What began as a Mermaid pun has evolved into a global art challenge that many artists adore #MerMay
As someone who lives by the Tropics, I'm someone who absolutely loves mermaids, the ocean, and summer. It's because of this that this MerMay (2026) I personally invite you to participate in the infamous month-long art challenge where artists all over are challenged to make art that features mermaids or mermaid adjacent creatures! This Jam doesn't require you to draw something everyday, it only hopes to encourage you to make more mermaids and stories!
A mermaid is a legendary creature that lives in the sea and is frequently characterized as having a fish's tail below the waist and a woman's head and torso. From coastal communities in Ireland to the landlocked Karoo desert in South Africa, tales of mermaids have been told for thousands of years in cultures all across the world (Royal Museums Greenwich).
This Jam welcomes all sorts of projects, anywhere between short stories, light novels, comics, art books, and more!
I'll be hosting a Bundle for this Jam as well, if you'd like to join it please fill out this survey! Please note that the Bundle will be a curated selection.
Itch.io's list of banned topics:
- Non-consensual content (real or implied)
- Underage or “barely legal” themes
- Incest or pseudo-incest content
- Bestiality or animal-related (in a sexual context)
- Rape, coercion, or force-related
- Sex trafficking implications
- Revenge porn / voyeur / hidden cam
- Fetish involving bodily waste or extreme harm (e.g., “scat,” “vomit”)
RULES
- Entries are limited to those who are 18+, since some submissions may be NSFW I'd rather minors didn't submit at all.
- THE USE OF GENERATIVE AI IS NOT ALLOWED.
- No Bigotry, Racism, Hate speech, or inappropriate behavior/symbols. This should be a safe space and should be wholesome and welcoming.
FAQs
If I already made something like this, can I submit it without making something new?
If you have something relating to the Prompt then go ahead and submit it! Otherwise, consider this Jam a challenge to help you have fun with the MerMay Art Challenge!
Can I start working on my Project before the Jam starts?
Of course!!! Start whenever you'd like, just try to meet the deadline if you want to join the bundle!
Are paid Projects allowed?
Sure! I always advocate for artists getting paid for their art! Though, I can't promise I'd buy it as a broke university student. I recommend leaving it free for a short period or at least for the duration of the Jam so others and myself can read and discover your work, however it is completely 100% your decision/optional!
Are Fan works allowed?
Sure, I don't see why not! They probably just won't be allowed/included in the bundle, but are totally fine for the Jam!
Are we allowed to collaborate with another artist or writer for this Jam?
Collaboration is allowed so long as the submission is properly credited to those who contributed! If you decide to make your work available for commercial use it is the responsibility of you and your partner to decide how you'll divide the funds amongst yourselves.
Does this Jam have a Winner?
No, I'm hosting it mostly to support Artists I know, and to discover Artists I don't know!
GOOD LUCK!
If you'd like to join the Bundle please fill out this survey. Please be ready to accept when the time comes around or else you'll miss the opportunity to join the bundle!
If you'd like to contact me directly my email is Blushinmoon@gmail.com