However, the return if you win is way more than what it usually worths, so putting that time for either more than what it worths or nothing is a type of gambling you are doing so to speak and should be considered relevant to the business.
As an artist you feel happy if you work is considered by the team giving you rewards for the same but definitely I would say the quality of artworks has really gone up in all those years with this new category based contest from past few one's is really helping to gather more talented people among us.So winning is separate part but we should be creative and put our best efforts.
Being a participants is already a Win for a true artist because they are just sharing their work of art no matte if will be awarded or not.
the award is just a Bonus I believe they are more happy if being recognized about their artworks.
I am looking for more great art presented this October and hope that there will be more than this september .
You don't seem to understand how artists pit their prestige in art contests with various kinds of creativity, awards are a form of respect for their art, who says an artist only shares in contests without caring about awards that shape his reputation for the better.
Maybe for some people dabbling in contest art is a great thing, but for true artists who have popularity it will be a different view, they are not just experimenting like beginners. IMO
I think if a true artist just wants to share their art, they don't need to do it in a contest.