5 Fun Contests Every Surface Pattern Designer Should Know About
By Ana | Moshito Design
If you're an artist looking for ways to gain exposure and earn some small cash prizes, participating in art contests can be an excellent strategy. Many companies and platforms offer competitions for various creative fields, including illustration, surface pattern design, and stationery. Here are five great contests where you can submit your work for a chance to win prizes and showcase your talent to a wider audience.
If you’re anything like me, you know that being a surface pattern designer is equal parts creativity and community. One of my favorite ways to grow as an artist (and maybe win some cool opportunities!) is through design contests. Whether you’re just starting out or have been designing for years, entering contests is a fantastic way to challenge yourself, get visibility, and connect with amazing brands and other creatives.
Today, I’m sharing some ongoing and recurring design contests hosted by companies that I admire and have either participated in or plan to. These are great places to stretch your creative muscles—and maybe even see your designs in print!
1. Spoonflower – Fabric, Wallpaper & Home Decor
Spoonflower is one of the best-known platforms for fabric and home decor printing—and they host bi-weekly design challenges that are a must for any surface designer. Each contest has a theme (think: retro florals, cozy kitchens, or ocean creatures) and it’s always inspiring to see what people come up with.
🧵 Why enter? Winners get their designs featured, promoted, and often included in limited collections. You also get valuable feedback from the Spoonflower community and potential customers.
🕵️♀️ Tip: Take a look at previous winners and bestsellers to understand what styles and color palettes have resonated most. But also stay true to yourself! I know, it’s a lot.
2. Minted – Greeting Cards, Art Prints, & More
Minted hosts a variety of design challenges, from holiday card competitions to art print submissions. They’re known for championing independent artists and offering licensing deals and royalties when your designs are chosen.
💌 Why enter? Your work could end up being sold on their site (and even in stores), and Minted promotes selected artists to a wide customer base.
🎯 Pro tip: Check out past winners—they often balance trend-forward design with simplicity and emotional resonance.
3. Golden Coil – Custom Planners & Journals
Golden Coil creates beautiful, personalized planners and notebooks—and once a year, they host cover design contests where artists can submit their designs for their next seasonal collection.
📒 Why enter? If selected, your design could be featured on their lovely planner that people carry with them every day. Plus, it’s a great way to build licensing relationships.
🌟 What to keep in mind: Their aesthetic leans clean and elegant, so look at past collections to get a feel for what fits their brand.
4. Make Art That Sells (MATS) – Art Classes & Licensing Opportunities
Run by the amazing Lilla Rogers, MATS is a hub for creatives who want to break into illustration, licensing, and editorial art. While they don’t always have public contests, they do offer free mini assignments and occasional giveaways on their newsletter.
📚 Why join? You could win a full course (which is incredible if you're looking to sharpen your skills), and get noticed by art directors watching the MATS space.
📩 Tip: Sign up for the newsletter and follow them on Instagram to be the first to know about new prompts or class giveaways.
5. Magic Mailers – Fun & Functional Packaging Supplies
This one’s a bit different! Magic Mailers creates bright and playful poly mailers (yes, the ones you ship your Etsy orders in), and once a year host artist call-outs to design limited-edition mailers.
📦 Why enter? Your art gets printed on packaging that makers and small business owners across the world use. Plus, it’s a super fun medium!
🎨 Inspiration: Look through their Instagram to see previous collabs and understand the bold, happy aesthetic they love.
How to Find and Choose the Right Art Contest
When selecting a contest to enter, consider the following factors:
Relevance to Your Style: Choose contests that align with your artistic niche (e.g., surface patterns, illustrations, or greeting cards).
Exposure Opportunities: Some contests provide long-term exposure by featuring winners on their platforms or offering licensing deals.
Prize Structure: Look for competitions that offer fair compensation or royalties for winning designs.
Entry Fees & Rules: Some contests are free, while others require an entry fee. Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully.
Final Thoughts
Art contests are a fantastic way to challenge yourself creatively, gain industry recognition, and even earn some extra income. Whether you’re an illustrator, surface pattern designer, or greeting card artist, there are plenty of competitions to explore. Keep an eye on these companies' websites and social media pages to stay updated on upcoming contests! Before entering any competition, it's essential to review the specific guidelines, deadlines, and eligibility criteria to ensure it aligns with your artistic goals and career aspirations.
Let’s Keep the List Going!
Do you know of any other amazing contests for surface pattern designers or illustrators? Drop them in the comments so we can all check them out! Sharing is caring 💛
Whether you’re hoping to get published, featured, or just flex your creative muscles, contests like these can be such a great motivator. Happy designing, and don’t forget to tag me @moshitodesign if you enter—I’d love to cheer you on!
Happy designing,
Ana