NYSW Jazz Lounge won an award for “Outstanding Urban Design” for the City of Fort Lauderdale, Community Appearance Board. I am over-joyed! Recognition for hard work feels so amazing!!!
Upon hearing about this award, I realized that many young designers and architects are not well versed on the many ways to get awards and recognition for their designs. You may think that if your design is awesome, then you are bound to get an award for it. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many of us are still trying to scratch our way into the lime light. When you are in a field where you have iconic architects like Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry, who can sketch an idea and get published and awarded for it, you learn rather quickly that if you want recognition, you will need to go out and get it.
I have narrowed down the path to getting recognition and awards to 3 simple steps:
Self-Promote
Self-promotion is the #1 habit that a young design entrepreneur must have to be successful. Self-promotion is so much more than talking about your business and projects to random passersby. You must be intentional and calculated.
Join an organization that is within your field or scope. Be creative and versatile with your organization choices, don’t just stick to your trade organizations. There are many other causes, boards, community services that would benefit from your skill set. For example, joining one your local city boards can prove to be very beneficial for self-promotion. You will be in a setting where you are around other mover’s and shakers of your community. When you are at these meetings and mixing with these groups, don’t be afraid to talk about what you do and what you are working on. People tend to get excited by other excited confident people.
Social media is also important. If you are not to savvy with the social media outlets of today, invest the time to learn them or invest in someone else to handle that aspect for you. Society today is absorbed in Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube just to name a few. You should also have a functional and up to date website where potential clients can view your work, learn more about you, and know how to contact you. The more people who know who you are and what you do, the easier it is for you to get opportunities for recognition.
Research
Research is self-explanator yet, many designers do not do it. Most of the time you will not get awards just for doing a good job. Most of these awards a nomination based, meaning you must be nominated. There are so many opportunities for design awards out there. Some more prestigious than others. Some are gateways to others. The point is, do your research. Find out what rewards you qualify for, then get yourself nominated!
Apply
That brings use to the final step, applying for the reward. Find out what you need. Can you nominate yourself or do you need a colleague to nominate you? Is there an application fee? If you are submitting images of your work be sure that your photos are done professionally. Be sure to use high resolution images that are taken from thoughtful and revealing angles. Whatever you need to do, get your application in, on time, with all the required documentation, images and fees.
Peace and prosperity Design Family!