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Why awards still matter for creatives

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As a creative, you may understandably often wonder if awards are still relevant in today's rapidly changing world. After all, it’s all about the process, not the results, right? And with so many platforms available to showcase your work, do you really need an award to validate your talent and hard work anymore? I’d answer a firm yes and here's why.

Free marketing

First and foremost, winning an award can be a powerful (and completely free) marketing tool. In today's saturated marketplace winning an award can provide the kind of exposure that money can't really buy. For example, a graphic designer winning an award for their work on a branding campaign can use that recognition to attract new clients that have been impressed by their skills and reputation.

Validation

When you pour your heart and soul into a project, it can be incredibly gratifying to receive some well-deserved recognition for your efforts. Winning an award can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment that can fuel the passion for your work. It can also help to boost your confidence and motivate you to take on new challenges and push yourself even further.

Credibility

When you win an award, it signals to others that you are a respected and accomplished creative professional. This can lead to new opportunities, such as invitations to speak at conferences or to collaborate on projects with other talented individuals. It can also help to solidify your position within your industry, which can be especially important if you're just starting out.

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Feedback

Awards can also provide valuable feedback and constructive criticism from your peers. While it's always nice to win, of course, the feedback that you receive from judges and peers can be just as valuable when it comes to helping you to improve your skills and refine your creative approach. Winning an award can also open doors to new networks and communities where you can exchange ideas and collaborate with others.

Celebration

Additionally, awards can serve as a gateway to recognizing and celebrating creativity. Awards ceremonies and events can bring together creative professionals from different fields, allowing them to share ideas, network, and learn from each other. This can help to foster a sense of community within the creative industry and provide a space for individuals to celebrate the value of their work.

Inspiration

Finally, awards can help to inspire and motivate future generations of creatives. When young people see their role models and creative idols receiving recognition for their work, it can help to inspire them to pursue their own creative passions. Awards can also help to provide a sense of direction for those just starting out in their careers, giving them something to strive towards and helping them to set goals for their own creative pursuits.

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Of course, it's important to remember that awards aren't everything. Winning an award shouldn't be the sole focus of your creative efforts, and it shouldn't be the only way that you measure your success. There are many talented creatives who have never won an award but have still managed to make a significant impact in their industry. Ultimately, awards are just one way to recognize and celebrate creativity, and they shouldn't be the only way.

If you're a creative who is considering submitting your work for an award, remember that winning isn't everything – but it can be a powerful way to recognize and celebrate the value of your creative contributions.

Entering the Creativepool Annual awards

The Creativepool Annual 2023 is a celebration of the best the creative industry has to offer.

From freelancers to agencies, production companies to multi-national brands we are the industry's most inclusive awards connecting all parts of this wonderful industry together.

We are looking to celebrate your best work and to put in the hands of marcomms leaders, on agency coffee tables and across the creative sector. 

Entering your work couldn't be easier, simply follow this link and submit your work. You only have until May 25th so get a move on!

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