12 Essential Tips for Kids Preparing for an Art Competition

12 Essential Tips for Kids Preparing for an Art Competition

Preparing for an art competition is not just about drawing a picture.
It is a wonderful opportunity for children to think independently, express themselves, and grow through the creative process. Many children feel excited but also a little nervous when entering a contest, and that is perfectly normal. With gentle guidance and the right tools, this journey becomes meaningful, confidence-building, and fun.
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Here are 12 essential tips to help children prepare for an art competition in a healthy, inspiring way.

1. Explore Previous Winning Entries Together

Before starting, look at past winning artworks with your child.
Talk about what stands out, what emotions the artworks evoke, and what ideas the artists used.
This helps children understand that there are countless creative possibilities and no single “correct” answer in art.

2. Capture the “Feeling” of the Theme First

Before drawing, encourage your child to think about how the theme feels.
For example: “Does a frog feel slippery and cool, or soft and friendly?”
When children connect emotionally with a topic, their artwork naturally becomes more alive and expressive.

3. Immerse in a Variety of Related Images

Show your child various images related to the competition theme—different species, environments, or viewpoints.
For example, if the theme is frogs, explore habitats, species, or environmental issues such as extinction.
This helps children build visual vocabulary and unique ideas.

4. Encourage Free Brainstorming

Provide a separate page where your child can doodle freely, write notes, or paste ideas.
Like Leonardo da Vinci’s sketchbooks, spontaneous thoughts can lead to brilliant creations.

5. Practice Drawing Bold and Large

Children tend to draw very small when they’re unsure.
Encourage them to draw confidently and allow their subject to take up space.
Bold shapes make artwork stronger and easier to see from a distance.

6. Teach the Concept of Negative Space

Show children how to notice not only the object itself but also the space around and between objects.
Understanding negative space helps create balance and harmony in any composition.

7. Explore Different Angles and Perspectives

Teach your child to view their subject from above, below, or from the side.
Unique perspectives help their artwork stand out in competitions.

8. Use Colors Boldly and Freely

Encourage children to experiment with colors, including complementary contrasts.
Guide gently, but let them make the final color choices—this is part of their artistic ownership.

9. Experiment with Different Media

Introduce a variety of materials beyond pencils and crayons.
Washi tape, yarn, textured paper, or air-dry clay can broaden creative possibilities.
Unique materials often make a piece memorable to judges.

10. Limit Text and Focus on Visual Storytelling

Children may want to explain their artwork with words.
Teach them that strong art tells a story visually.
If text is included, it should be naturally woven into the artwork, like a banner or sign within the scene.

11. Check for Inappropriate Content and Copyright Issues

Remind children to avoid copying characters or using copyrighted elements such as video game items.
Use this moment to teach them the importance of originality and respecting others’ work.

12. Normalize Mistakes and Revisions

Mistakes are not failures. They are part of the creative journey.
Encourage children to revise, add details, and strengthen their artwork over time.
Even great artists like Leonardo da Vinci revised their works countless times.

Final Thoughts

​Art competitions can be exciting milestones for children, but the true value lies in the process—exploring ideas, experimenting with materials, thinking deeply, and discovering confidence in their own creativity. When children enjoy the journey, their artwork naturally reflects joy, curiosity, and imagination.

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