3. Get some GREAT photos. Good quality photography is important - don't simply take photos on your iPhone. Get a professional in and offer to share the costs and the results with the builder. Use the photos for both yours and your builders own marketing and give your client a copy of the portfolio. It costs very little to do this and the cred that you gain is huge. You'll need at least 12 unique for your entry, so get in early and book a session! Not sure where to find a great photographer? Ask your fellow BDAQ members - many will have a 'go-to' photographer they use and will be happy to pass their details on.
4. Take care when answering entry questions. As part of your entry process, you'll be asked several questions about your project. Write your answers in full sentences and aim them towards someone who is not familiar with your project. Judges have a limited time to look over entries - make their job as easy as possible! Get a staff member, colleague or friend to look over your wording to ensure it makes sense to read - we all need a 'sanity check' sometimes!
5. Sell your work! Point out to the judges what's unique & special about this project. Don't waste your words by pointing out obvious things - our judges work in the industry and know what they're looking out. Sell the judges on why THIS project should win.
6. Probably most importantly.....be proud of the work that you do. As designers we have a tendency to be a little introverted. We all run businesses and businesses need work to survive. If you don’t tell others that you are good at what you do then others are unlikely to do so either.