When are you ready enough to submit work to an art competition...

[ShroudStar]

Namely, Communication Arts?

I really want to give the March 2009 Illustration one a shot but I know the competition is going to be fierce. That being said, am I ready for it? The reason why I ask is because I mentioned it to my dad and he said that he felt that my art hasn't hit the "maturity" needed yet (well, in comparison to my brother - and I think it might be alluding to our graphic design more, but oh well). To put things in perspective, these are recent works (traditional):

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I'm planning on submitting a series and a single for the unpublished category. I intend to have seven of these kinds of ink illustrations and to sort out the best of the five for submission (series).

[Elwell]

Communication Arts is the toughest of the illustration annuals to get into (at least by my experience), but also offers probably the best exposure, since every AD gets CA. Honestly, I don't think these have a chance of getting in, both because of execution and content. Save your pennies for another year or so.

[ShroudStar]

Thanks, Elwell. =)

I'll also be working on building up my digital painting experience, so hopefully after a year or so, I'll be more ready. Is there anything else in particular that I need to work on (besides anatomy, perspective, etc...)?

[Mirana]

Not all is lost, though. Do try submitting these to other calls for entry (free or inexpensive ones if possible). I feel much more motivated to get lots of work done if I have a goal like that--even if I'm relatively sure I won't get in or win. The work is the real win.

Anatomy and perspective definitely, but who doesn't constantly work on those things? With the hatching you need to work on making the marks work with your composition and forms. Right now you're making the pieces unnecessarily busy with the same level of detail even on things that should be receding (like in the stone wall). The first one is more successful in this than the second one. I enjoy it. It does look like you're studying etching, so keep up with that. :)

[ShroudStar]

Thanks for that suggestion, Mirana. =) I never even thought of other competitions before; although, like Elwell said, I'll continue beefing up my skillset and knowledge over time. It's encouraging on CA to know that the advice I get really spurs me on.

Yeah, it's my first time really getting used to inking black-and-white works and so I'm learning the ropes on just what makes it "click". I guess the more I do, the more I'll get it. Funny enough, I haven't studied etching in a long time, but I just seemed to fall back onto it in my line treatment. (Although, now that really makes me want to take an etching class again).

[Mirana]

Oh, there are tons of calls for entry! Depending on where you live, you can also hit up local galleries and join the local art association (which have their own member shows and community support). There are quite a few sites devoted to listing competitions as well (both fine art juried stuff and entertainment contest types). There are other annuals and art magazines to try. Do a little searching and good luck. :)

[J Wilson]

I'm not sure what your illustration goals are, but seek out portfolio reviews from those who are doing what you'd like to be doing. They will likely be able to point out many things about your work both good and bad for you to keep in mind. It's hard to know what your skill level is in a vacuum, and getting good feedback is one of the best ways to progress. It will give you a good idea of where you need to improve, what you are doing right, and where you stand. I see you have a sketchbook, which is a great step.

Also, like Mirana suggested get your feet wet and start submitting to the smaller competitions. It's good experience and will also give you more feedback on how you are progressing. It's helpful to set those goals, and to start developing that thick artist's skin.

[ShroudStar]

Thanks, J Wilson. Like portfolio reviews in general from other illustrators? (Since I'm no longer in school). As for the smaller competitions, I will be doing that once I get a small body of feasible work together - soon - and I do know my college is holding an alumni art gallery showing competition probably next year, so I'm already aiming for that.

As for my goals, I'm more inclined towards antiquated style art but I'm very able to shift mediums and concepts/ideas. I'm trying to get used to "modernizing" my subject matter but I find that I'm still currently in the Jack-of-all-Trades in trying to find the subjects that most interest me. I do follow up on Spectrum and Flight and different artists, so I guess I'll find my area sooner than later.