3 reasons EVERY art challenge is a WIN!
My sweet fellow artists, if you have ever wondered if joining an art challenge is worth it, read on. By the time you get to the bottom of this page, I just know you are going to be ready to jump right into the next art challenge and start to WIN big.
SO YOU CAME ACROSS AN ART CHALLENGE …
As an independent artist, I have discovered many different types of art challenges out there. What’s an art challenge? The general idea is that you are presented with specific parameters and invited to submit your own interpretation of a prompt. There are design contests for specific industries, like fabric or wallpaper or stationary. There are Instagram art posting challenges, calls for submissions for licensing opportunities art in memberships, local competitions, challenges for kids, and more. Some challenges are just for fun, and some promise monetary or other prizes to top performers. Such a variety of styles and opportunities, and I feel like have almost tried them all!
Popular arguments that may creep into your mind about art challenges could include:
No one cares about my work
All the other artists draw better than me
I don’t have time to just “draw for fun”
I never win anything
❥ If these thoughts begin to swirl in your pretty little head, just pull that pouty lip back in and let me tell you why none of it actually matters.
3 WINS THAT WILL MAKE YOU LOVE AN ART CHALLENGE …
I have come to love art challenges so much, and I am going to tell you why! An artist needs to be able to create compelling work, to have an audience to share that with, and feel supported in a network of fellow creatives. Art challenges cover all these things. In fact, let me share with you with a little acronym, because with art challenges you WIN every time:
Work improves
Interest generated
Network expanded
Let’s talk about this …
PERSONAL WINS
❥ Spoonflower design challenges, for example, invite artists to create designs with certain parameters - usually within a particular theme, color palette, or specific subject. When you participate in a challenge like this you are practicing working to a brief. You are growing your skills and your work is improving! True, Spoonflower challenges are notoriously difficult to place well in (They are simple to enter and have usually hundred of participants!) Regardless, they can be enjoyable and will encourage the practice of creating, and open your mind to new ideas. And you may even place in the top 100 or higher, awarding you a mention, exposure, or even prize money.
Year of the Tiger | Spoonflower Art Challenge
While I have never been a winner or even made the top 10, I’ve entered several of the Spoonflower challenges over the last couple years. Here is my first challenge entry. It landed at #75. Which may not sound impressive, but this particular design has been one of my most popular designs available on Spoonflower. It is definitely my best selling wallpaper design. I drew a tiger for the first time (improved my work,) it was made visible to an audience of shoppers (encouraging interest in my design,) and introduced me to a whole new network of talented artists, many of whom I have since connected with on social media.
Quick side note: if you hoping to grow sales on spoonflower and want some helpful monthly trackers to keep you motivated, I have a free set HERE.
❥ A juried call for art is one of the best opportunities to gain exposure and generate interest in your work. I had the amazing opportunity last year to enter a design in an internal art call within a beautiful company called Little Cocalico. They license my designs for fabric and wallpaper and asked for artwork submissions to a contest to compose an exclusive collection in partnership with HGTV’s Brian and Mika from 100 Day Dream Home. I was delighted to have my design chosen for the voting stage of the contest, and then on to winning a spot in the Brian and Mika design collection. A total *pinch me* experience! You can see my design, Tranquil Palm Leaves, here.
Tranquil Palm Leaves | exclusive wallpaper design
❥ Instagram art challenges can be a beautiful and easy way to be involved in an art challenge. All the wins we talked about earlier, and none of the pressure. You can participate as casually or intensely as you choose. The wins are most often the quiet kind - improvement in your skills, extra eyes on your account to admire your work and get excited about what else you have to offer, and new insta friends and followers. Unexpected wins could be a viral post, or a surge in followers. Long term wins could include an art director finding your account, and reaching out resulting in future licensing, sales, or partnerships. You really have nothing to lose!
ARE YOU READY TO JUMP IN TO AN ART CHALLENGE?
Head over to Instagram now and follow along because I just announced in art challenge with some incredible hosts and you are not going to want to miss this one! Eeee! I am so excited for you and your WINS.
I would love to hear your ideas, your wins, and all your favorite art challenges to enter! And let me know if you are interested in hearing how it went from my perspective as a host and what questions you might have. Chime in in the comments.