Entering design contests can give you valuable, practicalexperience if you are currently attending or planning to enroll ina graphic design school or animationschool.

Offering exposure, feedback and often cash and other prizes,these contests are sponsored by many companies, organizations anduniversities. Whether you’re looking for additional experience,artistic exposure, CAD training, or simply a creative outlet, you’re likely tofind a design contest to suit your needs.

The Art Institute and Americans for the Arts Poster DesignCompetition is held annually and offers high school seniors anamazing opportunity. A panel of industry professionals selects thelocal winners who will advance to compete in the nationwidecompetition with national judging occurring in April and May. A fewlucky and talented poster designers will receive tuition awards upto full tuition scholarships to study graphic design at one of theArt Institute schools. The 2010 poster design theme was “Life isBetter With Art In It.”

The Seoul International Design Competition is open to artists ofany design genre and reaches out to aspiring artists in everycountry in the world. Submissions are accepted through July 13.Hosted by the Seoul metropolitan government in conjunction withDesignboom and showcased in a design fair, the theme is “Design forAll,” meaning a simple, universal design that can be shared andenjoyed by everyone. There are three sub-categories -“Communication for All,” “Product for All” and “Space for All” -all of which are judged by international industry professionals inAugust, resulting in cash prizes totaling $26,000 USD.

This past May marked the 20th anniversary of the annual Edgefestin Frisco, Texas. The outdoor, multi-artist, alternative rockconcert was sponsored in part by Westwood College and was attendedby more than 20,000 fans. In support of its signature event, radiostation 102.1 FM, The Edge, promoted the Westwood Edgefest T-shirtDesign Contest. Contestants designed a T-shirt keepsake for theconcert, which had to include the Edge logo. In addition to owningthe event’s official T-shirt design, the winner was treated to VIPtreatment at Edgefest. Students enrolled in The School of Design atthe Westwood College – Dallas and Fort Worth Campuses wereencouraged to enter the competition for course credit and a chanceto win tickets of their own.

The Reebok Design Challenge gives innovative designers a chanceto see their design ideas become a real product on the shelves.Entries must be innovative and exhibit unique product ideas forwomen ages 13 to 35 and follow the “Having Fun Staying in Shape”brand description. Whether submitting a sketch, prototype, or roughdesign idea, three lucky winners will walk away each March with acash prize and the distinction of being a Reebok designer.

This is just a sampling of the thousands of design contests thatare available for you to test your creative wings. Whether aseasoned professional or a nascent designer, these contests areworth checking out. You never know, your design might be the nextbig winner.

Courtesy of ARAcontent