With about five weeks left till my next competition I had an “ah-ha” moment. Let me explain. For my 3-D competition this year the category is “Everything Is Bigger In Texas.” I was pretty set on my design and had even started constructing some of the pieces.

But then last week I went to San Antonio, Texas, to visit my family. And while sitting at dinner and watching all the people walking around with piñata's and beaded necklaces, all laughing and having a great time, I had my “ah-ha” moment and decided to trash what I already started and go in a totally different direction.

It wasn’t until sitting at dinner that my creative nail eye opened up and I was able to think way outside the box. It was really exciting. I was looking at things and breaking them down in my mind and figuring out how I could duplicate what I was seeing on a smaller scale. I was going through the steps out loud as my family was looking at me like I was nuts.

My creative nail eye has been there for the two fantasy competitions I have already been working on. But with this 3-D competition I had good ideas but they were basic — ideas that other competitors could easily do as well. My new idea path though, I believe is really going to be original and awesome.

My point of this blog is that themes for competitions are very basic and leave the door open to a lot of different interpretations. When you think of an idea to work on for the competition, really think about it. Don’t just go for the first thing that pops into your head. Think outside the box and how you can take your ideas to the next level and have your work stand out.

I’m really looking forward to finally showing everyone what I have been working for all these months.

Stay tuned for my next installment.

Thanks

— Amanda