2026 Tombow Creator Crew Open Call

OPEN CALL: 2026 Tombow Creator Crew Applications Are Now Open!

Tombow is thrilled to announce our Open Call for submissions to join the 2026 Tombow Creator Crew! If you’re a talented, video-first creator based in the United States or Canada, this is your opportunity to join a team that values creativity, authenticity, and community and to share your unique voice with the world!

Application Period

Applications are open now and close on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST.

About the Tombow Creator Crew

We’re looking for creative individuals aged 18 and older in the U.S. or Canada who love Tombow products and know how to light up the screen. Whether you’re sharing engaging TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, we want to see your creativity, energy, and personality come through your video content.

Our Mission for the 2026 Tombow Creator Crew

Our mission is to build a team of passionate, video-first creators who inspire creativity and connection through authentic, on-screen storytelling. We’re looking for innovators who:

• Make fun, video-focused content

• Show how Tombow products fit into real-life creative projects

• Build communities and inspire others with their work

• Love trying new formats, tools, and techniques

• Bring their unique personality and energy to every video

• Want to be creative partners, not just influencers

• Are excited to lead and teach workshops: virtually, in-person, or online—sharing their skills to help others grow creatively

What’s in It for You?

As a 2026 Tombow Creator Crew member, you’ll receive amazing benefits, including:

• A generous supply of Tombow products and exclusive partner items

• Early access to all new Tombow product launches

• Monthly payments for the content you create

• Opportunities to lead workshops for additional pay

• Close collaboration with Audrey Hayes, Tombow’s Communications and Marketing Specialist, and the Tombow marketing team

• Your work featured on the Tombow USA Blog and social media channels

• A chance to help spread creativity and build meaningful connections within the creative community

Creator Crew Perks

In addition to the core benefits above, you’ll enjoy:

• Product training in Q4 2025 and additional sessions throughout the year

• Early access to giveaways, sponsorships, and paid endorsement opportunities

• Visibility on the Tombow USA Blog, with your name, bio, headshot, and links featured for the entire year

• Your work spotlighted across Tombow’s social platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more

Creator Crew Expectations

• Membership Duration: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026

• Content Creation & Promotion: Produce engaging, video-first content that authentically incorporates Tombow products and promotes Tombow launches and promotions

• Workshop Participation: Be open to leading or teaching workshops, both virtually and in-person

• Deadlines: Create and submit content according to agreed-upon timelines

• Active Online Presence: Maintain a consistent, engaging presence on your social media channels

• Campaign Compliance: Follow Tombow’s Campaign Briefing Reports and participate in quarterly performance reviews

• Transparency: Clearly disclose your affiliation with Tombow in line with FTC guidelines and ethical content creation standards

Requirements to Apply

Applicants must meet these criteria:

• Be located in the United States or Canada and legally able to work

• Be 18 years or older by January 1, 2026

• At the time of application, have at least one of the following:

  • Instagram account

  • TikTok account

  • YouTube channel

  • Personal blog or website

  • Facebook page dedicated to art or craft content

For eligibility questions, please review the Frequently Asked Questions section below or email social@tombowusa.com.

How to Apply

Complete your application form by 11:59 PM PST on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Apply here.

We’ll reach out about interviews on August 8, 2025, and the 2026 Tombow Creator Crew will be announced on Friday, December 5, 2025.

Questions?

For any questions about the application process, program details, or eligibility, contact Audrey Hayes, Communications and Marketing Specialist, at social@tombowusa.com. Questions submitted by Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 will be answered by Thursday, July 31st, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

1. Why do you only accept applications from the U.S. and Canada?
   • Tombow USA, also known as American Tombow, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan. We handle the distribution of Tombow products exclusively in the United States and Canada, and unfortunately, our parent company does not allow applications or collaborations outside our territory. Additionally, we provide documentation and communicate solely in English, and are unable to ship outside our region. We truly appreciate your interest and hope you’ll continue to create with Tombow products wherever you are!

Application Process

1. What is the application timeline for the 2026 Tombow Creator Crew?
   • Applications open on Monday, July 1, 2025, and close on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST.
2. How do I apply?
   • Complete the application form available here. If you experience any issues applying or accessing the form, please contact us at social@tombowusa.com.
3. Who can I contact with questions about the application process?
   • Please email Audrey Hayes, Communications and Marketing Specialist, at social@tombowusa.com. Submit your questions by Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, to receive answers by Thursday, July 31st, 2025. Our team responds during business hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST, and Friday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST.

Selection Criteria

1. How many creators will be selected for the 2026 Tombow Creator Crew?
   • We plan to select up to 12 creators to join the 2026 team.
2. How will you select the team?
   • Our team will review applications for content quality, video style, social engagement, creative approach, and alignment with current and future trends. Selected applicants will then participate in an interview and complete a creative assignment before final selection.
3. Is there a minimum number of social media followers required to apply?
   • No, there is no follower minimum. We’re far more interested in your creativity, authenticity, and audience engagement than your follower count.
4. What qualities are you looking for in 2026 Creator Crew members?
   • For 2026, we’re seeking video-first creators who:
     • Make engaging, dynamic video content
     • Show how Tombow products fit into real-life creative projects
     • Build and inspire communities online
     • Love experimenting with new formats, tools, and ideas
     • Are excited to lead and teach workshops—virtually, in-person, or online
     • Bring their personality front and center in every piece of content
     • Want to be creative partners, collaborating closely with our marketing team

Timeline

1. When will I find out if I’ve been selected?
   • We’ll reach out about interviews on Friday, August 8, 2025, and announce the final 2026 Tombow Creator Crew on Friday, December 5, 2025.
2. What is the duration of the Creator Crew term?
   • The term runs from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.

Creator Expectations

1. What are the content requirements for a Tombow Creator Crew member?
   • As a 2026 Creator Crew member, you’ll create monthly video content showcasing Tombow products in authentic, engaging ways. Each month, we’ll provide prompts and deadlines in Campaign Briefing Reports. You’ll also have opportunities to lead workshops, either online or in-person.
2. Do I need to be comfortable speaking on camera?
   • Yes! We’re looking for creators who are confident sharing their personality, teaching techniques, and telling stories directly to their audiences in video format.
3. What kinds of workshops might I be expected to lead?
   • Workshops may cover topics like lettering techniques, junk journaling, watercolor with markers, mixed media, or any creative projects using Tombow products. Workshops can be held virtually, in-person, or through online platforms.
4. What are Quarterly Performance Reviews?
   • These regular check-ins keep communication open. They provide updates on Tombow events, new product launches, and campaigns, and offer an opportunity for you to share feedback, ideas, and your experiences as a Creator Crew member.

Support and Compensation

1. What if I’ve never led a workshop before?
   • That’s perfectly fine! We’re excited to work with creators who want to develop their teaching skills. We’ll provide guidance and support to help you plan and lead successful workshops.
2. I don’t have a blog or website, can I still apply?
   • Absolutely. While a blog can be helpful, it isn’t required. We ask that you have at least two active platforms from Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, a personal blog/website, or a Facebook page dedicated to art or creative content.
3. How will I be compensated?
   • Creators receive monthly payments through ACH direct deposit for the content they produce. Leading workshops also comes with additional pay opportunities.
4. Why are you focusing on video-first creators this year?
   • We believe video content is the best way to inspire creativity, build community, and authentically show how Tombow products are used in real life. For 2026, we’re prioritizing creators who love connecting with their audiences through on-screen storytelling.

Ready to apply?
Don’t miss your chance to join the 2026 Tombow Creator Crew! Submit your application by 11:59 PM PST on Sunday, August 3, 2025.