MiriCanvas Creative Design Contest:

Explore a world of creativity and joy with the MiriCanvas Creative Design Contest, held from December 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. The theme, ‘Things That Make Me Happy,’ brought together artists globally, contributing to a diverse celebration of positivity. With a $4,000 cash prize pool with a total of 23 participants being awarded various prizes.

MiriCanvas orchestrated this artistic gathering, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary expressions. Beyond the cash incentives, the contest became a shared journey of inspiration, showcasing the power of creativity. Join us as we delve into the stories behind the artworks, reflecting on the impact of this global creative rendezvous.

Here are some Key Highlights of the contest:

  • Global Participation: The contest garnered enthusiastic participation from 131 talented artists spanning 37 countries, creating a rich tapestry of cultural diversity.

  • Creative Contributions: Over 1,000 design elements flooded in, each a unique interpretation of the theme, showcasing the versatility of global artistic talent.

  • Happiness Storytellers: 53 heartwarming stories about “Things that make me happy” were shared on Instagram

The creative minds that stood out the most:

1. 1st Prize (1,500$): EverlostJackie

2. 2nd Prize (1,000$): Criativothatu

3. 3rd Prize (500$): Caps

4. 10 Honorable Mentions:

We’ve had the pleasure of interviewing our talented winners, and their responses shed light on the inspiration, passion, and joy that fueled their creativity.

Q1: What inspired/motivated you to participate in this contest?

  • EverlostJackie: Personally, I simply love (art & graphic design) contests ever since I discovered them online. As for this contest specifically, I absolutely loved the theme, about things that make you happy. It’s very personal but universal at the same time – I don’t remember ever enjoying this much working on a contest entry, haha.. Not to mention, of course, the super generous prize!

  • Caps: I aim to demonstrate the capacity of Vintage “Frens” to disseminate love universally while also setting a personal challenge for myself.

Q2: How did you approach the creative process for this particular theme?

  • EverlostJackie: So I brainstormed, listed “everything that makes me happy” on paper. After a hell lot on the list (it’s like counting your blessings, super fun!), I noticed I could put them into categories: “Sunny”, “Rainy”, “Winter”, “Cats Special”, “Artist’s Life”, and many more. But there’s only enough time to create the “Sunny” edition (a.k.a. I only started drawing about one week before the deadline lmao). Style-wise, regardless of the trend guide, I decided to forget all about it and simply follow my inner voice: stick with my personal style and color palette (blue + yellow + orange + a few additional others).

  • Criativothatu: I made a list of all the things that make me happy, selected the main ones, saw that 3D was among the design trends recommendations from MiriCanvas, which is something I love to do, and merged the cuteness of happy faces with my designs.

Q3: What emotions or messages were you hoping to convey through your artwork?

  • Criativothatu: That it’s possible to find happiness in small things and simple gestures.

  • Caps: To enjoy all the things around you and to love the things that you enjoy. You can find happiness even in the smallest things.

Q4: What does being happy mean to you?

  • EverlostJackie: To me, it’s about appreciation of what you already have (and will have), savor them all in the present. Because heartfelt appreciation brings deep satisfaction – the so-called happiness that may seem so elusive! Not to mention the blissful state will help you go through anything and solve just about everything. That’s right, you guessed it: gratitude is the key, the fact I still have to remind myself again and again. 😉

  • Criativothatu: It’s a feeling that transcends the barriers of my body because it’s contagious, overflowing, makes you want to live and applaud the best in life. It’s like the glimmer of hope in the midst of chaos.

  • Caps: For me happiness is when you are doing things that you love, having no stress in life and goals to achieve.

Q5: How was your overall experience participating in the MiriCanvas Creative Design Contest?

  • EverlostJackie: I loved the amazing flow (everything is so neat!), the clarity on the guidelines, the helpful admins, and the friendly overall interactions – simply awesome!

  • Criativothatu: I just enjoyed every minute of creating these designs; I was happy with myself for allowing myself to participate in something I wasn’t even expecting to win.

  • Caps: I loved all about the contest, was a fun theme to pick and an easy and clear way to upload the artwork. The MiriCanvas team was kind in the whole process when I had questions.