Picture this: it is the end of a long school day, and you are helping pin your watercolor painting onto a display board in the school gym. Bright spotlights shine on rows of student works. Parents and judges walk slowly, clipboards in hand. You overhear someone pause in front of your piece and say, “This one tells a story.” Your heart starts racing. Maybe, just maybe, you actually belong here.
If you’re curious about arts competitions but feel “not good enough yet,” you’re not alone. Many successful competitors started exactly where you are: unsure, nervous, but in love with art. This ScholarComp guide explores how beginners can step confidently into visual arts competitions, creative writing contests, and performing arts events, even with no prior experience.
When you hear “competition,” you might picture strict judges and flawless performances. In reality, arts competitions are opportunities to grow, share your voice, and connect with others. They include:
Each competition sets its own theme and rules, emphasizing that your unique perspective matters.
Consider Maya, a middle-school student who loved doodling anime characters in her notebooks. Her art teacher suggested entering a regional youth art show. Initially hesitant, Maya eventually chose a meaningful drawing—a character sitting alone on a bench, with swirling colors representing emotions. She submitted but didn't win a prize. However, she received feedback from a judge praising her storytelling and color choices, which transformed her approach to art. The next year, armed with a more developed concept, she earned an honorable mention.
Maya’s story exemplifies that the first competition isn’t solely about winning; it’s about sharing your art with the world.
You might wonder, “Should I wait until I’m better?” Honestly, no. Starting early gives you overlooked advantages.
Setting a concrete goal like “I am submitting to a contest” changes how you practice. Instead of random doodles, you’ll focus on refining one piece with intention. For example, Alex, a high school musician indifferent to practicing scales, found motivation when he entered a local festival, recognizing that those scales helped him prepare effectively.
Art is communication, and competitions encourage you to express what you want to say. In a creative writing contest, two students might tackle the same theme—"Home"—with vastly different stories, reminding you that your perspective is essential.
Creating in isolation can lead to unrecognized mistakes. Competitions provide feedback that reveals these blind spots. A judge’s comment on a comic might highlight strengths and areas for improvement, guiding your next steps. Beginners often evolve rapidly by using competitions as learning experiences.
Confidence builds with action, even small ones like sharing your art with a friend or submitting to a local contest. Each step reinforces your capability, turning fear into familiarity.
Beginners often hesitate because “art” feels vast and vague. You can explore instead of locking yourself into one specific track. Ask yourself:
If you love sketching characters, consider visual arts contests. If you frequently jot down story ideas, writing competitions may suit you best. Remember, the arts competition realm is diverse—you can start in one area and later discover another that excites you.
Consider Lena, Omar, and Priya:
Lena enjoys reading fantasy and submits a story to a national writing contest, discovering a passion for revising. Omar, who frequently sketches, enters a design competition by transforming his sneaker illustrations into a compelling poster for an environmental campaign. Priya, initially quiet, flourishes in drama club and performs a monologue in a competition, finding exhilaration in performing under pressure.
All three start in arts competitions, but their journeys differ—and so will yours.
For your first experience, select something manageable, such as:
As you gain experience, you can explore more competitive options. If you need assistance, refer to our guide on choosing your first arts competition.
New competitors often ask, “How do I get ready?” Preparation becomes less mysterious once you break it down. You don’t need a perfect system; just a clear starting process.
The rules are part of the challenge. Key elements might include:
Highlighting key details can prevent last-minute stress by ensuring your work fits the competition parameters.
Take time to explore multiple ideas. For a theme like “Journey,” consider various interpretations like a personal journey of self-acceptance or a literal walk home from school. Choose the idea that resonates with you.
Break your work into small stages. For example:
Adjust based on your schedule to avoid “night-before” panic.
Seek feedback from supportive sources. When you receive suggestions, remember it’s your art; adapt thoughtful advice that strengthens your message without compromising your vision.
The submission process requires effort: clear photos, correct formats, and following instructions. Each competition helps you practice these technical skills.
Even with preparation, doubts may arise—this is normal. The goal is to act despite these feelings.
Instead of solely focusing on winning, redefine success as:
Over time, as you gain experience, your goals can evolve. Starting from a place of value and potential will lead you to better outcomes.
In competitions, comparison can be discouraging. Focus on your journey, knowing that each artist’s path is different. Embrace growth rather than rankings.
Every successful artist has faced setbacks. They pressed onward through rejection and disappointment. After each experience, reflect on what went well, where you struggled, and what to improve for next time, turning every result into learning.
You now understand what arts competitions are and how to prepare. What should you do over the next month?
Spend the first week exploring:
In the second week:
In the third week, focus on execution:
In the final week:
Starting in arts competitions is about willingness to try and learn. You don’t need perfect confidence to begin—just curiosity and courage. As you progress, you’ll want to build skills and choose competitions that align with your strengths. For now, the most important thing is to begin.
Your art has something to say. Competitions are a way to ensure it is heard. Explore more competition ideas and resources on ScholarComp, and step into this challenge with pride.
The stage, the page, and the canvas are waiting. What will you create first?
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