Threadless Contests
Keeping your wits about you

I have no grand delusions about how contests are bad for graphic designers, illustrators, and creatives in general. I used to loathe the idea of them but it has helped me realize a few things. When you are given a topic with no restraints it allows your creativity to flow and your imagination to run wild.

I've been using these contests for fun, not because I think I will win, or I want to win, or think I'm going to get rich. My main motivation has been keeping my skills sharp and getting to do personal projects I find interesting. They are creative outlets for myself and a platform to receive harsh criticism so I've realized they are actually extremely beneficial in those respects.