Graphic Design Contests

[Synthesis]

Ok, so I'm getting into Photoshop again for fun and I found an awesome and fast way to learn is through entering online contests. No prizes or anything though, just for fun.
you should all know www.worth1000.com It's really my favourite picture site because it's amazing what skill some people have. It's also a nice community where you can get plenty of help to improve. It's not just for PS, there's also Photography, 3D and Text sections.

Anyway I just entered my first "contest" and will wait 2 days for results. I'll be stoked if I'm even featured, as I said, because I consider myself a beginner.
Being my first entry I chose some pretty easy images to shop together. I didn't want to go overboard and try to be too complicated and look like an idiot.
So here's what I entered for a theme on "oversized animals" :
(I've made the image slightly smaller and compressed so you don't suffer)




Source Files Used:
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/841759
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1058525
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/890224

So there you have it. Hopefully there's some others here that already do this or didn't know about it and will start with me. Post your stuff here. Otherwise sit back and enjoy.

[Tribble]

Oh wow - that is stunning. Well done.

[Synthesis]

Tribble, Thank you. I'm getting there and to learn I need some critique. I can take it.
I would like to see you sign up and entereing some photography contests. Wikid and the others as well.
http://www.worth1000.com/cdir.asp?displ ... ormat_id=2

[Tribble]

I am considering it.

[Tribble]

On second thoughts - looking at those photos just shows me how ordinary my work is. I think I need to improve a lot before entering competitions like that.

[Synthesis]

Tribble, Seriously, look at my stuff compared to what else gets posted. You won't believe how drastically this is improving my skills. You get feedback from the best of the best and you find lmits you didn't think you had. What's nice is that no matter how bad you think it is, you post it and don't get put down.

Anyway, my dolphin got the following rating:
Rank: 24/62 (24th out of 62 entries)
Grade: B-
Views: 3177

I've just finished my next one which was extremely challenging So being a beginner, I know where my faults are but it'll take time to be able to perfect them. I'm more than happy with what I learned from this one.
The contest is to "Create a cyborg from a celebrity"



Source images:

http://storage.sxc.hu/r/re/red_marc/784816_22757839.jpg
http://www.freefotomontaze.wz.cz/img/Diesel/8.jpg

[WiK1d]

Awesome stuff! I will be signing up as well

[Tribble]

I think this is brilliant. I would never say that you are a beginner.

[Synthesis]

WiK1d, Looking forward to seeing your work up there If I got out a bit more I would love to enter the themed photography contests, maybe now and then if it's based on something I'm able to shoot. The current running ones are cool. A pet portrait and board-games. I'm working on my PS ones though so one day when I need a break I'll take out the 'ol point n click.

P.S. I post my work here in really low quality and small so nobody can steal my ideas or work. So keep browsing worth1000. Plenty of images get posted daily.

I think this is brilliant. I would never say that you are a beginner.

That's the thing. I'm a beginner from signing up but each entry gets voted, graded and points earned. Once I have 27 points I can enter advanced contests and no longer allowed to participate in beginner. Photography works the same, so you and Wikid will become advanced within a few entries. Winning gets you virtual-trophies and bragging rights etc.

[Synthesis]

yaaaaaay. My Cyborg did pretty well. I think it would've done better if the people who voted actually viewed it full screen in all it's glory.
Link to high quality full view version: http://www.worth1000.com/viewfull.asp?i ... &seed=cad9

# of Votes: 50
Rank: 9/42
Grade: B-
Views: 2426

And then I received a pat on the back:

Congratulations! Your entry, Vin Diesel Cyborg, was selected as a Jury's pick (amongst the cream of the crop) in Contest Celebrity Cyborgs 2.
This is really just a pat on the back since this award is independent of the contests and any monetary reward, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't feel proud of yourself. Heck, give yourself a hug. Job well done!

Jurors are really just photoshop freaks that can do anything they picture in their head. They have more power than our admins 'cos they are Jurors because of their skill (No offense )

Not working on a project yet, cos I don't have the time to submit by the deadline so I'll probably do the next one over the weekend.

[Tribble]

Congratulations - that is awesome!!!!

[NealeDeadlyAlien]

That's awesome stuff there Syn, far better than what I conjoured up lol.

I need to get a Photoshop book for dummies