Artists & Illustrators Winning Ways Feature - Aug 2025
Another fabulous article in Artists & Illustrators this month! Here I talk a little about winning The People's Choice Award in The British Art Prize 2024, what it means to me and why I'm entering again!
As an artist it’s very difficult to get your work ‘out there’. Competitions and open exhibitions are a great way to get involved and make new connections. I’m also aware that in order to push myself as an artist, entering competitions is a key part of making myself think outside the box and come up with something innovative and original.
I typically pick and choose what competitions I enter, they aren’t all created equally, but I’ve always been a fan of the Artists & Illustrators magazine. It’s well known, well advertised and carries a level of prestige that provides credibility and validation which makes The British Art Prize very attractive to artists. In addition to this, what I really like about this competition is that there are only 50 finalist artworks, unlike some competitions with hundreds of artworks exhibited, it creates an atmosphere which feels more personal, friendly and accessible.
It’s hard looking back to reflect on my expectations on the outcome of my submission. They were low! I’m aware that art competitions are very popular and typically the judges have thousands of entries to look through. I remember thinking at the time about how on earth I was going to sell a painting of a petrol station if it got rejected! In the end I sold it to the garage but I could have sold it 10 times over with all the interest generated by the award.
The communication throughout the process was brilliant; It was very easy to enter using the ArtOpps platform, the email communication was great and I felt comfortable asking questions, which were handled in a friendly and efficient manner, guiding me through each step.
It’s tricky to define milestones as an artist, the lines of career progression are quite blurred in the art world, but achieving this award has impacted me beyond all expectations. Little did I know when I hit the ‘submit’ button what would happen. I’ve had opportunities which I used to only dream of; being part of a London exhibition, featured in this magazine, interviewed on BBC radio, and asked to do workshops and talks. The community support from social media has also been amazing. However the real pinnacle of this success has been how it’s personally impacted me as an artist. I have a new level of confidence in what I’m creating and my artistic direction, I’m not second guessing myself as much. I feel empowered to keep pushing myself, learning, evolving, experimenting and creating.
I valued the whole experience so much I’m planning the paintings for this year’s entry! It’s important to remember that entering competitions isn’t just about winning; it’s about pushing yourself, believing in your work enough to share it, and if you make the shortlist, embracing every opportunity that it offers. From the credibility and exposure gained, through to expanding your network and making new connections. And whether you win or not, every submission is proof that you’re showing up for your art, and for yourself. Keep creating, keep pushing, keep showing up. That’s why I entered last year and why I’m entering again.
