For some, this year’s theme , “Psycho-Killer,” will probably just conjure up a mental image of a bloody scene. Horror! Death! Doom!
Others, however, will focus more on other, suggestive aspects. Either way—both are absolutely welcome 😉
Of course, there are still some general conditions:
- The images must contain 18+ content, whether gory or sexy
- Make sure that you do not break any applicable Austrian law, we assume no liability or responsibility.
- All participants must be at least 18 years old and must be present at the Yunicon awards ceremony on Sunday, November 1, 2026, in order to accept any prize they may win.
- Each participant may submit one (1) entry that has been newly drawn for this contest.
- You can choose any medium you like; the images will be printed in DIN A4 format. For traditional artwork, we need a high-resolution scan (at least 300 dpi). For digital works, a file size of 2480 x 3508 px (300 dpi) is ideal.
Keep in mind that images with the appropriate resolution look better in print and on screen than smaller formats that have been scaled up. - Homages and references to well-known killers or horror movies are allowed, but direct fan art is not! (Example: It’s okay to put a “Scream” mask on a character, but it’s not okay to draw “Scream” himself.)
- Other references for poses and composition are okay, but tracing or photo-bashing are not. If you’re unsure whether your image borrows too much from the references, feel free to contact us at 18+@hayuko.at.
- AI-generated images are not permitted.
- If you suspect that the picture is not self-drawn, you can ask for intermediate steps (WIPs). To be on the safe side, please prepare 2-3 WIPs while drawing. (These do not have to be sent automatically).
- By taking part, you give your consent for your image to be used for one-off printing and broadcasting on digital media. This is necessary in order to be able to carry out the voting in the 18+ room. This does not result in any further rights for Hayuco or the 18+ team and you can do whatever you want with your picture afterwards.
- Send your entry via email with the subject line“Yunicon 2026 Art Contest – Artist Name”to 18+@hayuko.at
- Please include your name, age, and—if you’d like—a few words about the picture.
- You can upload files that are too large to a cloud service such as OneDrive and send us the link. Please make sure that we also have permission to save the image!
- The deadline for submissions is October 25, 2026.
Prizes include medals and goodie bags, as well as an exclusive Yunicon 2026 trophy for the audience favorite!
The entries will be displayed in the 18+ Area.
So, let’s get writing!!
