5 Ways to Gain Recognition Via Creative Awards

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 5 min read

Participating in creative awards can truly unlock doors of recognition for your talent. Yet, the key to unlocking these opportunities lies not just in participation, but strategic participation. This blog shares a step-by-step guide to gaining recognition via notable creative awards and competitions: opportunities to showcase your talent and gain recognition. Let's dive right in!

1. Identify Relevant Awards

First things first, let's start with identifying the right awards. Not all awards are created equal, and it's important to find those that align with your industry, goals, and talents. Here's how:

Research Industry-Specific Awards

Award competitions are as diverse as the creative industries themselves, from graphic design to musical composition. Begin by looking for awards specific to your field. For instance, if you're a photographer, the Sony World Photography Awards might be a perfect fit. Alternatively, if you're a graphic designer, the A'Design Award and Competition could be your golden ticket. This focused approach ensures that your work is judged by industry experts who truly understand its value.

Evaluate Award Significance

Next, consider the prestige and reach of the awards. High-profile awards like the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity can catapult your work onto the global stage. However, don't overlook smaller, niche awards either. These can provide valuable exposure within specialist communities. Ask yourself: Will winning this award add weight to my portfolio? Will it reach my target audience? If the answer is yes, you're on the right track!

Focus on Local Opportunities

While international recognition is great, don't forget about the opportunities right on your doorstep. Local awards often have less competition, giving you a higher chance of standing out. Plus, they help you build connections within your local creative community. For instance, if you're in New York, the One Show Awards are worth considering. Remember, every ripple of recognition counts towards making a big splash in your creative journey.

2. Prepare Strong Submissions

Identifying the right awards is just the first step. Now, it's time to put your best foot forward with a compelling submission. Here's how to ace it:

Analyze Successful Entries

Before you start crafting your submission, take a look at previous winners of your chosen awards. What made their work stand out? What common threads can you identify? For example, if you're submitting a piece for the Webby Awards, you might notice that winning entries often push the boundaries of digital innovation. Use these insights to shape your own submission and give it the best chance of success.

Highlight Unique Points

When it comes to creative awards and competitions, uniqueness wins the day. You need to highlight what sets your work apart. Is it your use of color in your designs? Or maybe it's the stirring emotion in your short film? Whatever it is, make sure it shines through in your submission. Remember, your work is not just about technique, but also about vision. And vision is what makes you unique.

Ask for Feedback

Last but not least, don't hesitate to ask for feedback before submitting your work. Fresh eyes can often catch things you might have missed. They can also provide new perspectives that can enrich your submission. Whether it's a trusted mentor, a fellow creative, or a friend who appreciates good art — their input can make a world of difference. After all, creativity thrives on collaboration, doesn't it?

With your submission ready, it's time to send it out into the world and hope for the best. But remember, the work doesn't stop here. Winning is just the beginning — it's what you do after that really counts.

3. Maximize Award Visibility

Winning a creative award is a fantastic achievement, but it's just the start. You've got to make sure people know about it! Here are some tips on how to maximize the visibility of your notable creative awards and competitions:

Social media platforms are a powerful tool to showcase your talent and gain recognition. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn to share your winning entries. Post images or videos of your work, and don't be shy about showing your excitement. Remember, your followers are likely to be as thrilled as you are about your win!

Update Company Profile

Don't forget to update your company profile or personal portfolio with your new accomplishment. It's a great way to boost your credibility and attract new clients or employers. If you've won an award like the Cannes Lions, make sure that shiny new trophy is front and center on your website, LinkedIn profile, and any other professional networks.

Engage with Press

Local newspapers, industry blogs, and newsletters are always on the hunt for inspiring stories. Reach out to them with a press release detailing your win. Not only will this amplify your achievement, but it can also lead to new opportunities. Who knows? You might just catch the eye of a potential collaborator or client.

Remember, the goal is to leverage your win to its full potential. So, don't be afraid to make some noise about your success. After all, you've earned it!

4. Network Effectively

One of the biggest benefits of participating in notable creative awards and competitions is the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals in your field. Here's how to make the most of those networking opportunities:

Attend Award Ceremonies

Whenever possible, attend the award ceremonies in person. It's one of the best places to meet and connect with industry leaders, potential collaborators, and mentors. Plus, it doesn't hurt to show up and receive your award in person! And remember, even if you didn't win, simply being nominated can put you on the radar of influential people in your industry.

Connect with Peers

Don't just focus on the bigwigs. Connecting with peers can be equally valuable. These are the people who are likely to be your collaborators, your competition, and perhaps even your friends. Share experiences, exchange tips, and above all, support one another. A rising tide lifts all boats, after all.

Participate in Discussions

Participation is key. Join discussions, forums, and online communities related to your field. Share your thoughts, ideas, and ask questions. Networking isn't just about promoting yourself - it's also about learning, growing, and contributing to your community.

Remember, networking is about building genuine relationships. Be curious, be genuine, and be generous in your interactions. After all, today's peer could be tomorrow's partner!

5. Maintain Award-Winning Standards

Maintaining the standards that led you to win notable creative awards and competitions is crucial to continued recognition. Here's how to do it:

Implement Continuous Improvement

Don’t rest on your laurels. Strive for constant improvement in your work. This can be as simple as refining your processes, mastering a new technique, or investing in advanced tools. Remember, you're not just competing against others, but also against your past self. Aim to outdo your previous best!

Listen to Customer Feedback

Customers are your best critics, and their feedback is invaluable. They can provide insights that you might miss. Plus, their satisfaction is an excellent measure of your work's quality. If they're happy, you're on the right track. If they have concerns, take them seriously and make adjustments where needed.

Stay Ahead of Trends

Staying ahead of trends is critical in any creative field. Attend industry events, read trade publications, follow influencers in your field, and always keep an eye on what's coming. Not only will this keep your work fresh and relevant, but it'll also give you new ideas to explore and potentially incorporate into your work.

Remember, winning an award isn’t the end of your journey, but a milestone. Keep pushing, keep improving, and keep aiming for the stars.

If you're looking to gain recognition for your creative work, don't miss out on Jessy Moussallem's workshop, 'Uniqueness by Creativity.' This workshop will provide you with invaluable insights and strategies on how to stand out from the crowd and make your mark in the creative industry through innovative thinking and exceptional work.