Creative competitions are the definition of, you are what you make them. They could be a waste of time if your only goal is to win and take home a couple thousand dollars.

But if you give them a chance, they might offer surprising lessons and experiences. And who knows, you might also win the bag?

Follow along while I share my experiences with them and my significant takeaways!

What are Advertising Competitions anyway?

Advertising competitions are what they sound like- a competition with a set of guidelines open for participants to submit their award-winning ideas!

Why do Businesses Host them?

There are various reasons businesses want to get involved in a creative competition. Still, the majority are looking for a diverse range of perspectives in a low-commitment arrangement.

My Past Experiences

Here lies the graveyard of some of my past submissions. Two shortlist winners and a land of other lessons.

KitKat Crowdiate Submission

New Fruit Cup- Dole Premium Pick

Jello Submission- NAC

Hershey’s S’mores Kit Submission

Hershey’s S’mores Kit Submission

Nabob Coffee Submission

Why Compete?

After my trip down memory lane, this brings me to some reasons you should participate!

1. Collaborate with Unsuspecting Partners

My fondest memories of participating in ad competitions are doing them with unsuspecting partners. So far, I have had the chance to collaborate with my cousin Allyssa Cunningham, a friend from school, Max Perone, and a designer from Capilano University in British Columbia, Sara Nguyen. (For context, I live in Ontario, so this was quite a cross-country effort!).

With each partnership, I learned a lot about being a better creative and collaborator. It was an excellent opportunity to learn from others, and enjoy the amalgamation of efforts on a project.

2. Develop your Portfolio

If you are looking to expand your body of work in a specific genre or you are developing your portfolio, advertising competitions offer an excellent opportunity for that.

Not only do they have a time limit, which keeps participants accountable, but they range in ask and topic.

Some brands will be looking for a new product idea so you can become an inventor. Others will be looking for their next big marketing idea. The opportunities are endless and can be selected and catered to your interests.

3. Learning Opportunities

As I said previously, I have yet to place top 3 in a competition, but I keep coming back and doing them.

Maybe that is delusional behaviour, but I genuinely believe it isn’t about winning or losing; it is about learning.

Learning is always a win, and the lessons I have taken away have made me a better creative and communicator.

Feeling Ready to Try?

Below is a list of a few places that hold advertising competitions, which range from free to paid options.

Crowdiate- My favourite website to do ad competitions! It is entirely free, and if you are interested, click my referral link here

National Advertising Competition

Communication Arts

D&AD Awards (For Students)

Final Thoughts

Advertising competitions offer a unique and valuable opportunity for creatives to explore their talents and gain invaluable experiences.

While the allure of winning prizes is undoubtedly appealing, the true beauty of these competitions lies in the unexpected lessons they provide.

Try one out with a friend, develop your portfolio, and learn along the way for an unforgettable experience!

Thanks for checking out some of my submissions, and let me know in the comments your favourite part about participating in advertising competitions!

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Top 3 Reasons to Try Advertising Competitions