Friday, July 28, 2017

So many contest, so little time!

Now for some sound advice from everyone's favorite glitter-filled fairy godmother, Valerie Voiture, with some tips to help make your contest participation fun, easy, and effective!

It's the peak of summer which means we are half way through the season.  For pin ups that like to compete, it's enough to get a few contests under your belt, learn a few things, and still do a handful more before the leaves turn. There's plenty of good advice out there regarding how to win but have you ever thought about how to best choose a contest to increase your chances?  Here are five simple tips to help you navigate the contest scene...

1. Who is running this ship?
Reputations matter. Is your coordinator well known? In a good way?!  It's nearly impossible to rig contests and it's far and few between but it does happen on rare occasions. Choose contests that you know will be fair because the organizer is respected and has everyone's best interest in mind.  These are typically excellent options that will be scored and weighted in a well thought out, organized fashion. Remember, this is supposed to be a fun enjoyable event!

2. Who are your judges?
Not all contest organizers share that information prior to the show. It's usually kept secret to avoid contestants influencing or "buttering up" judges ahead of time, which can be a wise decision. That said, some contests do disclose judges' names or perhaps you know who did it the year before. If you know who they are or who they may potentially be, consider their credentials. Are they well known in the community? Are they asked to judge multiple shows because they're trustworthy and fair?  Have they, themselves, won several titles and have loads of experience?  Are they able to be impartial, even if their friends are competing?! Reputation, experience, and integrity matters here again.

3. Who are your competitors?
 If you're brand new and decide to do a huge show like Viva, you may find yourself in way over your head!  Huge prizes draw very well seasoned competitors.  You also may not know until the day of the show, either, which can also be unnerving. Think about taking baby steps and starting small at local shows with friends or other amateur contestants first in order to build some experience and confidence. Use it as a learning platform and take feedback into consideration. Make improvements and try one that might be a little tougher!

4. What's the event?
It's no secret Glitterbiscuits is a bit of a glamourpuss, Dahlingks, and I do love my rhinestone bougieness. That said, it wouldn't be prudent to wear a full sequin gown to a psychobilly motorcycle event or drag racing event.  Know what sort of event you're entering and fit the style.  Sometimes contests have themes so the work is done for you already. If not, check social media for more information including photos posted by attendees from previous years. See how the past winner(s) looked and find a way to emulate a similar style that still suits you and who you are as a person all while representing the event itself.

5. Find a mentor
Having a trusted person who you admire give you feedback is invaluable. Anyone whose style you love, is kind, and knows their stuff is a great asset to upping your pin up game in general. It's likely, too, that they have been in the scene a while and can speak to the quality of a contest you're considering or, at least, the level of competition might expect for any given show. Again, choose wisely!  Invest your trust in someone worthy of it. Whether their credentials are winning multiple titles, numerous publications, style mavens, bloggers, etc., find a mentor who matches your own goals. Additionally, it's always good to have some moral support and guidance from someone in the know who genuinely cares about you.

Lastly, enjoy your summer! It's here for such a short time and there will be snow again before you know it. Have fun! Try new things! Learn stuff!

 If you ever have any questions you can always shoot me a message! Remember! I'm here to help! Glitterbiscuits loves you!  💜😘

~VV


Valerie 'Glitterbiscuits' Voiture
Valerie.voiture@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/lavoiturerapide