Is there any better feeling than seeing your own artwork displayed in front of thousands of fellow fans? If you’re an artist who loves science fiction—or you just like drawing spaceships and aliens—r/scifi is officially inviting you to help create its brand-new look. That’s right, they want real artists (no AI-generated stuff) to submit original designs for the next subreddit banner and icon. If you’ve ever wanted your work front and center on one of Reddit’s biggest sci-fi communities, this is your moment.
What Is the scifi Design Contest?
The team behind r/scifi knows it’s time for a fresh coat of paint. Instead of hiring outside designers or using generic images, they’re turning to their own members—artists like you—to craft something unique. The goal is simple: give the community a visual identity that’s as creative and imaginative as the stories discussed every day.
Here are the essentials:
- Banner: 4,000 × 128 pixels (that’s super wide!)
- Subreddit icon: 256 × 256 pixels (perfect square)
- How to enter: Post your entry as a comment under the official contest post
- No AI-generated art—only original creations will be considered
- The mods will pick their favorites within a week or two and let the community help choose the winner
It’s not just about winning; it’s about being part of something that represents all of us who love scifi.
Why Join This Sci-Fi Art Competition?
Some contests offer cash prizes or fancy trophies. This one gives something different—a chance at Reddit glory. Your artwork could become the new face of a subreddit followed by over two million fans worldwide. That’s not only bragging rights but also an opportunity to get your style noticed by a huge crowd who share your passion.
Think about it:
- Your name (or username) attached to every page view
- A portfolio piece that stands out (great for resumes!)
- The joy of knowing you helped shape the vibe for thousands of sci-fi lovers
- A friendly competition where everyone celebrates creativity
Plus, unlike many design gigs out there, you aren’t just working for someone else—you’re making something that means something to fellow fans.
Tips for Submitting Your Sci-Fi Art
Designing for such a wide (and thin) banner can be tricky. Here are some quick tips to get started:
- Keep it readable: Make sure important details aren’t lost in cropping or resizing.
- Sci-fi flavor: Spaceships, futuristic landscapes, alien worlds—the more creative, the better.
- Originality counts: Show off what makes your style unique.
- No text needed: Let the visuals do all the talking; text can get cut off or distorted.
- Test how it looks small: The icon especially needs to pop even at tiny sizes.
If you’re stuck on ideas, think about what science fiction means to you—whether it’s classic novels, blockbuster movies, or even that quirky space opera only you seem to remember.
A Quick Anecdote About Community Art Triumphs
Years ago in another fandom subreddit I follow (for fantasy books), they ran a similar contest asking members for header images. One quiet artist submitted an illustration featuring characters from beloved stories walking together under twin moons. Not only did she win—the piece became instantly iconic in that community. Artists from around the world reached out with praise; her commissions skyrocketed; and she made friends she still chats with today. All because she took a chance on sharing her vision with fellow fans.
That’s what makes contests like this so special—it isn’t just about winning; it’s about connecting through shared love and creativity.
Your Chance to Shape r/scifi’s Future Look
The deadline is coming up soon—about a week or two from now—so if you’ve been looking for motivation to flex those creative muscles (or dust off that tablet), here it is! Whether digital painting is your thing or you prefer traditional sketches scanned into Photoshop, there’s room for everyone willing to put their mark on this iconic sci-fi spot.
So—what does YOUR vision of sci-fi look like? Will it be shimmering cityscapes on distant planets? Starships sailing across nebulae? Friendly robots waving hello? The stage is wide open…and so is that banner space.
Ready to help shape something big? Head over to the official contest post on r/scifi, drop your masterpiece in the comments, and let’s see what kind of universe we can build together.
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