An interview with past contestants of the pixiv High Schoolers Illustration Contest, plus an overview of each award!

My name is Kikinoki, and I’m a full-time university student and illustrator. The first time I came across the pixiv High Schoolers Illustration Contest was in 2019, and seeing the winners’ works made me want to submit my art too. I entered the contest in 2020 and 2021, and my submission for the 2020 contest was the first thing I ever posted on pixiv.

I studied the past winners’ works as well as other illustrators’ drawings and noted down what exactly made them so good. Out of all the tips and tricks I’ve learned, I like to pay special attention to ways of guiding the viewer’s gaze and differentiating textures. Since I was completely self-taught and lacked any knowledge at the time, I stuck to tried-and-true theories in the beginning, such as the golden ratio, and went outside to study the way things reflected off the surface of water or what rust looked like. It was a great opportunity for me to learn the importance of consulting reference materials during the drawing process.

While I didn’t win any major awards, I remember NaBaBa-sensei telling me during the judges’ critique that I was good enough to become a professional illustrator, and that I ought to have more confidence in my art. At the time, I’d wrongly assumed that not getting a noteworthy award meant my art wasn’t good, so I was completely taken aback. At the same time, those words gave me the push I needed to pursue my current path as a freelance illustrator.

Even if you don’t get the results you want straight away, there’s a lot to be gained by trying and giving something your best shot. Don’t be afraid to take the plunge and go for it!

Hi, I’m Pikusu. I post illustrations in my spare time when I’m not busy with my studies, and I also accept requests through commission services. My goal is to move people’s hearts someday with my art, even if it’s just one person. I’d known about the pixiv High Schoolers Illustration Contest before I started drawing, so I was hoping to submit my work someday, partly so I could gauge my skills as well. I still remember how stunned and moved I was when I first saw the winner of the 2018 contest. I was like, “Really? You’re telling me a high school student drew that? They’re basically a pro!”

I wanted to create something that would draw you in at a glance, which is why I went with a fisheye lens perspective. I also wanted to use contrast in various areas, so I paid extra attention to the brightness and the ways in which warm and cool tones were utilized. Another detail I focused on is the paint extending from the brush. I think I managed to convey the fact that the artist is working on a painting at first glance and direct the viewer’s gaze to the figure.

It was my first time receiving a commission like that, and overall, it was a fantastic experience. While it made me realize all the areas I was lacking in, more importantly, it allowed me to express myself in ways I never had before, and I feel I was able to broaden my range of drawing skills as a result. Besides learning how to become a better artist, I also gained practical knowledge about how commissions work, which I wouldn’t have known had I not experienced it for myself.

I was able to find out how my drawings are evaluated and perceived by other people. Receiving positive feedback on the work that I put a significant amount of effort into not only boosted my confidence, it also strengthened my desire to become a better artist.

I’m Mukatou Ocha, and I currently work as an illustrator while attending college full-time. I found out about the pixiv High Schoolers Illustration Contest when I was a freshman in high school from a friend who entered the contest, and I decided to submit my work the following year. During my first year of high school, I had very little confidence in my art and doubted I would even catch any of the judges’ eyes. However, receiving an award in another pixiv illustration contest under a different pen name gave me the push I needed to eventually participate in the High Schoolers Illustration Contest.

I wanted my work to be dynamic first and foremost—something that would draw the viewer in and leave a lasting impression on them. While the contrast and colors go without saying, the number one thing I paid attention to was the composition. I’d actually studied perspective through watching Seiji Yoshida’s videos, so I was really happy when I received his Illustrator Panel Award! It made me think that a good strategy for competitions could be to conduct research on the judges and learn about their backgrounds or things they naturally gravitate towards.

I made my artist account so I could enter the pixiv High Schoolers Illustration Contest, so I literally started from ground zero. Many people got to know me through this contest, however, and I was even approached by complete strangers who recognized my work! Having the opportunity to interact with the judges and other artists my age has had a significant influence on my art, and I was also thrilled that winning led to my work being published in an anthology.

The biggest advantage of entering a competition is that you can add it to your list of achievements. It’s an easy and effective way of demonstrating your ability as an illustrator and a great addition to your portfolio, which can aid you in the job-hunting process if you decide to become an in-house illustrator. It can also lead to job opportunities from companies. Since my drawings are still amateurish and lacking in areas, I often view illustration contests as a sort of “art poster session” where I can test my skills, and applying to them helps keep the ambition I had as a high school student alive.

I’d love to have the chance to work on concept art and illustrations for music videos. Additionally, I’d like to make illustration-related videos with one of my good friends from high school, who’s also an illustrator. I think it’d be cool to upload making-ofs and animated videos that could potentially be helpful to people who are learning how to draw. At the moment, I’m also trying my hand at making three-dimensional art, and I hope I get to accomplish everything I want to while I’m a college student!

As an illustrator, you’ll most likely run into a lot of problems, and the same goes for student life. Regardless, there are things that only a high school student who’s caught in the throes of youth can draw, and illustrations are often a reflection of the artist’s feelings and thoughts at the time. Please do your best to channel those emotions into your art, no matter how awkward or frustrating it might feel. Your drawings will surely move someone, wherever they may be in this world. To all the future creators out there, I wholeheartedly support you and wish you the best of luck.