How to Win Awards for Jewelry Design
by Dale Armstrong
Question:

This isn't about wire, but about doing shows. We participate in many shows that give awards for Best in Show, 3-Dimensional Art Wearable, and etc. What exactly are these judges looking for? How do we prepare to compete for these Awards...or is there a way to compete? Sometimes the award is free entrance into that show the following year. Sometimes it is very substantial depending on the show and would be worth knowing how to prepare for this.
Instructions
Answer:


Wow, I totally understand your frustration as I am also in this situation many times. Unfortunately, there is no magic solution, as all shows are different and as artists, we never know exactly how the judges are going to determine their winning choices, or what exactly they are looking for (and sometimes it's just politics). First, check the award criteria. Does it give you all of the necessary information? If not, take a moment to give the promoter a courtesy call and ask them outright how they would prefer to have a contender display their entry, if there is a special form that needs to be given to the judges before the show and if any special labeling is preferred.

Personally, if I am entering a piece into a show competition and there is no specific display area for the entries, I display my chosen item or set in a separate display box, with excellent lighting, in the front of my booth. I chose a background color that makes the item 'jump' and add a plainly written card that describes both the materials and the process used to create it, as well as its name/title. If it is an unusual item, like a specialty headpiece, I also add one nice photograph of it being worn, so one can see it in use.

If you do not win a contest or judging, be sure to look over the winning entries to see exactly how the artists presented their pieces and take a few minutes (while congratulating them) to ask them how they think they won.

Whatever you do, do not stop entering contests! They can fuel your imagination and hone your skills. Best of luck in the next one!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Dale Armstrong's How to Win Awards for Jewelry Design - , Selling, Selling, Bracelet display
Dale Armstrong's How to Win Awards for Jewelry Design - , Selling, Selling, Necklace Display
Dale Armstrong's How to Win Awards for Jewelry Design - , Selling, Selling, Necklace display
Dale Armstrong's How to Win Awards for Jewelry Design - , Selling, Selling, Earring Display

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

Display options
Shop Now
2 1/2 Inch Black Velvet Mini Neck Bust - Pack of 1
G1-108
  • G1-108
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $10.57
  • Gold Club Price: $7.93
Out of Stock
2 1/2 Inch White Faux Leather Mini Neck Bust - Sold Individually
G1-109
  • G1-109
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $10.57
  • Gold Club Price: $7.93
Out of Stock
6 pc. Black Velvet Hexagon Riser Set
G1-114
  • G1-114
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $28.57
  • Gold Club Price: $21.43
Out of Stock
Black Velvet 2 Bar Earring Stand - 8 Pair
G1-606
  • G1-606
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $12.97
  • Gold Club Price: $9.73
Out of Stock
Double Finger Ring Display
G1-607
  • G1-607
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $5.57
  • Gold Club Price: $4.18
Out of Stock
T-Bar (Oval) Black Velvet Bracelet Display
G1-600
  • G1-600
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $13.97
  • Gold Club Price: $10.48
Out of Stock
White Faux Leather 2-Bar Multi-Earring Stand
G1-25
  • G1-25
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $12.97
  • Gold Club Price: $9.73
Out of Stock
White Faux Leather Curved Earring Stand
G1-44
  • G1-44
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.57
  • Gold Club Price: $2.68
Out of Stock
White Faux Leather Medium Heart Shape Necklace Stand - Pack of 1
G1-31
  • G1-31
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $4.97
  • Gold Club Price: $3.73
Out of Stock
Add All Items to Cart
  • Category: Selling
  • Technique(s): Selling