If you are involved in the art world, chances are you have participated in at least a couple of art contests. Usually, there is a theme—some kind of guideline to follow—and the winner receives a reward.
Art contests can be a surefire way to improve your reputation as an artist. However, while the excitement of entering the contest and the fame of winning can be thrilling, there are also many downsides that come with art competitions.
- To start off, costs can be an issue for people looking to participate in an art competition. There are many contests that require an entry fee that usually ranges from $20-$50. But, there are also many contests that artists can enter for free. Be mindful when looking for which contest to participate in and consider the various costs.
- Besides entry fees, art supplies also raise the cost of participation. An art competition piece is typically grander and requires much more than your usual day-to-day classroom doodle. Creating a more elaborate work requires higher costs for materials, which could be unaffordable for many working-class, aspiring artists.
- Art competitions generally have themes, which are a way for contests to filter what gets submitted into a single category that makes the judging process more standardized. However, these themes can also be a roadblock to the creative mind because of the certain guidelines they suggest. On the other hand, having a theme can force the artist to think outside the box and get creative with what they decide to create. Having a theme can be a beneficial practice method and help the artist improve significantly. Sometimes, the restriction of a theme is just the push one needs to take their skill to the next level.
- Next, there is the issue of time. Participating in an art contest usually requires a large time commitment.. One must set aside hours and hours to create their piece, as well as manage their responsibilities wisely in order to finish before the deadline. On the flip side, deadlines help artists improve their time management skills. Some artists can spend forever finishing a piece, and sometimes never finish at all. A deadline enforces discipline, similar to a school assignment. This can help them get into the habit of finishing their pieces in a timely manner for the future.
- Some people participate in art contests for prizes, especially cash prizes and scholarships. However, an important thing to remember is that you should be participating because you enjoy creating art, not solely for the sake of money.
- Another reason why people participate in art contests is for college applications and resumes. If you are looking to major in art or just want something to add to your list of achievements, why not go for an art contest? It is a way of earning recognition, that is, as long as you can win some kind of title.
- Speaking of winning titles, art contests may take a serious toll on your sense of self-worth if you do not win. By entering, you are essentially paying for someone else’s opinion and seeking external validation for your own art. Thus, entering contests can result in either an ego boost or a bullet through your self-confidence. One should be mentally prepared and ready to face a not-so-positive outcome before entering, just in case.
So why should one participate in an art contest? Well, they are a chance to demonstrate your skill and an outlet for practice. Hone your art skills by limiting yourself to a strict theme, medium, or piece size. However, people should also consider the cons that come with participating, such as costs, restrictions, and discouragement.
Remember that at the end of the day, art is subjective. Titles and awards should not be the judge of whether you are good enough, nor act as validation for what you create. What matters is the process, the creation, and the learning experience from making a piece of art. That is the greatest value of the creative mind.