Monster Mayhem: A First Art Competition Built Around Imagination

Editorial overview

Monster Mayhem works because it gives very young artists a subject with almost no wrong answer. A monster can be fluffy, mechanical, tiny, nervous or ridiculous; the child does not need to reproduce a real object accurately. Young Writers then adds a publication route: drawings may appear in colour books, one image from each book is selected for a cover shortlist, and overall winners are chosen from those finalists.

That combination makes the competition engaging but also easy for adults to over-direct. A polished monster assembled from familiar cartoon parts may look competent while revealing little of the child’s imagination. CompeteMap’s view is that the best entry has one or two memorable decisions the child can explain—perhaps an unusual habitat, movement, texture or expression. The official resources also suggest a literacy link through descriptive labels, but words should support the picture rather than turn it into a worksheet. Families should read any publication communication separately from the competition result and decide for themselves whether they want to purchase optional books.

Quick Facts

For the current entry form and closing information, use the Monster Mayhem competition page.

This guide was checked on 20 October 2026.

Build the character before decorating it

Ask three questions: Where does the monster live? What does it want? What makes it different from every other monster? The answers give the child visual decisions to make. A creature living in a teacup needs a different body from one that sleeps under a bridge.

A useful sequence is:

1. Make several tiny silhouettes.
2. Choose the one the child can recognise instantly.
3. Add a face or pose that shows personality.
4. Use colour and texture last.

This prevents detail from burying the central idea. Adults can offer materials and ask questions, but should not redraw anatomy or impose symmetry.

Use words sparingly

The official page suggests adjectives or expanded noun phrases as an optional literacy connection. A small label can enrich the character, especially in a classroom activity. Too much writing competes with the drawing and may make the adult contribution more visible than the child’s.

Understand publication clearly

Selection for a book is a form of recognition, but it is not the same as winning an overall prize or being chosen for a cover. Parents should read the organiser’s publication offer, permissions and purchasing terms before responding. Participation should remain enjoyable whether or not a family buys a copy.

Related competitions on CompeteMap

• IOA Primary School Competition for art linked to everyday sound.
• RTÉ This Is Art! for children living on the island of Ireland.
• Texaco Children’s Art Competition for original physical artwork across age categories.

Key Takeaways

• Protect the child’s strange, specific idea instead of polishing it into a familiar cartoon.
• Design the silhouette and personality before adding surface detail.
• Treat optional writing as support for the picture.
• Distinguish publication selection, cover selection and overall prizes.

Sources checked

• https://www.youngwriters.co.uk/competitions/primary-4-7/mm2
• https://www.youngwriters.co.uk/competitions