By Honorary Reporter Tri Iva Fitriani from Indonesia

Photos = Tri Iva Fitriani

Since 2014, I've participated in Korean contests and quizzes. I became interested in Korea because of K-pop since 2009, when I was in junior high school. Then I discovered a Korean art contest in 2014. As a Korean culture lover who also likes drawing and crafting, I decided to join the contest to combine my two favorite fields. The happiness I feel when my artwork is recognized and awarded is indescribable. I still remember the first prizes I received from a competition: traditional Korean souvenirs, snacks and socks. 

Over the last eight years, I've entered dozens of Korea-themed contests and won five of seven Korea.net's Talk Talk Korea contests. In 2020, I won first place in the category for an illustration to promote the pandemic campaign "Overcome Together." 

I won first place in my category at the 2020 Talk Talk Korea contest for my illustration for the "Overcome Together" campaign.

Win or lose, such competitions have taught me many valuable lessons, several of which I list below.

Skills enhancement
As a self-taught illustrator and graphic designer, I find that competing in art competitions helps me explore new styles, such as minhwa (Korean folk art). Failure is also important in my journey for evaluation and motivation. When I fail, I strive to recognize my mistakes and flaws to do better in the next competition. I'm also motivated to get more creative with ideas for my next project. 

This collage shows the evolution of my illustrations from 2015-21.

Before 2014, I could only draw on paper. Because I wanted to enter the 2015 Talk Talk Korea webtoon contest, I learned to create digital artworks. Back then, the types of brushes or software I used were limited, with my color selections random and my lines shaky. Today, I use a variety of brushes including pencils, crayons, watercolors and oil paint with software to make my works more dynamic. I also better understand the concepts of color palettes and consider color harmony.

Benefits
The prizes I've won in the contests I entered include traditional Korean souvenirs, food, merchandise, K-pop albums, cash prizes and a trip to Korea. 

One of my favorites was a signed CD from the boy band Winner in 2018. I also received a trip to Korea from a Korean TV station in 2015. I got to watch a year-end music festival, visit the station, and see a K-drama and other TV shows being filmed.

Meeting new people is another benefit, as I often encounter fellow contestants in competitions. This helps me gain social skills and exchange ideas.

These are among gifts I received from contests and pictures of my trip to Korea.

Exhibitions
Some of my artworks have been displayed at exhibitions in countries like Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia and Nigeria. Because of COVID-19, many events were held online, which helped my projects reach a larger audience worldwide.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.