Design contests are a great way to showcase your creativity, challenge yourself, and win prizes. But how do you find the ones that suit your skills, style, and interests? In this article, we'll share some tips on how to search for and select the best design contests for you.
Before you start looking for design contests, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Are you looking for feedback, exposure, portfolio pieces, or cash rewards? Different contests have different criteria, formats, and benefits. Some may be more suitable for beginners, while others may require more experience and expertise. Some may have specific themes, genres, or formats, while others may be more open-ended. Some may have strict deadlines, while others may allow more flexibility. Knowing your goals will help you narrow down your options and focus on the ones that match your expectations and needs.
One of the easiest ways to find design contests is to use online platforms that host or aggregate them. There are many websites that specialize in design contests, such as 99designs, Dribbble, or Behance. These platforms allow you to browse through various categories, such as logo design, web design, illustration, or animation. You can also filter by criteria, such as prize, deadline, popularity, or difficulty. You can also join communities, follow designers, and get notifications about new contests. Online platforms are also convenient for submitting your entries, receiving feedback, and communicating with clients or organizers.
Before you enter a design contest, you need to do some research on the contest itself, the client or organizer, and the target audience. You need to read the brief carefully and understand the requirements, expectations, and objectives of the contest. You need to check the terms and conditions and the rights and ownership of your work. You need to look at the previous winners and the feedback they received. You need to know who you are designing for and what they are looking for. Doing your research will help you avoid scams, disputes, and disappointments. It will also help you create a design that stands out and meets the criteria.
You may be tempted to enter as many design contests as possible, hoping to increase your chances of winning. However, this may not be the best strategy. Entering too many contests can be overwhelming, stressful, and time-consuming. It can also affect the quality of your work and your reputation. Instead of entering every contest you see, you should be selective and choose the ones that you are passionate about, confident in, and aligned with. You should also consider your availability, budget, and resources. You should enter design contests that challenge you, inspire you, and reward you.
Design contests are not only about winning. They are also about learning and improving. Whether you win or lose, you should always take the opportunity to learn from your experience and feedback. You should analyze your strengths and weaknesses, your successes and failures, your mistakes and achievements. You should also look at other entries and see what you can learn from them. You should appreciate the diversity, creativity, and talent of other designers. You should also be open to constructive criticism and suggestions. You should use design contests as a way to grow, develop, and refine your skills.
Finally, you should have fun with design contests. Design contests are a way to express yourself, unleash your creativity, and enjoy your passion. They are a way to experiment with new ideas, techniques, and styles. They are a way to connect with other designers, clients, and audiences. They are a way to celebrate your work and achievements. Don't let design contests stress you out, frustrate you, or discourage you. Instead, let them motivate you, excite you, and inspire you.