February 12, 2006
It takes true talent to create something hideous.
Trust me. I’ve said for years that you have to be able to sing well to sing horribly on purpose. Now, if one cannot carry a tune in a bucket because that’s not a talent you were graced with, that’s one thing…but to be able to purposely sing like William Hung takes guts and practice.
That being said, I’m going to try my hand at entering the LandOfOdds Ugly Necklace Competition this year. Entries are due to the website by March 15, and while I have some necklaces that probably qualify, just on basic design technique or lack thereof, I don’t yet have something GodAwful enough to enter.
Contests, a little like juried art shows, take some guts to enter. My advice is to read the rules, follow them to the letter, and submit the very best photos of your work that you can get. Then sit back, relax, and wait for the results. Whether or not you do well, when you are first starting out, is not the point. Entering and having someone critique your work is scary, but it can be very gratifying!
When you are starting out, stick to contests that don’t require an entry fee, and are geared toward first time entrants/winners. As you build skill and experience, both in your art and in your contest entry abilities (some contests require you to write a short story, instructions or thoughts about your piece!), you’ll find the confidence to enter more challenging contests.
Above all, have fun. It’s going to look great on your resume/portfolio/website to have won a contest, but unless you enjoy it, that victory will be hollow.
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