I have seen this come up several times over the years, and both sides make some pretty valid points.
On the one hand, I think the contest and challenges give a bit of a boost to beginners' self-esteem. It can also gain prizes (art supplies, etc) for those who win (always great for those who have a bit less of means). It is also a good way to get your name into the community with the most minimal of effort. It can be just a fun challenge for some, as well.
However, I have been seeing the argument about it diminishing the art and its community. For example, creating a sense of competition where there shouldn't be one. Apparently, there are those out there who think artists who enter these contests are "less-than." I actually was browsing another site that said something along the lines of "art is only as valuable as its sticker.": meaning that they only care about the monetary value, rather than the artistic value. But... that gets us on another tangent...
Of course, we should never really care about what others think of us, though. Our art should speak for itself. But for someone who is professional, they would be a bit out of place with beginners or even hobbyists. But that is a separate issue.
What do you think of art contests? Do you think the value of art is only dependent on the sticker you can attach to it?
On the one hand, I think the contest and challenges give a bit of a boost to beginners' self-esteem. It can also gain prizes (art supplies, etc) for those who win (always great for those who have a bit less of means). It is also a good way to get your name into the community with the most minimal of effort. It can be just a fun challenge for some, as well.
However, I have been seeing the argument about it diminishing the art and its community. For example, creating a sense of competition where there shouldn't be one. Apparently, there are those out there who think artists who enter these contests are "less-than." I actually was browsing another site that said something along the lines of "art is only as valuable as its sticker.": meaning that they only care about the monetary value, rather than the artistic value. But... that gets us on another tangent...
Of course, we should never really care about what others think of us, though. Our art should speak for itself. But for someone who is professional, they would be a bit out of place with beginners or even hobbyists. But that is a separate issue.
What do you think of art contests? Do you think the value of art is only dependent on the sticker you can attach to it?