🎨 NomNom Figures Painting Contest: Registration is NOW OPEN!

NomNom Figures Painting Contest is officially open!
Everything you need to join – registration, rules, eligibility, prizes, key dates, and submission guidelines can be found on our official contest page.

Official Contest Guidelines

Welcome, painters. This is your one-stop guide for everything about the contest: how to join, how to set up your entry, how to submit, and how winners are chosen. Read it once fully, then keep it pinned for reference. If a question is not answered here, ask in the contest help channel (see the last section).

📌 Key Dates:

Registration opens: August 15 – October 12, 2026
Contest painting begins: August 29, 2026
Final submission deadline: October 17, 2026
Judging: October 18 – 28, 2026
Winners announced: October 31, 2026

You can register any time before the deadline. Joining later just means less time to finish, so earlier is better.

👥 Who Can Join

Open to anyone who is an active paid NomNom Figures member during the contest.
You can join at any point during the window, as long as you are an active paid member when you submit your final entry.

🎨 The Flow at a Glance

Sign up through the official Google Form and choose your figure.
Print your chosen figure (NomNom Figures Artstation Gallery)
After signing up, you will be instructed to create your own Discord WIP channel and name it after your chosen figure.
You may start printing and priming your figure as soon as you sign up.
Make sure to include the Contest Code clearly in your first WIP proof photo with your unpainted/primed printed model before you begin painting. The official Contest Code is: #NomNomPaintingContest
Paint your figure and post your progress in your WIP channel. A minimum of 3 WIP updates is required.
Submit your final photos through the Final Submission form before the deadline.
Judging will begin after the submission deadline.
Winners to be announced on October 31, 2026.

Each step is explained in detail below.

📝 Step 1: Sign Up

Fill out the official registration form here: [GOOGLE FORM LINK]

You will be asked for:

Display name (how you want to be credited)
Patreon email (must match the account you joined with)
Discord username
Country
Which NomNom figure you will paint
Printer type
Whether we can repost your entry with credit
Agreement to these rules

Once submitted, your model choice is locked. You cannot switch to another figure later, so choose carefully.

🖨️ Step 2: Choose and Print Your Model

Choose one character only from any eligible NomNom Figures release (Main + Extra Models only). You can browse the available models through the NomNom Figures Artstation Gallery
You may print and prime early, before the contest starts.
Painting may only begin on August 29, 2026.
Use the model as is. No base modifications.
Scale Update: Contest models may now be scaled up from the original 1:10 size up to 160% (approximately 1:6 scale). Scaling down below 1:10 is not allowed.

💬 Step 3: Create Your Discord WIP Channel

After registering, you will be instructed to create your own Discord WIP channel. This will be your personal channel for the entire contest.

Follow the instructions to create your WIP channel.
Name it after your chosen figure and your discord name [Character Name] – [Discord Name]
Post your proof photo and all WIP updates in this channel.

⚠️ One person = one channel = one figure. Multiple entries are not allowed.

📸 Step 4: Post Your Proof Photo

Your First Update in Discord

This is your most important WIP post. It confirms that your entry starts fresh and unpainted.

Your first post in your WIP channel must show:

A proof photo of your selected figure bare or primed, but completely unpainted
Placed next to a handwritten paper note showing the Contest Code
Make sure to include the Contest Code clearly in your first WIP proof photo with your unpainted/primed printed model before you begin painting. The official Contest Code is: #NomNomPaintingContest

Rules for the proof photo:

The note must be handwritten.
Proof photos posted before August 29 will not count.
No proof photo = no valid entry. This is non-negotiable.

Why we do this: it proves your model is a genuine new project started during the contest, and keeps the competition fair for everyone.

Sample of Proof of Photo

🖌️ Step 5: Paint and Post Your WIPs

Post at least 3 WIP updates in your Discord channel.
Space them out to show genuine progress rather than posting everything at the end.
A finished figure posted without sufficient progress history may be disqualified.

WIPs are how we verify the work is yours and painted during the contest. They are also half the fun, the community loves following each other’s journeys.

📥 Step 6: Submit Your Final Entry

Once your figure is finished, submit your final photos through the official form.
The link will be announced and opened closer to the submission deadline.

⏰ Deadline: October 17, 2026 11:59PM PST .

Late entries are not accepted, no exceptions.
Your final figure must clearly be the same one from your proof photo.

📷 Presentation and Photo Template

Good photos are how judges see your work. Bad lighting or heavy edits hurt your chances, so follow this template.

Required Photos – Minimum of 8

Front – Full figure, straight on
Back – Full figure, rear view
Left Side – Full profile
Right Side – Full profile
Face Close-Up – Clear detail of the face
Detail Shot 1 – Your best-painted area
Detail Shot 2 – Another highlight, such as freehand, OSL, or fine details
Full Figure on Base – Complete presentation

Photo standards:

Use a neutral background: plain white, grey, or black.
Use good, even lighting and avoid harsh shadows.
Photos must be in focus and high resolution.
No filters, heavy editing, or AI enhancement.
Light cropping and brightness adjustments are allowed.
Do not make edits that alter or misrepresent the actual paint job.
Keep colours as true to life as possible.

💡 Tip: phone camera, steady setup, simple backdrop, and good lighting are more than enough. Steady hands and good light beat expensive gear.

📌 Recap

To keep things fair for everyone:

Choose any eligible NomNom Figures release (Main + Extra Models only). NomNom Figures Artstation Gallery
One person = one model = one WIP channel. No multiple entries, alternate accounts, or additional Patreon accounts.
Your chosen model is locked once you register. No swapping.
Use the original STL files only. Do not modify the character or base.
Scale Update: Contest models may now be scaled up from the original 1:10 size up to 160% (approximately 1:6 scale). Scaling down below 1:10 is not allowed.
You must be an active paid member during and when submitting final work.
New projects only. Previously painted, partially painted, or finished models are not allowed.
You may print and prime early, but painting starts on Aug 29.
A proof photo is mandatory and must show your bare or primed figure beside a handwritten note with the Contest Code.
Post at least 3 progress updates, including start and final.
Your final figure must match your proof photo.
The team may request additional proof if an entry requires verification.
All eligibility and judging decisions are final.

🏆 How Winners Are Chosen

Entries will be judged anonymously, so judges will not know who painted each entry.
Judging panel: To be revealed soon
Full Judging System: Including the criteria, scoring method, and judging process, will be announced soon.

🎁 Prizes

🎖️ All Contestants

Every eligible contestant who completes their entry will receive:

20% OFF annual Lychee Library + Slicer Pro subscription
8% OFF Siraya Tech Resin (Discount unlocked immediately upon registration.)
Exclusive Participation Trophy
Elara – Exclusive Original Model

🥇 Grand Champion

$1,000 USD Cash
1 Year FREE Lychee Library + Slicer Pro
4kg Siraya Tech Resin
- Magna Durable Grey 1kg ×2
- Fast Tough Grey 1kg ×1
- Fast Tough Navy Grey 1kg ×1
Grand Champion Trophy
Winner’s Choice of 5 Previous Nomnom Figures Models
Nomnom Community Perks
- Featured on Nomnom Figures Social Media Banner
- Nomnom Figures Magazine Cover Feature
- Exclusive Discord Winner Badge
- One Guaranteed Model Slot in the Next Top 10 Poll
- Invitation to judge our next painting contest

🥈 2nd Place

$500 USD Cash
6 Months FREE Lychee Library + Slicer Pro
3kg Siraya Tech Resin
- Fast Tough Grey 1kg ×1
- Fast Tough Navy Grey 1kg ×1
- Fast Navy Grey 1kg ×1
2nd Place Trophy
Winner’s Choice of 3 Previous Nomnom Figures Models
Nomnom Community Perks
- Nomnom Figures Magazine Feature
- Exclusive Discord Winner Badge

🥉 3rd Place

$300 USD Cash
3 Months FREE Lychee Library + Slicer Pro
3kg Siraya Tech Resin
- Fast Grey 1kg ×2
- Fast Navy Grey 1kg ×1
3rd Place Trophy
Winner’s Choice of 3 Previous Nomnom Figures Models
Nomnom Community Perks
- Nomnom Figures Magazine Feature
- Exclusive Discord Winner Badge

⭐ Top 4–10 Finalists

Winner’s Choice of 1 Previous Nomnom Figures Model
1 Month FREE Lychee Library + Slicer Pro
1kg Siraya Tech Resin

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join if I am new to painting?
Yes. All skill levels are welcome. Skill level is collected for our records only and is never shared or used against you.

Which models can I paint, and where can I get them?
You may use any eligible NomNom Figures Main or Extra Model.
View them here:[Click Here: Painting Contest 2026 – Eligible Models Album]
Models are not included with registration. You may use one you already own or purchase one separately. Active Patreon members can use the available 50% discount on eligible older models. See [Basic FAQs]

Can I print my figure before the contest starts?
Yes, printing and priming early is allowed. Painting must only begin during the contest window, and your proof photo must show the figure unpainted.

Can I change the scale, base, or modify the model?
Update: Contest models may now be scaled up from the original 1:10 size up to 160%, which is approximately 1:6 scale. Scaling down below 1:10 is not allowed.

The original base design must stay unchanged. Extra scenery or additions such as grass, rocks, plants, or props are not allowed.

Small functional adjustments for LED lights are allowed. However, your official judging photos must be taken with the LEDs turned OFF, as judging will focus on the painting itself.

We are keeping the same format and scale for all participants so entries can be judged under the same criteria. ❤️

Can I change my model selection after I sign up?
No. Your model is locked at registration, so pick carefully.

What if I forget my proof photo?
Without a valid proof photo, your entry cannot be accepted. If you are unsure, post it first and paint after.

Can I enter more than one figure?
No. One person, one model, one channel.

Do I have to be on Discord?
Yes. Your WIP channel and proof photo live on Discord, and it is where the community follows along.

How does Discord and the WIP thread work?
– Discord is required for the contest. Your proof photo, and progress updates should all be be posted in the Painting Contest WIP thread.

– To access and create your WIP thread, You must be an active NomNom Figures Patreon subscriber, and your Patreon and Discord accounts must be properly connected. Once connected and your Patreon role is added to Discord, you should be able to access the Painting Contest channels.

– You may create your WIP thread before the contest begins, make sure to include the Contest Code clearly in your first WIP proof photo with your unpainted/primed printed model before you begin painting. The official Contest Code is: #NomNomPaintingContest

Can I edit my final photos and background?
Light cropping and brightness only. No filters, heavy edits, or AI enhancement that changes the actual paint job.

A plain background is recommended, but a simple themed backdrop is also allowed. Just make sure it does not distract from the model, as your painted figure should remain the main focus.

What if I cannot finish in time?
Only completed entries submitted before the deadline are judged. Late entries are not accepted.

Can I still register after August 29?
Yes. Late registrations are accepted until October 12, 2026. However, we strongly recommend joining as early as possible so you have enough time to paint your model and complete all required WIP updates before the final submission deadline.

Do I need to stay subscribed for the entire contest?
A continuous 3-month subscription is not required. However, you must be an active paid NomNom Figures Patreon member when you register, since Patreon membership is required to create your Discord WIP channel. You must also be an active member in October to access and submit the Final Submission Form.

Can I post my painting process on YouTube or social media?
Yes! Once the contest is over, you’re welcome to share your full painting process and contest experience on YouTube or social media. Feel free to tag or mention NomNom Figures when you share your work. We’d love to see it!

My YouTube or social media name/email is different from my Patreon. Is that okay?
Yes, that’s completely fine. Your YouTube or social media account does not need to use the same name or email as your Patreon account.

What if the email I used to register is different from my Patreon email?
That’s okay. We recommend using the same email connected to your Patreon whenever possible to make verification easier. If you registered with a different email, please DM AbiKira with your Patreon email so we can match and verify your registration.

You can also tag @AbiKira in your WIP thread and leave a note about the different email so we can keep track of it.

Still Have Questions?

Ask in [#contest-help CHANNEL] on Discord. Please check this guide and the pinned posts first, most answers are already here. For anything unclear, the team will reply and update this guide so everyone benefits.

Good luck, and happy painting. We cannot wait to see what you create.

— The NomNom Figures Team