Way to go Kim, you have really given your career a boost, I think, by taking this route. You are going to go far.

I've never entered a competition, but this post aroused my curiosity, so I did a little research on upcoming competitions that looked interesting. I may enter this one this year with the National Portrait Gallery:
http://www.portraitcompetition.si.edu/about/about.html

You can apply online (submit JPEG's) for only $25 and if selected as a semi-finalist, they will completely cover shipping and insurance. I wrote to them to inquire about shipping details if selected and the prompt reply was that professional art handlers would pack and ship the piece from your residence/studio (at their expense) and insure it from the time the piece is picked up until it is dropped off. I don't know if that is standard procedure, but it certainly is appreciated. The piece I am thinking of entering weighs over 110 pounds and is breakable.

I'm sure competition would be stiff, but I would be honored just to be among the 60 or so finalists and have a piece displayed in a prominent Washington DC gallery for 6 months. Can't buy that kind of publicity for $25! I wouldn't expect to win any $$, but that would sure be a nice surprise. Have any of you ever entered this competition? If so, what was your experience?

I have never heard of a competition that pays for packing, shipping and insurance for the piece. That is certainly generous of them! It's also rare to accept jpeg entries online.

Sounds like this would indeed be a prestigious competition to enter. Good luck!

More and more of the competitions are accepting jpg's - and they charge less for it. Usually they still accept slides as well. The packing and shipping though - that IS unusual! I am echoing Michele - Good luck Heidi!

After re-reading the info, I see that this is the first year that they are holding this competition. That really is admirable of them to take care of all of the shipping arrangements and costs. The finalists pieces will be on display March 2006 through Jan 2007 so it looks like a long selection process.

Now that I have announced this enticing opportunity to the many talented folks on this forum, I realize that I have drastically reduced my chances to next to nill for making it into the finals - but oh well. The top prize is $25,000 and could go to some lucky sap here that we all know and admire. Good luck to all who enter.

Credentials
 

Competitions are, I think, important for two reasons:

-They constitute credentials for potential partners- galleries, teaching institutions, publishers, grants management; etc, or

-They are important to you as an artist, to be recognized by your peers.(Sometimes loosely speaking)

In terms of selling commission work, I have never, ever been asked by a potential client to see my credentials. They either like what they see, and it works price-wise, or it doesn't.

Nonetheless, I am not in the "high eschelon" of portrait painters , so credentials may very well matter to higher end clients.

All being said, I think it makes sound business sense to gather credentials, because you just never know when you might need them,

Neither of the only two clients I have had that could be called "higher end" (the Gov, and more recently, the Pacific Northwest Ballet) asked about credentials like competitions. It was purely a decision based on what my work looked like and their budget.

That said, I agree with Chris that competitions are worth entering for other reasons, like the ones she listed above.

Kim, I have really been curious about the results people get from entering show competitions. I don't think I'm ready to do that myself, but you post has been most enlightening. That's why I love POF. So much information to process. I feel like I've hit the jackpot here!

I've been working with a knowledgeable art marketing consultant and he recommends entering competitions purely for the potential publicity. If you get an award, send out press releases.

Kim,

Thanks so much for your detailed description (and analysis) of your recent experience entering competitions. I am SO glad your work has been recognized and appreciated. The judges had the sense to appreciate the combination of whimsy and strong design Congrats on your prizes! You really deserved them.

I also found it interesting that the smaller shows were a surer bet. It seems obvious, now that you point it out, but-DUH-I never thought of it!

Alex

Here's a PS.

I think it's important to keep competitions in perspective. I have had paintings rejected by my small local art group, that have gone on to win national awards.

So, don't be upset if your work doesn't make the competition, or if it does, don't get upset if it doesn't get a prize. It's just one painting, one judge, one day, and it's not about you or your work.

Conversely, don't get cocky if you win. Our collective task is to become better painters, and that is quite independent of competitions.