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Studio Chat – How to Find Success with Art Challenges

Studio Chat – How to Find Success with Art Challenges

Studio Chat: how to find success with art challenges

Art and design challenges can be a great opportunity to work with new companies or have your designs found by businesses you wouldn’t have otherwise contacted. They offer opportunities to connect with a community of designers, receive feedback, and support others and they increase your awareness of current trends!

However, if you’re not walking away with new contracts, it can also feel like a giant waste of time.

So, to make sure you’re making the most of your creative energy, here are a couple of tips to  help you to make the most of the design challenges you enter!

Firstly, you need to assess each challenge based on whether you feel inspired, and whether you have the time to commit. There’s no point rushing or entering a design you’re not happy with. It is a good idea to choose challenges that will push you creatively, help you to explore new themes or fill gaps in your portfolio.

Read the Guidelines:
If you decide that you’re going to jump in, you then need to make sure you understand the challenge guidelines. It’s crucial to carefully read and understand the guidelines, including parameters like size, color palettes, and themes.

Know your End Product:
Challenges sometimes focus on designing for specific products or categories, which can help you envision your work in different contexts. Think about scale, white space and the size of your motifs – are they appropriate for your end product?

Staying True to Your Voice:
It is important to maintain authenticity and let your unique style shine through, even within the confines of a challenge.

Benefits Beyond Winning:
While winning a challenge is desirable, there are other benefits like exposure, skill development, and potential future opportunities. Designs created for challenges can have broader applications beyond the specific contest, such as licensing or future projects.

Ultimately, the goal of participating in challenges is to enjoy the process, learn, grow creatively, and engage with others in the community.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to follow Design Briefs then check out our Monthly Creative Design Briefs. Each brief simulates real world client projects, is in line with market trends and supports your professional growth.  Come check our our Creative Design Brief Community!

 

If you would love to dive into this topic more then get FREE ACCESS TO OUR STUDIO CHAT LIBRARY  HERE

There is an entire video library of chats and it’s totally FREE!

In the library we cover topics including:

– Finding Success with Art Challenges

– Keeping Your Instagram Account Safe

– Industry Myth Busting and lots more

7 Tips for Submitting to the Carriage House Art Call

7 Tips for Submitting to the Carriage House Art Call

Art Call Submission Tips:
How to Nail Your Next Art Call
Tips for Creative Brief Members

From Hero Designs to Cohesive Collections: Nail Your Next Submission

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Art Calls are exciting opportunities for surface pattern designers to showcase their talents and get their work in front of top brands. This month’s exclusive Carriage House Printery Art Call is no exception! For those of you who are Creative Brief members, you already know the incredible potential these opportunities hold. But what if you could maximize your chances of success with a few Art Call Submission Tips?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through essential Art Call Submission Tips to help your designs stand out and align perfectly with the art call brief. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the game, these insights will guide you toward a successful submission. Let’s dive in!

1. Create 2 Show-Stopping Hero Designs

When you’re designing for an art call, it’s all about making a strong first impression. This means your collection should feature two hero designs that stand out and grab attention. Hero designs are bold, unique, and should instantly align with the brand’s vision. These designs should reflect both your artistic voice and the specific aesthetic the brand is looking for.

  • Tip: Limit yourself to only one or two supporting blender designs. You don’t want them to outshine your hero pieces—these are meant to complement and highlight your stars!

Pro Tip: Look for that unique element in your hero designs. What makes your work different from everything else out there? Elevate those qualities to make your work unmistakable.


2. Read the Brief Three Times

Think of the design brief as your roadmap. It outlines the specific requirements, themes, and even the aesthetic preferences the brand or art call organizer wants to see. Too many designers make the mistake of skimming over it and missing crucial details.

Here’s how you can break it down:

  • First reading: Get an overall understanding of the project.
  • Second reading: Revisit it before you start designing. Ensure you’re still on track with the main themes and requirements.
  • Final reading: Right before submission, check your work against the brief. Double-check that you haven’t overlooked any small but important details.

Pro Tip: Take notes as you read! Highlight specific colors, styles, or motifs emphasized in the brief so you can refer back as you design.


3. Stay True to Your Unique Style

While following the brief is essential, staying authentic to your unique style is just as important. Remember, brands choose designers not just for how well they follow directions but for the distinctive qualities they bring to the table. Even as you align with the brand’s aesthetic, make sure your signature style comes through in your designs.

For example, if the art call is about playful, bold designs, think about how you can bring your own twist to that theme. Does your work stand out because of your color choices? Or maybe it’s your intricate patterns? Whatever your artistic strength is, let it shine.

Pro Tip: Strike a balance. Don’t stray too far from the brief, but don’t blend in so much that your design loses its identity.


4. Follow the Color Palette and Theme

If the brief provides a specific color palette or theme, don’t deviate from it. Following these guidelines shows your ability to take direction, a key skill that brands look for when selecting designers. For the Carriage House Printery Art Call, remember the brand is targeting kids, so think fun, playful, and non-traditional colors that pop.

  • Tip: While you should adhere to the palette, feel free to experiment with how you combine the colors. This is where your creativity can still shine within the provided framework.


5. Submit a Cohesive Collection

A strong submission isn’t just about individual pieces but how they come together as a cohesive collection. Each design should stand out but also feel like it belongs to the same family in terms of style, color usage, and overall mood. The goal is to create a visually appealing collection that tells a story.

  • Tip: Use consistent motifs, textures, or themes across your designs to tie everything together. Even if each piece has its own flair, they should all feel connected.

Pro Tip: Collections that feel disjointed can confuse the viewer. Maintain a consistent tone throughout to make sure your work is seen as a strong, marketable whole.


6. Give Your Work Time to Breathe

One of the best things you can do for your designs is to step back and let them sit for a while before submission. When you return to them with fresh eyes, you’ll likely spot small adjustments or improvements that can make a big difference.

  • Tip: If you finish your designs early, use that extra time to review them before the deadline. This breathing space can help you fine-tune your work to perfection.


7. Leverage the Creative Brief Community

Don’t forget, you’re not alone in this journey! The Art Call Chat channel in the Creative Brief community on Discord is an invaluable resource. If you’re stuck or unsure, chances are someone in the community has the answer. Reach out, ask for advice, or just share your progress for feedback!

  • Tip: The community is a great place to refine your designs and make sure you’re submitting your best work. Many designers have found incredible support and even collaboration opportunities here.

 

We hope that these Art Call Submission Tips and Art Call opportunities continue to help you grow, possibly push you out of your comfort zone, and give you invaluable experience and insight into working on a client brief.
We can’t wait to see what you create!
Deadline Oct 4th 10 pm MST

Are you ready to take the leap? If you’re not already part of our Creative Brief community, click here to join us and start accessing exclusive art call opportunities. We can’t wait to see what you create next!
Creative Brief Tip Streamline Your Creative Process with our Workflow Checklist

Creative Brief Tip Streamline Your Creative Process with our Workflow Checklist

Creative Brief Tip

Creative Brief Tip – Streamline your Creative Process with our Workflow Checklist

As an artist or solo entrapeneur, it’s not uncommon to find yourself buried under a mountain of decisions, and battling the ever-encroaching decision fatigue.

But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We have created a workflow checklist, and included it in your Monthly Creative Brief.

Simply put, the Workflow Checklist is a guide that steps you through your creative journey, from concept to completion. It serves as a roadmap, helping you stay on track, eliminate unnecessary stress, and producing outstanding work. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this checklist is your secret weapon for success.

One of the most significant benefits of the workflow checklist is its power to banish decision fatigue. Instead of agonizing over every tiny detail, you can rely on the checklist to keep you focused on what truly matters. You no longer have to spend time wondering what comes next. The checklist provides a framework, offering predefined steps from ideation to compleation.

While you can certainly use the checklist as is, it’s also highly customizable and can be tailored to your specific needs..

So, say goodbye to decision fatigue, and say hello to a more productive, enjoyable, and successful creative journey. Your future self will thank you for it.

Talk soon!
Fleur & Ryann

Studio Chat – Building A Marketable Portfolio

Studio Chat: Building A Marketable Portfolio

Do you want to have a portfolio that not only reflects your style but also wins the hearts of art directors and company owners? Let’s dive into the delightful art of creating a portfolio that speaks volumes about your creativity and sells like hotcakes!

First stop: Market Awareness. Think of it as tuning in to your favorite radio station – the frequency of trends. Knowing what’s hot doesn’t mean sacrificing your style; it’s about dancing in the sweet spot where your personal style meets the market trends. So, keep your eyes peeled for trends, and take inspiration from them, but don’t forget to add your unique flair to the mix.

Next, let’s talk about the fine art of balancing passion, what excites and ignites you as a designer, and Market Demand. Imagine your passion and market preferences doing a tango – it’s all about finding that rhythm. The sweet spot, folks! That’s where your heart and the market’s heartbeat sync up. Creating art that you love, but also that others can’t resist – now, that’s the secret sauce.

The third important area is Consistency – it is the glue that holds your portfolio together. Whether you’re into watercolors or digital masterpieces, consistently producing quality work that is recognizably yours is what resonates. The consistency in your portfolio tells a story of growth and expertise, and it’s what keeps people coming back for more.

Now, let’s not forget Strategic Planning and Workflow magic. A clear roadmap, longer lead times, and mini collections are like the GPS of your creative journey. They keep you on track, ensuring your portfolio is a dynamic showcase of your skills and evolution. This is where our Creative Design Briefs are so helpful! We’ve done all the strategic planning, timelines and research for you, so you have more time to create!

Take a moment to go check them out (your first month is free!).

Fellow artists, lets craft a portfolio that not only paints your unique story but also aligns with market trends.

If you would love to dive into this topic more then get FREE ACCESS TO OUR STUDIO CHAT LIBRARY  HERE

There is an entire video library of chats and it’s totally FREE!

In the library we cover topics including:

– Finding Success with Art Challenges

– Raising Your Prices

– Industry Myth Busting and lots more

 

Creative Brief Tip Use Monthly Briefs to Build Better Creative Habits

Creative Brief Tip Use Monthly Briefs to Build Better Creative Habits

Creative Brief Tip

Creative Brief Tip – Use Monthly Creative Briefs to Build Better Creative Habits

Do you often find yourself struggling to stay motivated and productive? For any artist, maintaining a consistent output can be a real challenge. This is where consistency in monthly briefs can support you to build better creative habits.

Picture this: at the beginning of every month, you receive a new creative brief. This brief outlines your direction for the month, setting the stage for your creative journey. The catch? You have a firm deadline to work towards – the end of the month. This combination of a fresh creative challenge and a clear-cut time frame can be a game-changer for your creative work.

Embracing monthly deadlines and creative briefs can supercharge your creative in a number of ways;

Accountability: Knowing that a new brief will arrive on the 1st of every month holds you accountable. You’re less likely to procrastinate or succumb to creative block when you have a tangible deadline looming.

Consistency: Creative output thrives on consistency. Monthly deadlines ensure you’re consistently working on new projects, honing your skills, and generating a body of work that’s impressive and marketable.

Variety: Each new brief brings a fresh challenge, pushing you out of your comfort zone. This variety keeps your creative muscles in shape and prevents stagnation.

Progress Tracking: Over time, you can track your growth by reviewing your previous month’s work. This allows you to see your strengths and areas where you need improvement, helping you evolve as a creator.

Motivation: The excitement of starting a new project every month keeps your motivation levels high. It becomes a cycle of creative anticipation and accomplishment.

Incorporating monthly deadlines and creative briefs into your creative routine can transform your work habits and, ultimately, the quality of your output. So, if you’ve been struggling with creative consistency, give this approach a try. It’s an effective way to stay on track, challenge yourself, and produce work you’re proud of, one month at a time.

Talk soon!
Fleur & Ryann

Creative Brief Tip Use Briefs to Develop your Skill and find your Style

Creative Brief Tip Use Briefs to Develop your Skill and find your Style

Creative Brief Tip

Creative Brief Tip – Use Monthly Briefs to Develop your Skill and find your Style

Finding your unique artistic style is a journey filled with excitement, self-discovery, and sometimes, a touch of frustration. You might be passionate about art, but without direction, it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of creativity.

That’s where monthly themes and prompts in your Monthly Portfolio Building Creative Briefs come to the rescue. By committing to creating new art each month, you’ll be amazed at how rapidly your skills and style develop just by showing up and doing the work.

Monthly Themes Unleash Creativity: Each new theme is like a fresh canvas, inviting you to explore your artistic imagination. These briefs challenge you to think beyond your comfort zone and experiment with different techniques, subjects, and mediums.

Prompts Spark Inspiration: Creative briefs are like creative sparks that ignite your imagination. They give you a starting point, allowing your mind to wander and discover unique pathways. Whether it’s a word, a phrase, or a concept, prompts provide a structured but flexible framework for your art.

Consistency is Key: The key to growth in any field is consistency. By committing to creating art each month, you establish a habit of making time for your passion. This routine not only helps you develop your skills but also pushes you to evolve your style. You’ll see how small, regular efforts can lead to significant progress.

Visual Evolution: Over time, as you engage with various themes and prompts, you’ll start noticing a shift in your art. You’ll develop a unique voice, a style that reflects your personality, emotions, and experiences. This transformation happens gradually, but it’s undeniable. Monthly Creative Briefs push you to explore, create, and evolve.

The commitment to producing art regularly will lead to remarkable progress in your skills and the development of a unique style that’s unmistakably yours.

So, grab your brief, dive into the monthly theme, and watch your artistic style develop!

Talk soon!
Fleur & Ryann