Ever caught yourself doodling during class or losing hours to digital art apps after homework? If you’ve got a passion for creating, you’re definitely not alone. More and more teens and high schoolers are putting their art out there, and honestly, animation and digital art are where things get really exciting. Forget about old-school contests just for painting or sketches—now, you can animate a story, design a character, or create graphics that wow people around the world, all from your laptop or tablet.
Competitions are one of the best ways to show what you can do, pick up new skills, and maybe even win some cool prizes or recognition. Plus, they’re a great excuse to finally finish that project you’ve been working on for ages. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to show the world what you’ve got, there’s a contest out there with your name on it. So here are 7 animation and digital art competitions every creative teen should check out.
1. Doodle for Google
Location: Worldwide, with country-specific entries
Dates: Annually, usually Spring (2025 dates TBA)
Prize: Scholarship up to $30,000, Google hardware, artwork featured on Google homepage
If you’ve spent time surfing Google, you’ve seen those fun doodles on the homepage. This contest is your shot to make one yourself! Open to students K-12, including high schoolers, Doodle for Google is about creating an original Google logo based on an annual theme, like "I am grateful for…" or "If I could invent one thing…" Winners get serious prizes like college scholarships, tech packages for their schools, and their art displayed to millions. It's been running since 2008 and keeps getting bigger every year.
2. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Location: United States, with regional affiliates across all 50 states
Dates: Entry deadline varies by region, usually December or January
Prize: Scholarships up to $10,000, exhibition in New York City
This one’s iconic. Since 1923, the Scholastic Awards have recognized amazing teen artists and writers, from Andy Warhol to Stephen King. High schoolers (grades 7-12) can submit work in dozens of categories including Digital Art, Animation, Comic Art, and more. Regional winners go on to national judging, and the top entries are celebrated in New York City with cash prizes and scholarships. Your work could end up hanging in a gallery or published nationwide.
3. Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) World Championship
Location: Global qualifiers, finals held in Orlando, Florida, USA
Dates: Submissions due in May, finals in August 2025
Prize: $7,000 for first place, trophy, Adobe swag
If you’re a whiz with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign, this global competition might be your scene. Students aged 13-22 can enter by submitting original digital designs. The top talents from each country compete in the world finals in the US. Since 2013, this challenge spotlights creative thought and real-world business design skills. The prizes are big, but the bragging rights might be even bigger.
4. Animation Educators Forum Student Animation Scholarship
Location: International, run by ASIFA-Hollywood, based in Los Angeles, California, USA
Dates: Applications due in April 2025
Prize: Scholarships up to $5,000
Offered by ASIFA-Hollywood, the folks behind the Annie Awards, this competition is for students passionate about animation, from character animation to visual effects. While most winners are undergrads, advanced high school animators can also try their luck. It supports everything from tuition to software or even festival travel. It’s a great way to get your foot in the professional animation world.
5. NASA’s Art and Science Contest
Location: United States, sometimes open internationally depending on the theme
Dates: Varies, usually Spring, check NASA’s art contest page for current details
Prize: NASA swag, artwork possibly featured online or in exhibits
NASA has been hosting art contests for decades, blending science and creativity. Teens are invited to animate their vision of planets, spacecraft, or the future of space travel. Some years feature themes like “Back to the Moon” or “Mission to Mars.” Prizes include NASA merch, and sometimes winners have their art shared with scientists or featured during public events.
6. The Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest
Location: International, based in Massachusetts, USA
Dates: Opens in Fall, usually closes in June
Prize: Scholarships up to $1,500
This global contest asks students ages 11-18 to use digital art, animation, or mixed media to raise awareness about ocean issues, like climate change or plastic pollution. Founded in 2011, the Bow Seat contest is all about creativity in service of the environment. Winners get cash, and their work is shared worldwide in exhibits, online galleries, and social media. It’s a powerful way to use your art for good.
7. Japan International Manga Award (Youth Division)
Location: International, based in Tokyo, Japan
Dates: Opens in Spring, closes in July
Prize: Award certificate, medal, invitation to Japan
If you’re obsessed with manga or anime, this is one of the highest honors. While the top division is for professional artists, the Youth Division welcomes talented teens from around the world. Submit your comics, manga, or animation to compete for medals and even a trip to Japan. The contest has helped launch several young artists onto the international manga scene.
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