We would like to attract more competitors, as would all states. What would you like to see, that would make you say,"I cant miss that show!"? If you dont compete, why? thanks for your input.
gill
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Quite frankly, I just quit my state association, because competition is the only thing they think about!
I Just started in Taxidermy a few months ago. I went to a great School, and learned from great people, who all had experience in competitions. What I learned from them was that competition was something to be used as a learning tool as much as a something to gain influence over your prospective clients. They also told us to remember that the only true proof of your abilities was the physical work you create as a taxidermist, (not in so many words, but the point was taken).
Being a new Taxidermist, And looking foreward to the spring competitions in my state, and in much need of gaining new clients. I would say that the best reward in any competition would be knowledge to the taxidermist involved. And secondly and almost more important to the "new guy"...some type of "real" recognition for thier talents. A trophy or ribbon is great...but maybe if the public truly was aware of what went into winning these honors we would all benifit a little more from the competitions. Maybe in addition to a ribbon, the local sporting publication could run an article about the top winners in the competitions. I think Taxidermy takes a huge Back Seat to to other stages in the outdoor world, including hunting, fishing, trapping, and conservation...If half the people out there would stop to realize that thier ultimate destination (for most trophy hunters) is US...they would realize they spent thousands on the hunt, probably just as much on the gear to get there and back...so why skimp on the part that will immortilize it all for them?...Hence the importance on more recognition for TAXIDERMY...
Just an Idea...
BC
I would love to compete! Mounting something so lifelike its errie,really thrills me.I just don't have the time and money to go running around the U.S. competing. In the past 6 years there have only been two competitions close enough for me to attend. I think they ought to have a mandatory seminar at every competition(national and state)that goes over the cost of doing bussiness, and how much we should be charging.Some of the taxidermist around me are so cheap that its coasting them to be in bussiness, and I don't think they even know it.The kicker is--they do a descent job.Don't get me wrong, I don't mind competition,as a matter of fact, i enjoy it. It makes me srtive to be better. I'm about $100 more a deer head than my copetitors, but if I was getting what i should , i would be $200 more. that might hurt. As I go up so do they, but the process is slow.If anyone else has been through this,and has some pointers, please pass them on. Until then, I guess it will be a couple more years before I can compete. Can't Wait!
thanks for the responses. Anon, should we change the name from competition to convention? do they have critiques, seminars, and suppliers at your state shows? B.C. thanks for your insight,. Ron the price thing has always been scary. Im trying an increase this year so we will see. good luck, and thanks,
gill
First thing I do is scan the headings of the seminars. If the seminars are worthy, that's a main point of my attendance. Competition is the best learning tool along with the critique, which ironically is not a form of criticism, but education.
Gill--Advertise, Advertise, Advertise, Mailings , come up with good seminars. No cash , use GOOD QUALITY in state guys, pick up expenses. Have trophies sponsered by in state vendors. Only have guys in office that want to and WILL WORK their ass off. Prima Donna's cause resentment to those that came, they can sence it, and they scare away some of the good workers.
Anon-- Competitions are the ONLY thing that will bring the taxidermists together. Try a no competition summer BBQ, let me know how many come?
BC--Good luck, stick with it, don't give up the day job yet.
Leanna--I agree.
Ron --Been in your position, long story, can't type that much.Leave your Phone number, may call some day , you won't like what i tell you.