This post deals with the possibilities of you entering your website to a Design Awards websites. The post may also leave you entering one at the end of the article. So be Very Very alert as we bring you a good enough chance to not only get your work recognized but also celebrated that too with the minimalistic of details.
First of all, let me make it clear at the very beginning that why do we really need to enter a Design Awards website? Aren’t we cool enough to survive on our own? The answer is Yes you may be that cool and trendy that you don’t need to spend a lot of money and effort but the perks of this all have you covered. Let’s have a look at the effects of this step that can have on your business:
What’s the deal behind it?
Done with the days of hard work. Done with planning for hours or meetings with clients. Just to create the best of the best. Done with satisfying your client’s needs. Done with creating a magnificent portfolio? Now, what should be your next? The next step should be to get appreciated for your work. Because who on earth doesn’t love to be recognized for a phenomenal creation? We surely do.
Besides being recognized, networking is one of the main features to grow any business. Which revolves around getting your work out to the world to let them know how amazing you are. (Okayyy this sounds a bit desperate) but honestly, You gotta get your work out there and Make a name for yourself. Its crucial in every sense of the word. Plus to get a feedback or review by a panel judges who obviously the experts in the respective fields will help you to get to know your art even better.
Next up is the DEMAND. The demand for award-winning designs in your portfolio by clients is trending these days. People nowadays prefer working with agencies who are prestigious by winning an award. This is downright weird. Since when did the criteria to be prestigious is decided by an award??? Those who think likewise please let me know in the comments below. Your insight will be appreciated. (Feel the pun). However, an award-winning design in your portfolio may not define your credibility to the fullest but it sure does decide your potential. Awards and competitions recognize the cream of the crop in the community.
Award websites to consider if you are a newbie:
As you are well aware now (If you weren’t before) of the importance of an award, we can quickly move on to our next step. The next thing is to find and choose the best awards competitions that are worth filling out an application. Below are 5 of such platforms that we think are worth a try. From the best social media campaigns to flawless CSS design, keep an eye on these competitions for the freshest and finest in the biz.
AWWWARDS:
Awwwards website as they say it themselves is “the awards for design, creativity, and innovation on the Internet”. They hold regular design contests for many categories to cater to all sorts of audience. Starting from ‘Sites of the day’ which include their previous winner. Second is ‘Nominees’ who need your vote. The third is the ‘Directory’ where you can find the best Digital Agencies & Professionals. The fourth category is ‘Resources’ sums up the Stuff Digital Designers Love. Awwwards also relies on a jury of esteemed industry professionals and their active user-base to rank the work submitted.
Facts and figures:
The cost to enter is relatively inexpensive, starting at $55. If you have a little more to spend, $165 gets you an entry submission and a listing in the directory, which could help you attract new clients who see your name. They don’t have any particular deadline since all year-round applications are always open.
CSS Design Awards:
Similar to Awwwards, CSS Design Awards recognize the talent and effort of the best web designers, developers, and agencies in the world. This website showcases and honors freelancers, designers, studios, and agencies for work that pushes the boundaries of UI, UX, and innovative development around the world. CSS Design Awards provides a level playing field to ensure solo freelancers, studios, and agencies have a chance to be recognized. A panel of industry experts and public members who have several upvotes will review your work. One interesting component is that solo designers are listed alongside big agencies, giving you significant exposure to potential clients, as well as agencies that might be looking to outsource work.
Facts and Figures:
The fee for solo designers is $44 for entry into seven categories. ‘Website of the Day’ and ‘Website of the Month’ is always open. Submit before the end of 2018 to be eligible for ‘Website of the Year’ and ‘Designer of the Year’ awards.
D&AD Awards:
If your goals for your business is anywhere near global e-commerce or if you’re looking to enter a global competition, then, by all means, go for D&AD Design Awards. They are a non-profit organization, meaning that all of their surplus revenues are invested back into the creative industry. Many categories are offered, including book design, graphic design, and even film advertising crafts. Each group has judges who are experts in that industry.
Facts and Figures:
2018 pricing is not yet announced. The 2016/2017 Awards cost £85 to enter, also, freelancers and sole traders who are members of the D&AD were eligible to receive a 20% discount. Costs to enter vary from year to year. 2018 awards are now closed but stay tuned for 2019 award entry windows to be announced.
CSS Winner:
CSS Winner is famous for awarding and showcasing the best web designers, developers, and agencies innovating on the web today. The ultimate defining feature of CSS Winners is that scoring is based on a combination of peer voting and panel scoring, with 80 percent based on the judge’s score, and the final 20 percent coming from viewer votes. After being reviewed, high scoring submissions are displayed on the nominees’ page and are eligible for a featured award, such as Site of the Day, Site of the Month, or Stars.
Facts and Figures:
Submissions are a mere $9, and rejected submissions are refunded. Here you have the opportunity to become Site of the Day or Site of the Month and have your profile added to the site which in turn allow others to see what your specialties are and get a first-hand look at your best designs.
Apple Design Awards:
The Apple Design Awards recognize cutting-edge apps on the Apple platform on their own. Those sites that reflect the best in design, innovation, and technology they choose it. Apple Design Awards also shares the stories of the people and companies behind their apps. Unlike other awards competitions listed here, you actually can’t apply for these awards, as mentioned already eligible apps listed in the Apple App Store are selected based on their design, state of the art integration, and innovation.
Facts and Figures:
Since you can’t submit your own applications there’ no applying cost. The 2017 Apple Design Awards are now closed, but keep an eye out for 2018’s awards.
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