How to Win a Drawing Competition?

Drawing is a complex and challenging skill to master. So it’s no surprise that winning a drawing competition is also tricky.

Remember, Art is subjective, so there is no surefire way to win a drawing competition. However, there are specific steps you can take to increase your chances of success.

So if you’re looking to win an art competition, be prepared to put in the hard work, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t win immediately. With practice and determination, you’ll eventually come out on top.

How can you Win a Drawing Competition?

Success in any competition is the right mindset backed by confidence in your ability. In addition to that, you need to be willing to put in hard work by focussing on your practice regularly. You should also be prepared for failures and celebrate your success. Keep repeating this process, and you will have a winning mindset automatically, and it will become a habit.

Understand the Competition Rules

The step in taking part in any competition is understanding the rules.

• What is the Theme?
• What is the age limit?
• How many entries are allowed?
• Is it an International Competition?

The above is only an example. Once you clearly understand the guidelines, you can start brainstorming ideas.

If the completion is open to interpretation, think of something that catches your eye or something you enjoy drawing.

If it is a themed competition, ensure your drawing fits within the parameters.

Understand the Art Materials to be Used

One of the most important things to remember is that you should understand what you can use in the drawing materials.

This will ensure that your work meets the competition’s guidelines and stands out from the rest.

For example, if the competition allows for digital submissions, you should use software to help you create high-quality Artwork.

On the other hand, if the competition requires traditional mediums, you should focus on perfecting your use of charcoal, pencils, or paints.

Whatever the case, make sure that you are familiar with the rules of the competition and that you are using the best materials possible.

Get Clarified on All Your Doubts

Your next step is to clarify all your doubts regarding the competition.

The best way to do this is by talking to people with experience in joining and winning similar competitions.

You can also read helpful articles or books on the subject. Once you understand what it takes to win, you can start preparing for the competition by practicing your drawing skills regularly.

Remember, the key to winning is never to give up and always strive to improve your skills.

Study the Organization Hosting the Competition

One of the best ways to increase your chances of success in winning a competition is to research the organization hosting the competition.

Read their mission statement and guidelines carefully to understand what they are looking for.

What type of Art do they usually promote? What is their target audience? By tailoring your entry to the specific preferences of the organization, you significantly increase your chances of success.

Additionally, be sure to follow all the rules of the competition carefully. Even a tiny mistake could result in your work being disqualified.

Check Previous Winning Entries

One another essential things you can do is to research previous winners. This will give you an idea of the type of work the judges are looking for.

Pay attention to the medium, the composition, and the subject matter of the winning entries, and try to emulate these elements in your work.

Of course, it’s also essential to maintain your unique voice and style, but by studying past winners, you can better understand what it takes to succeed in a drawing competition.

Do Thorough Research on the Competition Topic

When it comes to competitions, topic research is critical. You need to understand the topic inside and out so that your entry has a chance of winning.

But it’s not enough to know the topic. It would be best if you also stay up-to-date on current affairs. That way, you can see if any current issues align with the competition topic.

For example, if the competition is about environmentalism, you’ll want to research current environmental issues like global warming, pollution, climate change, and deforestation.

By understanding both the competition topic and these current issues, you’ll be able to create a well-rounded, persuasive entry that stands out from the rest.

Understand the Prize

Before you enter, it’s essential to understand what the prize winner gets and how it can benefit you.

Generally speaking, the prize in a drawing competition can be a cash or non-cash prize in the form of art supplies or other items related to the event’s sponsors. Sometimes, you may use the winner’s Art in magazines or on magazine covers.

The more expensive the prize, the more challenging the competition will likely be.

However, it’s essential to remember that the prize’s value will differ from person to person.

So while it’s important to understand what you stand to gain from winning, try not to get too caught up in the details.

Big or Small, DO your Best

Despite the competition’s prize money size, Michelangelo always did his best and created masterpieces.

You should follow in his footsteps and do the same. It doesn’t matter if the competition is big or small or if the prize money is large or small.

What matters is that you put your best foot forward and give it all. When you do your best, you never know the outcome.

You may be surprised at how well you do. So, remember to do your best next time you consider whether to enter a competition.

Create your Masterpiece

Any artist will tell you that creating a masterpiece is the key to winning a drawing contest.

And while that may sound daunting, it simply means putting your best work forward.

So take your time and use all the materials allowed by the contest rules. And don’t be afraid to push yourself. This is your chance to shine.

Remember, the goal is to create an impression long after the contest.

If you put your heart and soul into the Artwork, you have a higher chance of impressing the judges and winning the contest.

So go for it and give it everything you’ve got.

Presubmission CheckList

Before submitting your Artwork, be it online or offline, the following need to be checked.

• Recheck that the art size is as per the prescribed size in the Rules
• Recheck that you have used only the medium mentioned in the rules.
• If it is a painting, ensure it is dried up thoroughly, and you have put the required fixatives.
• If it is an online submission, ensure it is in JPEG or any other format per the rules.
• Get feedback from someone you trust. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or art instructor, getting an honest opinion about your work can be helpful before sending it off to strangers.
• If it is an online submission, get a good camera with proper lighting, and shoot the image. It goes a long way in projecting your painting.
• If you must courier the Artwork, ensure it is appropriately packed with adequate protective gear.

Submission of your Work

Finally, you have completed your Artwork, and it is time to submit it to the competition. You have put in a lot of hard work and are confident that your piece will win.

Here are a few tips to help ensure that your submission is successful.

• If the competition is not online, submit your work within the allotted time.
• You may be disqualified if you ask for grace time or delay it.
• If it is an online submission, ensure that you have submitted it well within the date and time.
• Triple-check if the address you need to send is complete and has a mobile or telephone number.
• Lastly, you must send the Artwork through a reliable courier or postal service in your country.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of the competition, and you’re one step closer to winning.

Following the steps outlined in this post gives you a strong chance of coming out on top.

Remember to stay confident and believe in your abilities; you’ve got this.

If you have worked hard and taken care of all the critical points while preparing your Artwork for the competition, you will be successful.

Don’t give up; keep trying until you get the desired results.

Best of luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some things to avoid when entering a drawing competition?

   Some things to avoid when entering a drawing competition include breaking the rules, submitting work that is not your own, and being rude to the judges. You cannot draw something derogative even if the topic allows for it.

2. Can I enter a drawing competition if I am not a professional artist?

   You can enter a drawing competition if you are not a professional artist. There are usually different categories for competitions, so make sure to enter the one appropriate for your skill level.

3. What are the judges looking for in a winning entry in a competition?

   The judges are looking for a well-crafted and original drawing that meets the requirements of the competition. They also want to see realistic and creative drawings.

4. Can I enter a drawing I made previously in a competition?

   It depends on the rules of the specific competition. Some competitions allow you to submit work created before the competition begins, while others specify that all work must be original.

5. Do I need to include my name on my drawing when I enter it in a competition?

   Again, it depends on the rules of the specific competition. Some competitions allow you to submit your work anonymously, while others require you to include your name and contact information.