response: why contests are evil

i've chosen to respond to the class session we had today in which we did the preliminary judging for the city and regional magazine design contest. I think just being a part of the judging itself was quite a useful learning experience. First of all, I think what Jan said about contests and juding in general--basically, how no contest is fair--- is incredibly important to keep in mind especially when submitting material to be "graded" by others. It's hard not being chosen for something, and oftentimes people take the results very personally. (like me) I think being on the other side of a contest has shown me that it doens't mean much if you don't get picked. There were several spreads today that i thought were really well done, and only three could be picked. (luckily 2 of my favorites made the top three, and my third favorite made the top 5) but that aside, there were many that were deserving and for a variety of reasons. some had standout typographical choices. some great illustrations and layouts. it was generally tough--tough even to view these submissions under one umbrella category under which to be judged. I also think today verified how subjective design and all art is. what some poeple liked and explained would capture their attention, wouldn't have caught mine for a second, and i'm sure many people would have felt that way about my choices. but that's life. that's art. that's taste. and there's lots of different tastes out there. and that's something i've got to get used to. in the meantime i should probably work on the not taking it personally part. :) because someone out there--at least one person--no matter who you are and how good or deserving you think your work is, is always going to think what you've done is complete crap. :) so to that i say, march on, do what you love and screw them!
*(hannah).