>> CALL FOR ART ENTRIES <<
‘DRINKING DRAGON’
Fantasy Illustration Contest
The Drinking Dragons Universe is expanding, and we’re calling on artists, illustrators, and dreamers of every kind to bring new dragons to life – all skill levels of artists are invited to join in the fun! This limited-time contest is your chance to see your original design featured on an official Drinking Dragons trading card — not just for one night, but as part of a growing world of fantasy, mead, and mischief. This is a rare opportunity to carve your mark in dragon fantasy history. Submit your dragon design by Nov. 1st, 2025 for a shot at fame, prizes, and immortal tavern glory!
Read on for more contest details:
‘Drinking Dragons’ trading cards (explained):
The Drinking Dragons trading cards are the heart of the Drinkers & Dragons Fantasy Bar Crawl — a social game designed by Markster Con to get attendees mingling, engaging, and questing together while exploring various venues during a “bar crawl” themed events. Each attendee begins the night with three unique drinking dragon cards as well a different laminated drinking dragon event badge, but the fun comes in the trading. Some people swap their cards freely, others battle it out in dice “roll-offs” when someone refuses to part with a coveted drinking dragon. No matter how they play, the cards are a natural icebreaker, sparking conversation and connections all night long.
With over 50 different Drinking Dragons in the universe — each with their own look, quirks, and backstory — players chase down their favorites, whether it’s to match their badge dragon, complete a “set of three,” or just because they love a design. Those who succeed in pairing three matching dragons with their badge unlock exclusive rewards like free merch or tickets to future events. And when the crawl ends, the cards double as a collectible souvenir, a reminder of the adventures (and drinks) shared.
By entering our Drinking Dragon Fantasy Illustration Contest, your dragon design won’t just be printed on a trading card — it will become part of this live, interactive game, shaping the experience of hundreds of future attendees as they quest to find, trade, and roll their way to tavern glory.
Contest Overview:
We’re inviting you to submit your very own Drinking Dragon design. The winning entries will be printed on limited-edition trading cards (standard poker sized), distributed to event participants, and possibly used for marketing future events – forever enshrined in the lore of the game. This contest is open to all skill levels as we want all lots of illustration styles and skill levels submitted using various mediums – so no, you do not have to be a professional artist/illustrator to submit.
This contest will feature multiple winning drinking dragon card designs so please take the time to enter if you are interested - if you don’t enter you can’t win!
ARTWORK REQUIREMENT:
DIMENSIONS: 5" x 7" minimum (i.e. proportionate to standard trading card size) at 300 DPI. NOTE: At this aspect ratio the “Drinkers & Dragons” logo would overlap your drinking dragon at the bottom. If you do not want the logo to overlap your drinking dragon then you should consider designing your artwork to be 1:1 aspect ratio (i.e. square). View the Placement Template to see what the trading card layout looks like for better understanding of how you should design your dragon. In a nutshell, don’t put crucial details or limbs of the dragon near that bottom area if you don’t want it overlapped.
FORMAT: PNG, JPG or EPS preferred (CMYK preferred but RGB allowed).
FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS: Please keep entries under 50 MB. If your file is too large to attach directly to email, you may instead send it as a .zip file or share via Google Drive or Dropbox link. ⚠️ IMPORTANT – make sure your link permissions are set so contest organizers can download without a login request.
THEME: Must fit the world of Drinking Dragons (dragons enjoying a drink). Dragons can wear clothing and have human characteristics and be as unique as your desire. As long as they are holding some sort of drinking container. The background can be left blank or if you prefer, create a background that works into your art!
ORIGINALITY: All art must be original. Art can’t be already published publicly (e.g., posted online, sold, etc.) and you must have the right to submit.
ART MEDIUMS: Submissions can be created with any medium (pen, pencil, oil, construction paper, crayons, computer, etc.). However, the final piece itself must be submitted digitally (high-resolution). This means if you draw your drinking dragon you’ll need to then scan it or take a photo of it in order to submit it. If you create your dragon 3D the same goes, you’ll need to submit a 2D digital image (photo) of your creation. If you take a photo of your entry make sure to use good lighting, shoot image straight on, etc. so the image is clear. NOTE: Please send us the best digital representation of your drinking dragon as you can as this will be the file we use for printing on trading cards if you submit a winning piece.
‘Drinking Dragons’ Trading Cards (EXAMPLES):
Below are three examples from our current drinking dragon trading cards, followed by their personality bios. Every trading card (we currently have over 50!) features a different dragon holding a drink along with a unique bio that helps players get to know their dragons:
Samples of existing “drinking dragon” trading cards with accompanying bios below:
— FLUFFERNIX: Fluffernix is pure sunshine in dragon form — tiny, bubbly, and bursting with pink delight. Don’t let the adorable giggle and oversized mug fool you — this little dragon brings big heart and unstoppable enthusiasm to every situation. Known for their warm hugs, spontaneous dance breaks, and a laugh so infectious it can break curses, Fluffernix is beloved by dragons and humans alike. Their motto? “Life’s too short for bitter ale or boring parties!” Whether they’re cheering on a roll-off or starting a singalong, Fluffernix is proof that the biggest magic comes in the cutest packages.
— BOB THE DRAGON: Nobody really knows where Bob came from — or why his name is just Bob. He doesn’t breathe fire, doesn’t fly particularly well, and once mistook a candle for a fire demon. But what Bob lacks in legendary skills, he makes up for in pure heart and bottomless enthusiasm. He shows up to every tavern with unmatched cheer, eager to share a pint and a story (even if it’s mostly made up). Most dragons shrug him off — until they realize the party doesn’t start until Bob arrives. He’s not epic… but he’s unforgettable.
— NYXION: Nyxion is one of the most striking dragons in the realm—and he knows it. With glistening silver scales, sculpted muscles, and piercing yellow eyes that practically smolder, Nyxion spends as much time flexing by mountain lakes as he does lifting fallen trees... purely for the workout, of course. He’s proud, preened, and perpetually posing — often caught admiring his reflection in anything remotely shiny, including mugs of ale. While some may call him vain, Nyxion prefers the term “aesthetic enthusiast,” and honestly, when you look that good, who can blame him? Just don’t challenge him to a flex-off — you will lose.
NOTE: Dragons can wear clothing and have human characteristics and be as unique as your desire. As long as they are holding some sort of drinking container. Submissions can be created with any medium (pen, pencil, oil, construction paper, crayons, computer, etc.). However, the final piece itself must be submitted digitally. This means if you draw your drinking dragon you’ll need to then scan it or take a photo of it in order to submit it. If you create your dragon 3D the same goes, you’ll need to submit a 2D digital image (photo) of your creation. Please send us the best digital representation of your drinking dragon as you can as this will be the file we use for printing on trading cards if you submit a winning piece.
HOW TO SUBMIT:
All entries must be submitted digitally. Any 2D artwork (pencil, pen, watercolor, etc.) will need to be scanned in and submitted in digital form. If you can not scan your finished drinking dragon you can also opt to take a photo of your entry but make sure to use good lighting, shoot image straight on, etc. so the image is clear.
Email your digital entry to: afterdarkrva@gmail.com along with your signed submission agreement (required - download, print, sign and either scan or take photo of completed agreement)
Email Subject Line: Dragon Contest – [Your Name]
NOTE: Your name should match what is on Contest Signed Submission Agreement.Contest Entry Fee: $30 (currently waived!)
Include in submission email:
Your full name
Your social media handle (optional)
Dragon’s name (if you decide to give it one)
1-2 paragraph bio about your dragon (if you decide to give it one) to help portray it’s personality. Dragons can wear clothes and have human characteristics. NOTE: If you do not give your dragon a name and/or if you do not submit a 1-2 paragraph bio about your drinking dragon, contest organizers will create those elements for your dragon if your art submission is a winner. Organizers reserve right to re-write a dragon’s bio in order for it to better fit the trading card style better. If you need inspiration on what to write for your (optional) personality bio for your drinking dragon please refer to the ‘Drinking Dragons’ Trading Cards (EXAMPLES) section.
Attach signed submission agreement – download, print, sign & scan (or take photo) of completed agreement, then attach to submission email. AGREEMENT SUMMARY: By submitting, you grant contest organizers the right to reproduce, modify, display, and distribute your art for future events, marketing, merchandise, etc., royalty-free.
EMAIL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Nov. 1st, 2025
EMAIL: afterdarkrva@gmail.com
Placement Templates:
(Optional) For those who’d like to see what their drinking dragon might look like placed on a trading card, use one of the templates below. The link will take you to an online folder that has both .psd (Photoshop) files and also transparent .png files:
NOTE: Do not submit your digital artwork with a frame. Your digital artwork entry should only be of your drinking dragon. Contest organizers will add a drinking dragon trading card frame if you submit a winning design. The .psd or .png files are to be used only for the purpose of seeing how your entry may look when placed into a trading card frame.
PRIZES:
Winning dragons featured on official Drinking Dragons cards (with artist name credited - if they so wish).
Three (3) authentic trading cards featuring your winning dragon for your portfolio or for trading, etc.
Your winning drinking dragon art printed on thick paper, suitable for framing (8.5” x 11”)
2 free tickets to a future Drinkers & Dragons Fantasy Pub Crawl (for those who live close enough and want to attend.)
Free drinking dragon t-shirt featuring your own winning dragon design (you pick the shirt color and size)
….and eternal bragging rights!
NOTE: All physical items will be sent in one box to each winner via FedEx (shipping paid by contest organizers.) Winning art entries should allow 2-4 weeks for delivery of their Prize Pack, depending on their location and local mail service.
WINNERS CONTACTED:
Contest organizers will begin contacting winners immediately after November 1st via email with more info. on their incoming prize pack, etc., t-shirt color/size request, etc. and to confirm shipping address.
