JOIN THE CHALLENGE
Competitions are quarterly challenges that are free and open to everyone who wants to participate. Challenges are always changing and guest judged by current industry experts. Judges will select First, Second, and Third place winners. Prizes will be awarded to each of the top finishers! Follow along, participate, and submit your work on The Art Club Discord in the Competition Club section.
DELIVERABLES
Spot Illustration
Pose Sheet
JUDGING
Starting Feb 10th you can vote for your favorite designs in the elimination bracket. 9B Collective will be voting on the elite eight to select the winner!
9B COLLECTIVE
THE ART CLUB welcomes 9B Collective to judge this years OC-KO challenge. 9B Collective is the first Black-owned concept art studio, founded by Phillip Boutté Jr., Mike Uwandi, and Aldis Hodge, with a mission to promote inclusivity in the entertainment industry by highlighting BIPOC talent both in front of and behind the camera. The studio works across film, television, video games, XR, and graphic design, providing services such as concept art, costume and character design, and visual development. Its founders bring extensive experience from high-profile projects: Phillip Boutté Jr. has contributed to Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Maleficent 2, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Justice League; Mike Uwandi has worked on Westworld, Star Trek: Picard, Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, The Mandalorian, and The Book of Boba Fett; and Aldis Hodge, in addition to his acting career in projects like Black Adam, is a designer and fine artist. Together, the collective has collaborated on major films, television series, and other creative productions, with the shared goal of bringing diverse perspectives and innovation to visual storytelling.
Phillip Boutté Jr.
Phillip has been working as a Costume Concept Artist/ Production Designer for film, music video, and television for the past 15 years. He has illustrated for a multitude of blockbuster hits including Marvel’s Black Panther, Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil, Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, Captain Marvel, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Star Trek 2 & 3, The Justice League and many more. He has also Production Designed several music videos for artists such as Ariana Grande, The Black Keys, Panic at the Disco, Tiesto feat. Busta Rhymes, Travie McCoy, Fefe Dobson, and more.
Mike Uwandi
Mike Uwandi is a Concept Artist and Art Director working in the video game, film, and animation industries. He specializes in character design and costume concept art and has worked on projects like Supergirl, Westworld, Star Trek: Picard, Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, The Mandalorian, and The Book of Boba Fett.