, mangaka, and illustrator. After majoring in Film Production in college, he made his debut at the Chuncheon International Animation Festival in 2002 with his film Cat, for which he won the Best Director Award. Notable works include The Whale and the Watchman, The Melancholic Watchmaker, and Encounters with the Unknown.
- The Animation School of Chungkang College of Cultural Industries, Professor HyunSong We
A South Korean character designer, HyunSong We has worked with major North American animation studios such as Pixar, Sony Pictures, Netflix, and Warner Bros. HyunSong We is primarily known for his work on the early character concept art for Pixar’s Inside Out 2 and illustrations for British poet and children’s book author Joseph Coelho’s Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter. He has also worked as a character designer for animation films in South Korea produced by LOCUS Animation, such as Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs and Netflix Korea’s Hero Inside.
- pixiv
- pixiv Inc.’s pixiv Korean Student Illustration Contest 2024 staff.
Judges of the Special Prizes
- NAKDI
- NAKDI is known for working on the early concept art and design for the famous Korean virtual idol group PLAVE, as well as directing the character animation for their music video, “The 6th Summer.” In addition to collaborating with tvN and Netflix, NAKDI has also illustrated countless cover illustrations. As a YouTube creator, NAKDI has worked with various clients, such as Ensemble Stars! and Clip Studio Paint. Her trendy character designs and excellent grasp of human figures allow her to create well-polished original characters.
- Rinotuna
Rinotuna is the author of several illustration-related publications, including the widely popular Kind Drawing series, a drawing reference series that teaches students to draw inspiration from various things in their lives and visualize them through character drawings. In 2024, he illustrated the cover for Artists in Korea 2024, a joint art book publication by pixiv and Somy Media. Rinotuna also serves as a popular illustration instructor on various platforms and is loved by fans worldwide.
- Sungmoo Heo
Sungmoo Heo has been teaching anatomy drawing classes for Arteum Academy and Coloso, two creative academies that provide courses on video game art, concept art, and illustration. He is also the author of the handbook Girl Drawings: A Guide for Drawing Attractive Female Characters, which teaches artists how to draw stylish and refined female characters. He has also illustrated the KakaoPage webtoon The Live: A Diary from the Future and drawn collaborative illustrations for games such as Ensemble Stars! and Elden Ring. He is best known for his dynamic portrayal of human figures and unique and intricately drawn characters.
The Grand Prize for the University Category
This is the prize awarded to the work selected as the best illustration among all entries from university-age students, including those pursuing a postgraduate degree or who are currently on a leave of absence. The winner will receive 1,500,000 KRW in prize money and a creator introduction page in the illustration magazine “S,” published by our sponsor, PIE International. And the work that came out on top was...
The composition and structure of this piece are of top-notch quality. It’s evident that the artist has a solid foundation, and their relentless desire for perfection comes through clearly in this drawing.
While expressing one’s identity as an artist can sometimes mean having to compromise on the fact that not everyone will enjoy or understand your work, as an independent artist myself, I personally hope that more creators will lean into their artistic sensibilities and approach each piece with the courage to hold true to them. In that sense, I believe this work more than deserves first prize. (PJ.KIM)
Out of all the amazing entries, this one caught my eye the most. It goes without saying that the artist is technically skilled, but what truly left such a solid first impression on me was their unique approach to their art—I can’t help but wonder what sort of story is taking place in the drawing. The colors complement each other perfectly, and the work is masterful both in terms of design and composition. I especially enjoyed the cool-toned aspect of the drawing, which adds to its distinctive vibe. Overall, this is a near-perfect drawing with incredible presence. I can’t wait to see more of this artist’s work in the future! (HyunSong We)
The Award of Excellence for the University Category
This prize goes to the work that demonstrates exceptional talent and a unique artistic flair among all entries from university-age students, including those pursuing a postgraduate degree or who are currently on a leave of absence. The winner will receive 1,000,000 KRW in prize money.
This piece succeeds in reflecting popular trends while clearly demonstrating the artist’s personal aesthetic, and I’m particularly impressed by their ability to depict translucent materials.
That said, one must be careful not to let their artistic strengths limit their creativity. I believe that if the artist can learn to draw a broader range of compositions and objects, more people will come to appreciate them as an artist. By pairing the message they want to convey with their unique style, more people will surely take the time to enjoy their art. (PJ.KIM)
The dreamlike visuals are absolutely stunning, and the cool tones and light reflecting off each surface blend together perfectly, creating an ethereal atmosphere. While this type of effect can sometimes be harsh on the eyes if done poorly, the artist has skillfully avoided any such pitfalls.
Despite the bold design elements scattered throughout the piece, nothing felt too excessive or complex, which shows how well-thought-out the balance of this illustration is. In particular, the textures of the characters’ hair and clothes, plus the meticulous attention to detail, make the piece not only visually impressive but bring it to life as well. I look forward to seeing more of their work in the future. (HyunSong We)
The Special Prize for the University Category
This prize goes to the most well-executed work, creatively speaking, among all entries from university-age students, including those pursuing a postgraduate degree or currently on a leave of absence. The winner will receive 300,000 KRW in prize money.
This spectacular piece tells a grand tale revolving around the two main characters. What makes this illustration so enjoyable is that it allows the viewer to speculate the nature of the duo’s relationship and how the story might unfold. The red curtain and rip in the fabric of reality also serve to guide the viewer’s gaze, demonstrating the artist’s incredible technique and storytelling abilities. By following the lines demarcated by these two borders, the focal point naturally shifts to the characters in the center.
In addition to its remarkable quality, the artist deserves extra credit for balancing the level of detail in their piece by being selective and focused in their choices, resulting in an illustration that’s intricate while still being easy on the eyes. I feel truly honored to have been able to critique this magnificent piece. (NAKDI)
Although this panoramic drawing contains an astonishing amount of detail, it manages to feel intricate without being overdone. Each item, depicted delicately so as not to draw too much attention to itself, makes you feel as though you’re on a secret stroll through a palace. The gray tinged by the warm lighting, the vibrant red curtain, and the diffused green lights reflecting back on the checkered tiles all come together beautifully, a testament to the artist’s incredible knowledge and mastery of color.
The characters’ doll-like expressions, sumptuous jewels, and artistic rendering of metal also enhance the piece’s originality, adding depth to it and allowing for a rich viewing experience. It is a piece that I am sure to be thinking about for a long time to come. (Rinotuna)
The first thing that caught my eye was the bold composition and striking color contrast. As I studied the illustration more closely, however, I began to notice and be captivated by the story hidden in the finer details. It’s as if the various images surrounding the maid figure and the young boy in the center are telling another story, alluding to their past or a dream.
The long, horizontal composition also feels like a panorama of several film strips overlapping and blending into one another, making the story even more intriguing. This is a magnificent piece in every aspect, from the techniques used to the composition and storytelling. (Sungmoo Heo)
The Grand Prize for the High School Category
Like the University Category, this is the prize awarded to the work selected as the best illustration among all entries from high school-age students. The winner will receive 1,000,000 KRW in prize money. And the work that came out on top was...
I can scarcely believe that a high school student drew this; the artistry reflected in this piece is astounding. The art style has a universal appeal, and the artist’s grasp of colors is also masterful, as well as the placement of each element in the drawing.
Because we live in a time where character illustrations are ubiquitous, it’s fairly challenging to express an artist’s individuality through a single character. If the artist can learn to draw compelling characters in various settings, their uniqueness will truly shine in their work. (PJ.KIM)
If I had to describe this work in one word, it would be: harmonious. The composition, colors, and design elements all complement each other excellently, and I love how simple and uncluttered it is. What really elevates this piece is the contrast between the amount of detail gone into the main figures and the simplicity of the cityscape down below.
The one piece of advice I would like to offer the artist is to practice figure drawing more often. Some parts of the character’s body feel unnatural, and because they are front and center, that unnaturalness is even more evident. Correcting this aspect would make the illustration feel more convincing and improve its overall quality. (HyunSong We)
The Award of Excellence for the High School Category
This prize goes to the work that demonstrates exceptional talent and a unique artistic flair among all entries from high school-age students. The winner will receive 700,000 KRW in prize money.
The artist has a great understanding of how colors work, and they seem to have a good grasp of their strengths and weaknesses as well, for the composition they chose maximizes their strong suits.
Moving forward, I would advise the artist to not only focus on drawing people but also to study how to draw spaces effectively. After all, the setting can really make or break the feel of a piece! By taking a deeper interest in physical spaces, I believe the artist can better express their work’s message along with their characters’ personalities through the environment they’re placed in. (PJ.KIM)
The bold contrast between red and green creates a strong visual impact, and the various patterns used in the background add to the uniqueness of the work. In contrast to the bolder elements, the character’s facial expression and hair texture lend a delicate quality to the piece.
I will add that if the background had a little more depth to it, it would have further allowed the viewers to immerse themselves in this work. Overall, its excellent use of color and expressiveness is commendable, and I look forward to seeing more work from this artist in the future. (HyunSong We)
The Special Prize for the High School Category
This prize goes to the work that is the most well-executed, creatively speaking, among all entries from high school-age students. The winner will receive 200,000 KRW in prize money.
The train representing the character’s journey pairs excellently with the film-like colors of the illustration, perfectly depicting the nostalgia that so often comes with the desire to preserve memories of beautiful places. Another technical aspect I find highly commendable is the artist’s use of the reflective quality of water to create the impression that this scene takes place in the sky.
While the train traveling from west to east seems to symbolize life moving towards the future, the gigantic tree the girl is standing on is sure to live on in her mind as a place of great beauty and wonder. I am entirely grateful to the artist for their stunning submission. (NAKDI)
The placements of the main character, tree, train, and sky are all beautifully aligned, creating a natural path for the viewer’s gaze to follow. Each element is carefully and deliberately chosen so as to feel symbolic, and I was naturally drawn to the girl and her camera and the surreality of the setting. I also found the harmony of the subdued blue color palette, dark shadows, dramatic lighting, and vast sky striking.
One way this illustration could be improved is to make the girl’s face more expressive. Because the drawing is filled with symbolic elements, the character’s facial expression stands out more than usual. Making her face more expressive would significantly enhance the viewer’s immersion in the piece. (Rinotuna)
I can almost feel the invigorating breeze in this drawing through the screen. Judging by the girl’s boots and the sunlight gradually streaming through the clouds, this scene appears to take place in the morning, shortly after it has stopped raining. The piece flows beautifully from left to right, with each element adding to the otherworldly and magical scene. This illustration feels like a breath of fresh air and is a testament to the artist’s imagination. (Sungmoo Heo)
Honorable mentions that made it to the final round
The University Category
The High School Category
A final word from the pixiv Korean Student Illustration Contest 2024 staff
Thank you so much to all the participants for submitting your incredible work! Due to the sheer amount of talent, the panel truly had their work cut out for them.
In addition, we would also like to express our immense gratitude for the cooperation and support of the Chungkang College of Cultural Industries, who helped us promote this contest and communicate with the participating students. We are also deeply thankful for our special judges NAKDI, Rinotuna, and Sungmoo Heo, who joined the panel to express their support for young Korean creators.
Once again, thank you for your help in ensuring the success of our inaugural Korean Student Illustration Contest!
This was our first-ever contest open to Korean students, and since we wanted the participants to be able to express themselves freely without any limitations, we chose the theme “The original illustration you are most proud of.” As a result, many of the entries simply blew us away with their style and creative use of materials, and we hope that all of the student participants will continue to pursue creating works that they love, refine their skills and techniques, and take their chances again in our next contest!
Click the above to see the results and judges’ critiques of the pixiv Taiwan U22 Student Award!