Clone of 2026 Original Artwork Design Contest

Expedition Artwork Design Contest

Your artwork could go on an adventure aboard Exploration Vessel Nautilus! Complete the entry form below and upload your design.
The Nautilus Corps of Exploration team will choose one AI Assisted drawing to join the 2026 E/V Nautilus expedition, worn by explorers and shared with the world as the team explores the world’s ocean making exciting discoveries. In 2026, the Corps of Exploration will explore deep-sea habitats across the Pacific Ocean.

Your design should include “E/V Nautilus”, “2026”, and “Pacific Ocean” and be inspired the 2026 theme: What does exploration mean to you?

Exploration can mean a lot of things: discovery, learning, curiosity, teamwork—or all of the above! For the 2026 E/V Nautilus expedition season, we’re asking YOU to imagine and draw a mission design that represents the spirit of exploring the deep ocean.

Whether you're inspired by amazing sea creatures, innovative underwater technologies, or the many different people who make exploration possible, show us your vision of what it means to boldly go where few have gone before to understand the planet.

Artwork designs must be round. Art must fit within a 7-inch circle.

Visit www.NautilusLive.org to learn more about ocean exploration and the Nautilus Exploration Program's mission.

The Contest is open to individuals who are five to eighteen (5-18) years of age as of 2/1/2026. Entrants must have a parent's or legal guardian's permission to enter. Complete official rules

All designs must be submitted by February 1, 2026!
Artist Information
Artist's First Name*
Artist's Last Name*
Artist's Age*
Parent/Guardian Contact Information

Contact information is only used to contact contest prize winners.
Parent/ Guardian's First Name*
Parent/ Guardian's Last Name*
Parent/ Guardian's Contact Email Address*
Contact Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Contact Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip CodeCountry
Design Question

Share your ideas!
What elements of ocean exploration excite you? What does it mean to be an explorer?*
Response may be transcribed for younger participants.
AI Design Reflective Thinking Questions

Help us understand your thought process!
List all prompts you entered into the AI image generator to create your final design.*
What AI tool(s) did you use to create this design and why did you choose this tool(s)?*
How did you develop your prompts to align with the theme “What Does Exploration Mean To You”?*
What did you learn about ocean science, technology, or ocean related careers through this process?*
In what ways did you modify or curate the AI-generated images?*
Upload your Patch Design here*

Upload a File
Accepted File Formats: pdf, zip, wma, jpg, jpeg, png Cancelof
Please provide any sketches or rough drafts that led your prompting process and prompt writing to create this image and any annotated screenshots of the various iterations of your final design.

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Accepted File Formats: pdf, zip, wma, jpg, jpeg, png Cancelof
Parent or Guardian's Signature*

Clear
The Contest is open to individuals who are five to eighteen (5-18) years of age as of 2/1/2026. Entrants MUST HAVE A PARENT’S OR LEGAL GUARDIAN’S PERMISSION TO ENTER. By their signature, parents/legal guardians consent to their child’s participation and agree to the Official Rules.
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Expedition Artwork Design Contest

Artist Information

Parent/Guardian Contact Information

Design Question

AI Design Reflective Thinking Questions