Vendor Art Submissions

ANIMEIOWA WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT AN OPPORTUNITY TO ALL OUR VENDORS!

AnimeIowa would like to showcase your artwork on the cover of our program book, badges, t-shirts, and wherever else it may be needed. This artwork would highlight the 2027 theme: Anime Valley.

(Think Stardew Valley)

You may enter your art by submitting an outline piece to the forum on the website prior to November 30. You will be notified February 28 of your artwork acceptance.

Watermarks for your comfort and security are more than accepted, and in fact encouraged, for submitting.
Just please be sure no details are hidden from us when sending the art with the watermarks. We would appreciate no surprises in the pieces being acquired once selected.

Outline Piece Requirements (due November 30):

1. 1. Artwork must focus on the 2027 theme: Anime Valley. This is the official theme description. You may use as a basis as you wish, or provide your own take:

    Anime Valley is a cozy, Stardew Valley inspired convention theme that transforms the hotel into a welcoming village full of small discoveries and shared moments. The experience emphasizes wandering, curiosity, and gentle social engagement rather than competition or high stakes events. Themed signage and “villager” volunteers help create a soft sense of place without requiring large scale set design. Participants can engage at their own pace, whether they want to complete every task or simply enjoy the atmosphere. Overall, Anime Valley aims to capture the quiet satisfaction of community, routine, and discovery within a convention setting.

   Anime Valley translates into the convention through a soft, nature inspired palette of greens, browns, sky blues, and warm golds to create a calm, rural atmosphere. Inspiration comes from cozy slice of life anime like Silver Spoon, Barakamon, and Non Non Biyori, emphasizing community and everyday moments. Programming focuses on low pressure interaction, including exploration minigames, simple activities, and small quest style tasks. The space is supported by themed signage and light “village” framing rather than large builds or sets. Community elements encourage casual participation and shared experiences. Overall, the theme guides tone and interaction, creating a relaxed, welcoming environment centered on comfort and discovery.

2. Artwork must include the Anime Iowa mascot Buu as a full body element somewhere in the design. He does not have to be the main or largest element. 
   1. Anime Iowa’s other main character is the Pitmaster, with his description below if you wish to include him. He is the villain character to Buu’s hero.
   2. Other additional or original characters are welcome.
3. Buu does have a few characteristics, such as closed eyes, pointed ears, and upside down heart shaped snout/nostrils. Please refer to the example images below. He may be shown in costume if the artwork calls for it.
4. Artwork must be PG or below as Anime Iowa is a family-friendly event.
5. This is the outline stage, so colors and fully rendered backgrounds are not required. However, please write out any plans or thoughts on your design so staff may visualize it.

The final completed artwork must be supplied by June 1.
Final Piece Requirements:

1. Artwork must be digitally provided
2. Artwork must be fully rendered, including colors and backgrounds.
3. Digital images must be at least 300 dpi at 12” x 12” and in file formats PSD or SVG.
4. Individual characters, elements, watermarks, and backgrounds must be on separate layers (in the PSD/SVG) so they can be adjusted for any added text on the final image

Should you/your art be accepted, you will be compensated in one of the ways below:

• Full Page Ad in Program Book + website add in side panel
• Half Page Ad in Program Book + website add in side panel
• ¼ Page Ad in Program Book (size subjective based on program book size)
• Free Badge(s) (Attendee or additional Marketplace if accepted)
• Refund for badge(s) price (If accepted into Marketplace)
• Partial refund for vendor booth (If accepted into Marketplace)
• Access to Staff recharge
• Sponsor Brunch Pass (Free Sunday Breakfast) 
• Nominal Dollar amount
• First pick of Booth location in Marketplace (Upon Acceptance)
• Food Vouchers @ con (If accepted into Marketplace)

By entering your art into our competition, you are understanding ownership of that piece of work would come under the ownership of Anime Iowa upon Anime Iowa compensating for the work in one of the ways above.
You reserve the right to refuse or counter if you do not find the offer to be fair.

We will first contact you to note that you have won and the compensation package(s) available to you.

We will also remind you of what formats and sizing requirements we will need for the art to be accepted in its final form and if anything needs to be adjusted after your submission.

Thank you so much,

The Anime Iowa Team

Buu-Chan reference images

Pitmaster:

Based on Anime Iowa canon, he is a BBQ chef with an obsession for Pork BBQ.  He is the Villain to Buu chan’s Hero.  He wears the official white double breasted chef’s jacket, sometimes he sports a chef’s hat, and he wields a spatula and a grilling fork.  He also has a menacing grin