Submitting Fiber Art for Competition: Preparing for Success
I Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the NC Mountain State Fair, where I volunteered with my weaving guild to give hands-on demonstrations. It was a fantastic experience, especially seeing the variety of fiber art—spinning, weaving, knitting, and more—that was displayed in the competition exhibits. The quality of work was impressive, and it was heartening to see such a wide range of skills and crafts being appreciated and rewarded.
Even though I didn’t submit anything this year, seeing the joy and pride of those who did has inspired me to consider entering some of my work next year. It's easy to feel anxious about putting your creations out there to be judged, but the judges are really there to find the best in every piece. They appreciate the time, effort, and love that goes into each submission.
If you’re thinking about submitting your fiber art to a competition but feel a bit hesitant, I encourage you to go for it. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare your work, whether the competition is judged by photographs or in person:
1. Understand the Rules and Categories
Each competition has specific rules regarding what can be submitted, how it should be presented, and the categories available. Read the guidelines carefully, so you don’t miss out on an opportunity by overlooking a small detail.
Choose the category that best fits your work. This will give your piece the best chance of being evaluated fairly.
2. Prepare Your Work with Care
Ensure your piece is finished and well-presented. This means checking for loose ends, making sure colors are vibrant, and that the overall construction is solid. For woven pieces, check your edges and finish them neatly. For spinning, make sure your skeins are tidy and evenly twisted. If you're submitting a knitted piece, block it properly to showcase its best form.
If you’re submitting in person, consider how your work will be displayed. Mount your work appropriately if required, and make sure it looks professional.
3. Photographing Your Work for Submission
If the competition requires photo submissions, quality photography is key. Use natural lighting to capture the true colors and textures of your work. Avoid harsh shadows and make sure the background is neutral so that the focus remains on your art.
Take multiple photos—close-ups of intricate details and full shots of the entire piece. This will give the judges a complete view of your craftsmanship.
4. Label Your Work Clearly
Whether you’re submitting in person or by photo, label your work clearly with your name, contact information, and any other details the competition requires. This ensures that your work is correctly identified and credited.
5. Keep Calm and Submit with Confidence
Remember, submitting your work is an accomplishment in itself. It takes courage to put your art out there. Don’t let anxiety stop you. The judges are not looking to criticize but to appreciate the effort and creativity you’ve put into your work.
6. Learn from the Experience
Whether or not you win, submitting your fiber art to a competition is a valuable experience. Take any feedback you receive as a learning opportunity, and use it to improve your skills for the next time.
After seeing the beautiful and diverse fiber arts displayed at the NC Mountain State Fair, I’m inspired to take my own advice and enter some of my work next year. Competitions like these are a wonderful way to celebrate our craft, and I hope more of you will feel inspired to participate as well. Let's continue to support and uplift each other in this vibrant community of fiber artists!