How to Win Creative Competitions: Slogans, Photos & More

How to Win Creative Competitions: Slogans, Photos & More

Creative competitions are the hidden gems of the comping world. While random prize draws attract thousands of quick entries, creative competitions reward skill and effort with significantly better odds. This guide teaches you how to craft winning entries across all types of creative competitions.

Why Enter Creative Competitions?

The Creative Advantage

Better Odds:

• Fewer people willing to make effort
• Quality matters more than quantity
• Skill can overcome pure luck
• Dedicated entrants have real advantages

Skill Development:

• Improve writing abilities
• Develop photography skills
• Build creative confidence
• Transferable skills for work/life

Higher Value Prizes:

• Brands invest more in creative campaigns
• Often feature premium prizes
• Experiences and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities
• Recognition and exposure possibilities

Types of Creative Competitions

1. Slogan/Tie-breaker competitions
2. Photo competitions
3. Video competitions
4. Writing competitions (stories, essays, reviews)
5. Art and design competitions
6. Recipe competitions
7. Naming competitions (products, mascots)

Slogan and Tie-Breaker Competitions

Understanding the Format

Slogans:

• Short phrases promoting a product/brand
• Usually under 15 words
• Catchy and memorable
• Reflect brand values

Tie-breakers:

• "Complete this sentence..."
• "Tell us in 25 words or fewer..."
• "Why do you deserve to win..."
• Used to select winners from valid entries

Winning Slogan Techniques

The AIDA Formula:

• Attention - Grab the reader immediately
• Interest - Create curiosity
• Desire - Make them want the product
• Action - Inspire response

Wordplay Techniques:

Alliteration: "Perfectly portable, perpetually powerful"

Rhyme: "For taste that's great, don't hesitate"

Puns: "We're on a roll" (for bread company)

Rhythm: Create a natural flow when spoken aloud

Structure Approaches:

• Start with a verb (action-oriented)
• Use the product/brand name cleverly
• Include sensory words
• Create contrast or surprise

Tie-Breaker Strategies

"Why do you deserve to win..."

• Be specific to the prize
• Show genuine enthusiasm
• Connect personally to the brand
• Avoid generic responses
• Use all available words wisely

"Complete this sentence..."

• Study the brand's tone of voice
• Match the starting style
• Make it flow naturally
• End strongly and memorably

"In 25 words or fewer..."

• Use exactly or close to the limit
• Every word should earn its place
• Start strong, end stronger
• Read aloud for flow

Slogan Competition Tips

1. Research the brand thoroughly
2. Study previous winners if available
3. Write multiple versions before choosing
4. Leave it overnight and review fresh
5. Read aloud to test sound
6. Check word count precisely
7. Proofread for errors

Photo Competitions

Types of Photo Competitions

Theme-based:

• Specific subjects (pets, holidays, food)
• Seasonal themes
• Brand-related imagery

Skill-based:

• Technical photography ability
• Artistic composition
• Creative interpretation

User-generated content:

• Product in use
• Brand experiences
• Customer stories

Photography Competition Tips

Technical Excellence:

• Sharp focus on subject
• Good lighting (natural often best)
• Correct exposure
• Thoughtful composition

Composition Techniques:

• Rule of thirds
• Leading lines
• Frame within frame
• Negative space usage
• Strong focal point

Emotional Impact:

• Tell a story
• Capture genuine moments
• Evoke feeling
• Create connection

Brand Photo Competition Strategy

Show the Product Well:

• Product clearly visible
• Brand recognizable
• Natural integration
• Lifestyle context

Match Brand Values:

• Research brand aesthetic
• Check their social media style
• Align with their messaging
• Reflect their target audience

Stand Out:

• Unique perspective
• Unexpected setting
• Creative interpretation
• Memorable composition

Photo Submission Tips

1. Read technical requirements (size, format)
2. Follow themes exactly
3. Edit appropriately (don't over-process)
4. Save original files
5. Name files properly if specified
6. Include required information
7. Keep backups

Video Competitions

Types of Video Competitions

• Brand story challenges
• Product testimonials
• Creative briefs
• Talent showcases
• User-generated content
• Challenge responses

Video Creation Tips

Planning:

• Understand the brief completely
• Storyboard your idea
• Plan for time limits
• Consider your resources

Production:

• Stable footage (tripod or stabilization)
• Good audio (often more important than video)
• Adequate lighting
• Clean backgrounds

Editing:

• Keep it concise
• Strong opening hook
• Clear narrative flow
• Professional finish

Mobile Video Tips:

• Shoot horizontally (usually)
• Clean your lens
• Use natural light
• Minimize background noise
• Use free editing apps

Making Videos Stand Out

• Hook in first 3 seconds
• Show personality
• Stay on brand
• Clear message
• Quality audio
• Strong ending

Writing Competitions

Types of Writing Competitions

Short form:

• Reviews
• Testimonials
• Social media posts
• Product descriptions

Long form:

• Essays
• Short stories
• Articles
• Creative writing

Writing Competition Strategies

Understand the Brief:

• What exactly are they asking for?
• What tone do they want?
• What's the word limit?
• Who is the audience?

Structure Your Entry:

• Strong opening hook
• Clear middle development
• Satisfying conclusion
• Every word purposeful

Review Competition Tips:

• Be specific about your experience
• Include concrete details
• Balance positives and authenticity
• Match the platform's style

Writing Quality Checklist

• Meets all requirements
• Correct word count
• Proper grammar and spelling
• Engaging opening
• Clear structure
• Strong ending
• Read aloud for flow
• Proofread multiple times

General Creative Competition Tips

Before You Start

1. Read rules thoroughly
2. Understand judging criteria
3. Research the brand/organization
4. Check previous winners if available
5. Note all deadlines
6. Plan your approach

Creating Your Entry

1. Brainstorm multiple ideas
2. Choose strongest concept
3. Create first draft
4. Refine and improve
5. Get feedback if possible
6. Polish final version

Submission Best Practices

1. Follow format requirements exactly
2. Submit before deadline (not last minute)
3. Save confirmation/receipt
4. Keep copies of entry
5. Note any reference numbers

What Judges Look For

Common Judging Criteria

Creativity:

• Original thinking
• Unique approach
• Fresh perspective
• Memorable execution

Relevance:

• Meets brief requirements
• Appropriate for brand
• On theme
• Suitable for audience

Quality:

• Technical execution
• Professional presentation
• Attention to detail
• Polished finish

Impact:

• Emotional response
• Memorable
• Shareable
• Effective communication

Stand Out From Competition

Avoid:

• Generic entries
• Clichés and overused ideas
• Technical errors
• Off-brand content
• Missing requirements

Include:

• Personal touches
• Unique angles
• Attention to detail
• Brand understanding
• Genuine enthusiasm

Building Creative Competition Skills

Practice Regularly

• Enter competitions even if not confident
• Learn from feedback when available
• Study winning entries
• Develop your own style

Get Feedback

• Join comping communities
• Share entries with trusted friends
• Learn from constructive criticism
• Compare to winners

Track and Review

• Note which entries succeed
• Identify patterns in wins
• Understand what works for you
• Continuously improve

Conclusion

Creative competitions reward effort and skill with better odds and often better prizes. While they require more time than quick-entry competitions, they offer genuine opportunities to win through your own abilities.

Start with the type of creative competition that matches your natural strengths - whether that's wordplay for slogans, visual eye for photos, or storytelling for videos. As you develop skills, expand into new creative formats.

Remember: every creative competition is an opportunity to improve. Even entries that don't win help you develop skills for the next one.

Find creative competitions on Sweepzy and start showcasing your creativity!