Animalyrica: Heavy Metal Edition
The stage is set and the amps are cranked to eleven! This month, we're unleashing the most powerful crossover yet. Animal meets Heavy Metal! 🤘 Take any creature from the animal kingdom and transform them into the ultimate metalhead, complete with the attitude, style and raw power that defines this epic genre! Design an animal infused with heavy metal spirit! Channel legendary band inspirations like Pantera, Black Sabbath or Iron Maiden, but make it uniquely yours. Give them the full metal treatment. Instruments, stage presence, epic poses and backgrounds that scream rock god!
When we think about heavy metal, you might think of the repeating beats, the low tones thumping away like the beat of a heart, varying from fast and panicked to slow and hypnotic. Or the power chords, those echoing vibrations that ping your very soul. Things that remind me of life, how things can change, yet somehow still be as before.
As is this challenge, which is in following with Animalyrica, where we take the natural world of animals, and form them into the natural world of music. And if the quote above didn’t tell ya, maybe this title will;
WELCOME ALL TO HEAVY METAL ANIMALYRICA!
This month we want you to take any animal of your choosing, and, well… make it Metal. No not actually metal. I mean I guess that could be an element…but metal as in the musical genre. Metal as the heart and soul. In honor of those powerful voices who echo deeply in all of us. Take your animal and bring it to life in a heavy metal light.
Examples? Why, just search Heavy Metal bands and see the names! Those alone will help you - Angelfish Dust, Manowar Jellyfish, Pantera (as a panther), Camelot (Kamelot). Heck - just Black Sabboth (Ozzie Osbourne) as the infamous Bat (avoid any blood in that case).
The above are not mandatory, but meant to help give you ideas for how to make this extensive genre and numerous bands part of your vision. But don’t stop there! Instruments, make up and outfits, even backgrounds can help tell the story and make these animal come to life. You are the artists that bring life from nothing - make em wild and make them yours.
REMEMBER - Stick strickly to public domain sources, not commercial adaptations or characters. The above and other inspiration is one thing, but it must be recognizable as both your own and public domain!
Rock on y’all!
- Design an original character. No fan art, existing IP or copyrighted content
- The character should visually convey this month's chosen theme
- Include a background. Plain or white backgrounds will not suffice
- Fit the main portion of your image within the card frame (approx. 3×2 inch portrait)
- No signatures on the original artwork itself
Fill in your details below, upload your artwork and signed release form, then hit submit. We'll review entries and announce winners after the deadline.
Prefer Discord? You can still submit entries via DM to @Grimzwald on our Discord server.
Print, sign, and upload it with your first submission. One form per artist — it covers all future entries.
Release Form — Key Terms
You keep full ownership. The Artist retains full copyright and ownership of all submitted artwork at all times.
Non-exclusive print licence. You grant AAP a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to reproduce winning artwork on printed cards, merchandise, and promotional materials.
Original work only. You confirm the artwork is your original creation and you have the necessary permissions to authorise its use.
Winners receive a free trophy card. No direct financial compensation, but each winner receives a DMC-stamped, one-of-one AAP collectible art card.
Optional blanket consent. You may opt to have these terms apply to all future winning entries, so you only need to sign once.
Submission Requirements
Please follow all rules carefully. Non-compliant entries may be disqualified.
How to Submit
Submit your entry via the form on this page, or via Discord DM to @Grimzwald. All entries must be submitted as a high-resolution scan (not a photograph). A signed release form is required with your first submission.
Release Form
Your entry must be accompanied by a signed and completed release form. Only one form per artist is needed, as it covers all future entries. If your address changes, a new form must be completed.
Copyright & Originality
Entries must not include any copyrighted brand logos, names, or characters. Submissions must be predominantly your own original work. Direct copying, minimal modification of existing images, and AI-generated content constitute plagiarism and will result in disqualification.
Medium & Format
Any medium is accepted, both digital or hand-rendered. Include a background (plain or white backgrounds will not suffice). Fit the main portion of your image within the card frame at approximately 3×2 inches portrait orientation.
Multiple Entries
Multiple entries are permitted per challenge, and multiple winning entries may also be chosen per artist.
No Signatures on Art
No signatures may be included on the submitted artwork itself. Your artist signature on the release form is the one that will be printed on the back of the art card.
Past Challenges
Explore previous Draw Monthly Challenge themes
FAQ
Everything you need to know about the Draw Monthly Challenge.
Anyone. The DMC is open to all artists worldwide, regardless of skill level, age or location. You don't need to be an AAP member to enter. We welcome both emerging and established artists.
No. Entry is completely free and always will be. AAP is funded by our member community so that participation in the challenge remains accessible to everyone.
Use the submission form on this page to fill in your details, upload your artwork, signed release form and submit. You can also submit via Discord DM to @Grimzwald if you prefer. All artwork should be submitted as a high-resolution scan, not a photograph.
We accept both digital and traditional media. Submit as a high-resolution scan at 300 DPI minimum, in PNG or JPEG format. Your piece must include a background (not plain white), and the main subject should fit within the card frame dimensions of approximately 3×2 inches portrait orientation.
Yes, multiple entries are permitted per challenge and you can win with more than one piece. The more quality work you put in, the better your chances.
You do, always. Artists retain 100% copyright and ownership. By entering, you grant AAP a non-exclusive licence to reproduce winning artwork on printed cards, merchandise, and promotional materials. You're free to sell, exhibit, or use your art however you choose.
Winners are chosen via a judging panel. We endeavour to select 1 winner per 3 submissions received, up to a maximum of 10 winners per challenge. Judging criteria includes creativity, technical skill, originality and adherence to the brief.
Each winner receives a DMC-stamped, one-of-one AAP collectible art card printed with their winning entry, plus a DMC Badge for their Discord profile.
No. Entries must not include any copyrighted brand logos, names, or characters. Submissions must be predominantly your own original work. Direct copying, minimal modification of existing images and AI-generated content constitute plagiarism and will result in disqualification.
Signatures must not appear on the submitted artwork itself, for the sole reason that your artist signature from the release form is the one printed on the back of the collectible card. This keeps the front of the card clean and consistent.
The participant release form confirms your artwork is original and grants AAP a non-exclusive licence to print winning entries. You retain full ownership. You only need to sign it once and there's an option to apply it to all future entries. Download it from the submission form above. Good luck!
Ready to Submit?
The deadline is approaching. Show the world what you're capable of! Your next piece could become a future fan-favorite.