Fantasy Creature Art: September Challenge Announcement

The contest deadline is September 23rd at 11:59pm PST.

Happy September to all! For this month's art challenge, let’s do something different and put on our creature design hats—FANTASY CREATURE ART SEPTEMBER. Dragons, phoenixes, trolls, fairies... any magical or mythical creature that humans have ever dreamed up are fair game.

I had so much fun with the dragon painting on my most recent YouTube video, and I’m on a first-name basis with a gaggle of Targaryen dragons after this summer, so let's keep the good times rolling!

Let’s see what mythical beasts you can design and paint. Remember, great creature art is rooted in real-world animal models but also tells a cool visual story—so dream big, connect with your viewer, and really breathe life into these beasties.

Have fun!

Join the Community Contest

The DPS Concept Art Community Challenges take place every month—and are open to everyone who wants to join. No entry fees, no strings attached...just pure creative exploration. These challenges are a fun way to connect with fellow Concept Artists and sharpen your skills by working on real-world simulated projects. So, tap into your imagination, grab your stylus, and join the Discord crew!

1. If you aren't already a member of our free Discord Community, you can join here: DPS Discord Community.

2. Once inside, head on over to the "Monthly Challenge" Channel, where you can see more details, view other submissions and share your progress.

3. Submit your finished piece before the deadline, and be sure to cast your vote on Discord and YouTube.

Rules & Entry Requirements

• 2 entries are allowed per person.
• Art should be your own: it is okay to be inspired by another artist, but please don't use their work as a study.
• No AI.
• Please make sure submissions are in accordance with both server and Discord rules.

Winners

Challenge winners are community selected—through two rounds of voting.

Round 1: The top three submissions are selected through community votes in Discord.

Round 2: The top three finalists will be published to the DPS YouTube channel where our YouTube community will cast their vote for their favourite.

All challenge winners are entered into an annual draw for a full ride scholarship to the DPS Concept Art Academy Mentorship Program.

Winners are also awarded a choice of one of these prizes:

• Three free months of Digital Art Fundamentals
• One free month of Skillbuilder
• A Project Kit of the artist's choice
• A 30 min consultation call with Hardy
• A full portfolio review from Hardy