Ready, Steady......Draw!

Throughout my time at University, I found that although we worked on a fair amount of creative projects, few of them produced work that was suitable to include in a portfolio. They were either not visual enough or mainly essay based......or just plain cringe-worthy when I look back at them now (some efforts from 1st year are stuffed firmly down the back of my sofa) 


Seeking out a way to build my portfolio, I began to scour the internet looking for design competitions. I quickly caught the bug and to date have entered about 20 (although my friend's will say it's more like 2,000) and have been lucky winning a couple, you can check out some of my entries at the bottom of this post if you fancy. Just to clarify, I'm talking about actual 'competitions', not spec work sites such as 99 Designs - that people enter in their spare time because they want to, not as a way to subsidise their income. 

I've found that, although it's a nice bonus, entering design competitions isn't all about winning. There are loads of benefits, including: 

• A chance to build your portfolio.
• Raise awareness of your work & yourself as a designer.
• Joining in the buzz and excitement as the deadline approaches.
• A chance to expand your experience in different mediums / technologies.
• An opportunity to learn a new piece of software (Illustrator etc...)
• Your work can be spotted by professionals and could lead to further opportunities or even a job!
• A way to get your creative juices flowing / imagination working which could help benefit other projects you're working on.

If this sounds interesting to you, I've collated a list of some current design competitions, why not have a go at one! (or a few)


Worldwide
MINI space design competition
Closing: Friday, 15 June 2012.

Design a T-Shirt for Ed Sheeran
Closing: Wednesday, 27 June 2012.

Stereohpye Button - Design a badge competition
Closing: Friday, 29 June 2012. 

Beermat character design competition
Closing: Friday, 29 June 2012. 

Eco Bike Design contest
Closing: Friday, 29 June 2012. 

Poster for tomorrow design competition 2012

Closing: Tuesday, 10 July, 2012

Design the 'body' for LimoLand's Mr Limo
Closing: Tuesday, 10 July, 2012

Design an Ipad Sleeve with Papernomad
Closing: Wednesday, 11 July, 2012

Design for Adidas Eyewear
Closing: Tuesday, 31 July, 2012

Hiiibrand Awards 2012 - international awards honouring brand design

Closing: Monday, December 31, 2012

Tshirt Design Competition 
Closing: Ongoing


USA only
Design or Photograph for P!nk

Closing: Monday, 2 July, 2012

Other links for competitions, resources and opportunities: 

http://allartcompetitions.com/
http://www.contestwatchers.com/category/visual-arts/graphic-design/

http://www.studentdesigners.com/

http://all.worth1000.com/contests

http://www.talenthouse.com/creative
http://www.graphiccompetitions.com/multiple-disciplines/
http://opportunities.creativescotland.com/

http://thisiscentralstation.com/

http://38minutes.ning.com/
http://www.designophy.com/calendar/competitions.php

http://www.airwalk-design.com/competition/
http://www.dexigner.com/design-competitions
http://studentcompetitions.com/competitions/categories/graphics-design

Over the years I've entered my fair share of competitions:

Doritos 30 Second Advert Competition.

Rat Entertainment 10 Second animated logo Competition.

Good luck if you enter any competitions, let me know if you find any other great ones to enter and I can include them in this list!

Thanks for reading,

Melissa x

Follow @_Melissa247