10 Websites for Photoshop Contests - Showcase Your Skills

The Allure of Competition and Photoshop Challenges

Contests tap into fundamental human drives. It’s difficult to resist the pull of a competition, particularly one aligned with our interests and abilities.

While some challenges appeal to adrenaline seekers, Photoshop contests specifically attract those proficient in image editing.

A skilled Photoshop user, familiar with formats like PSD and PNG, will naturally feel compelled to test their expertise.

Personal Aspirations and the Value of Practice

Although my own Photoshop skills are still developing – I doubt I’d succeed even with a guaranteed certificate from Adobe – these contests offer encouragement.

They demonstrate that consistent practice can lead to significant improvement and the potential to join the ranks of accomplished designers.

Finding Opportunities to Hone Your Skills

If you found inspiration in resources like our article on “10 Websites To Make You A Photoshop Ninja,” consider participating in online Photoshop contests.

Competing against top-tier talent is an invaluable learning experience.

Ten Photoshop Contests to Watch

Below are ten Photoshop contests worth monitoring for opportunities to showcase your abilities and learn from others.

Contest Resources

• Keep a close watch for regularly announced contests online.
• These platforms provide a space to test your skills.
• They also offer a chance to observe techniques from leading designers.

Photoshop Competitions

Although a $50 cash reward might appear modest, skilled Photoshop users can accumulate earnings through frequent participation. This platform specializes in Photoshop contests, offering a continuous stream of opportunities.

Focus on Photoshop Skills

The site prioritizes Photoshop competitions above all else, with tutorials and helpful advice provided as a secondary resource. Participants are encouraged to explore current contests and submit their digitally altered images.

Success in these competitions relies on garnering positive attention from the community. Submitted images are evaluated through views, votes, and constructive feedback from fellow members.

The platform provides a venue for showcasing Photoshop expertise and potentially earning rewards. Consistent engagement and high-quality submissions are key to maximizing opportunities.

It’s a great way to hone your skills and potentially earn some extra income. The continuous flow of contests ensures there are always new challenges available.

Worth 1000

A significant increase in both quality and potential rewards is evident on this platform, judging by the contest previews. Worth1000.com has established itself as a popular hub for skilled Photoshop users.

Contest Variety

The site hosts a diverse range of competitions, encompassing photography, illustration, and notably, Effects contests that are specifically focused on Photoshop manipulation.

User-Friendly Organization

The website’s structure is exceptionally well-designed. A quick overview immediately directs users to the relevant contest categories.

Theme-Based Challenges

Contests are typically centered around a specific theme. An example of this is a challenge requiring participants to digitally conceal celebrities within images.

Beginner-Friendly Options

A key benefit is the availability of arenas tailored to different skill levels. This allows newcomers to compete against peers, avoiding potentially discouraging encounters with seasoned professionals.

This feature ensures a more equitable and encouraging competitive environment for all participants.

Competing at an appropriate level fosters growth and builds confidence in aspiring Photoshop artists.

Mechapixel [No Longer Available]

Statistical data indicates that this platform hosted over 2000 contests and fostered a community of close to 5000 members. This represents a substantial level of activity and engagement.

Mechapixel was known for its frequent Graffiti Contests, which were publicized on a tri-weekly schedule – specifically, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Contest Mechanics

The contest format involved members casting votes for submissions they favored. These competitions were structured around specific, predetermined themes.

The platform emphasized a playful approach to creativity, stating that its contests prioritized enjoyment over strict competition.

Slags Contests

While currently paused, the more intensely competitive weekly events known as Slags are anticipated to return in the future. These contests historically featured a higher degree of rivalry among participants.

It is expected that the resumption of Slags will introduce a renewed level of challenge for the Mechapixel community.

Pxleyes

Pxleyes functions as an online community platform, offering a diverse range of resources for Photoshop enthusiasts.

Key Features

• Contests: The site regularly hosts Photoshop contests, providing opportunities for skill demonstration.
• Tutorials: A collection of instructional guides is available to help users enhance their Photoshop abilities.
• Blog: A regularly updated blog shares insights and news related to digital art and photo editing.
• Forum: A dynamic forum fosters interaction and knowledge sharing among community members.

While the financial rewards associated with Pxleyes contests are generally modest, the platform serves as an excellent training ground for those new to Photoshop.

Contests are categorized by skill level, allowing participants to compete appropriately based on their experience.

The majority of challenges center around photo manipulation techniques.

Winners are determined through a voting system where users cast their ballots for the most impressive submissions.

Fark

Interestingly, a website known for its satirical news and humorous content, Fark, also features Photoshop contests.

These contests, identified with the Photoshop tag, have reportedly garnered a dedicated following among users.

Contest Access and Rules

Certain contests are initially accessible to TotalFark members, a paid subscription tier, before being released to the wider membership base.

Participants are tasked with digitally altering provided images, with the primary goal of creating humorous results.

Contest Mechanics and Rewards

Links to the source photographs are provided, serving as the basis for the Photoshop modifications.

While no monetary or physical prizes are awarded, successful submissions are archived on Fark, offering a form of recognition and lasting visibility.

The core incentive is participation and the enjoyment of creative expression, alongside the potential for inclusion in Fark’s historical records.

PHX Layers

Registration for the third season of this yearly design contest may still be open. According to the information on their About page, PHX LAYERS is a design competition focused on fostering collaboration among designers who live and work within the Phoenix Metropolitan area.

Competition Format

The contest centers around a unique, live collaborative process. Two designers compete directly, iteratively exchanging a single file.

Each competitor contributes their own layer to the evolving design, and this exchange continues throughout the event.

A single competition consists of six rounds, each lasting 30 minutes. During each round, participants utilize graphic tools to add to, remove from, or alter the shared image file.

The core concept involves a back-and-forth exchange, where each designer builds upon the work of their opponent. This dynamic process showcases individual skills and collaborative potential.

PHX LAYERS aims to be a welcoming and inclusive event, specifically targeting designers based in the local Phoenix community.

PSD Tuts: A Resource for Photoshop Contest Opportunities

PSD Tuts is a leading online destination for Photoshop tutorials, but discovering active contests on the site requires some navigation. Locating current competitions isn't immediately obvious upon visiting the homepage.

Finding Photoshop Contests on PSD Tuts

Contests are organized within the "Articles" section, specifically under the "Contests" subcategory. A dedicated search or bookmarking of this section is recommended to stay informed.

Contest Details and Rewards

The contest structure is generally simple. Participants are asked to submit their work for consideration. Successful entrants can receive a variety of prizes.

Rewards offered often include valuable resources such as filter packs, as well as desirable tech items like iPads and various computer accessories. Staying alert for contest announcements is crucial.

Regularly checking the contest category or saving it as a bookmark will ensure you don't miss out on opportunities to showcase your Photoshop skills and potentially win exciting prizes.

Photoshop Contest Platform: Freaking News

Freakingnews.com presents itself as a straightforward platform for Photoshop contests, offering a variety of engaging design challenges.

Current Design Challenge

Currently, the site features a contest centered around creating artwork depicting Steve Jobs. This serves as a commemorative tribute to the influential and well-known figure.

Submissions are evaluated through a voting system, allowing the community to highlight and promote particularly impressive designs.

The platform encourages participation and provides an avenue for designers to showcase their skills and receive recognition from their peers.

Photoshop Faceoff: A Daily Creative Challenge

A daily image is provided, serving as the basis for creative work using Photoshop. Participants then utilize their skills to manipulate and transform the image.

How the Competition Works

Completed images are uploaded to the platform for public viewing. Each day's "Face-Off" culminates in a winner being determined through a public voting process.

Successful monthly performers are recognized by being featured on a dedicated leader-board. This provides ongoing recognition for consistent skill and creativity.

The competition offers a platform to showcase Photoshop abilities and receive feedback from a broad audience.

Graphic Design Competitions

This platform functions as a comprehensive directory of design competitions globally, rather than being solely dedicated to Photoshop contests.

However, monitoring the graphic design category is recommended, as valuable opportunities frequently emerge.

Contest Profile and Worth

These contests generally boast significant visibility. While the quantity of specifically Photoshop-focused competitions, particularly those centered around poster design, may be limited, the site remains a worthwhile resource.

Consider bookmarking this site for future reference.

Related reading: 3 Websites for Earning Through Crowdsourced Design Contests.

Further exploration for Photoshop contests is ongoing.

Community Input

Have you previously participated in any design competitions?

If you are aware of any contests not included in this list, please share your recommendations in the comments section.

Image Source: Shutterstock