Hello Bill! I'll be attending the UTNY convention/competition again this year. I have just completed my third deer and am going to enter it this year. Last year I entered my first two deer heads in the amateur division and only achieved third place for both heads. I applied the comments that Joe Meder marked on my score sheet to this head, and I also used earliners, a better glue, better eyes, and paid more attention to the nose area. So, my question is, should I enter in the amateur division again, or should I enter the professional division, or even the commercial division? Thanks for you time and I'll see you at this years show! Andy.
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Don't mean to jump0in here on your question directed to Bill personally...I KNOW he will give you good sound advice...however, my feeling is that with the great improvements you've made on the Deer Head you're going to enter in the Competition...
This is still your 'third deer head'...in the Amateur Division. NOTHING WRONG with this. NOT here to discourage you...on ther contrary...to support you emotionally. Entering it in the Professional or Commercial category is going up against the best of the best by comparison.
You are STILL only copmpeting with yourself/not anyone else...please understand that...but the scoring system is dramatically hiogher in thgose categories...just food for thought m'friend. Iwish you well, siccess and great luck...Let us know how you do in the Competition.
~ ETCC
I directed it towards Bill because I read that he may be judging this year's UTNY convention/competition. Just wanted his view (or anyone's for that matter) on someone with my limited experience in deer heads. I know that the higher divisions are scored harder, which is fine with me. I'd just like to know how to do some of things I have questions about better! I just don't want to over extend my place in the amateur division that's all. I first competed at the UTNY convention in 2001 with one entire, then in 2002 with my first two deer heads and a life size mink - which I won a blue ribbon on. So, my feeling is that I have learned alot from reading the posts on this forum and the Breakthrough Mag. Although I feel my third deer head may be a strong amateur entire and may not do so well in the higher divisions, I want an honest elvaluation so I can improve with the next. Thanks for any advice ANYONE has to give!
Andy.
It's been said more than once around here. You'll get a better critique in the professional division. If you hang around here you must have pretty thick skin anyways. Go for it ! Peace- Jeff F.
it sounds to me you are willing to learn and since you have already entered twice in amatuer; I personally think you would learn more by entering in the professional division you WILL get the best critique there. But remember as you said their is the chance of no ribbon....but the learning experience.......PRICELESS!
It's really nice to hear from someone like you that thinks the learning is more important than the ribbons! I wish you all the best!
Bonnie
that New York has a commercial division as well. You could enter in that one if you would prefer (judging is done between ama/prof.) So there's the possibility you could ribbon slightly easier than prof. division.
When I started competing (many years ago) we only had professional division and honorable mention ribbons; so of course I had no choice; I was lucky enough to obtain all 4 ribbons with my first entries, excited/pleased - yes of course - but my biggest thrill was being able to go over each entry with the judges and learning from the best. I put everything I learned from those first entries, did even better the next year and the year after that took "Best All-Around".....YOU CAN DO IT TO....if ya put your heart in it!
Hey Andy,
It is your choice which category to enter your deer in. It is my opinion that if you are competing with only your 3rd deer head, you should stay in the amateur dividion for one more year. There is still plenty to learn from a critique on an amateur class deer. There is no rush to jump into the Professional Division just yet. this is not to say that you can't listen in on other critiques. Follow Bill around as he reviews some of the Professional deer. Some of the best education is to learn from the critiques of others. With each new judge comes new advice on how to improve. Pay particular attention to similar statements made by various judges. These are the first things to work on. I must say that you do have a great attitude towards competitive taxidermy. It's all about learning right now. Blue ribbons will follow. Good luck!
With Bonnie-Z and Roolie too. Best to know your best makes good points compared to the best-of-the-best...quick way to learn.
Wanna learn 'faster'? Take a day or two or more of one-on-one training with Bill Yox in his studio. You'll knock years off your learning experience fast.
~ ETCC
Thanks for the help everyone! The ribbons would be a great added bonus, but I also every much want my deer, birds, etc to look like they are supposed to. I would want my customers, and myself as well, to have a positive reaction when they see the final piece and are happy with the results. I know I won't get everything perfect on every mount, but I do want to do any specimen that I mount justice! Hope that doesn't sound too corny. Bottom line is, I just want to do a good job!
Thanks again!
Andy
Its your call. I would like to see amateurs enter one year and then move on. Thats just my opinion, though. You qualify as amateur status if you are a true beginner, yet I can tell you of guys who have been in business for years who enter in amateur! Thats why we have a commercial class, for guys just wanting to get their feet wet or for those who cant take the time for the small detail but still wanting a very basic critique, or a ribbon for a customer as good PR. Professional class seems to be the best as far as learning and tight judging.
BUT...I wouldnt wanna be the one to tell you to not enter amateur if you could ethically be there, and miss out on a ribbon there. Double check NY's competition rules and make up your mind based on how you feel most comfortable. I dont beat anyone up! See you there.
If you want a REAL critique enter the professional division. Speaking only for myself and from my experience as a judge, the novice/amateur class rarely gets judged hard enough to be helpful to the participant. It is a "feel good" category to encourage the beginner(kids).
You state that this will be only your third deer head, but you also mention "customers". There is a bit of a contradiction there, you really aren't ready for any kind of "customer" if that's all the experience you have. But at the same time if you do have "customers" you are a "professional". You take it from there.
Thanks for all the input! I don't have any cusmters, or advertise as of yet, I was implying to future ones. I want to get off on the right foot on doing a quality mount, instead of trying to break bad habits down the road. I just I'll entire in the professional division and just roll with the punches! Thanks again!
Andy
.....You are going about this in the right way. Establish your ability BEFORE you try to establish a business. I have seen a lot of "taxidermists" come and go by doing just the opposite.
When you do decide to go commercial, but even if you don't and just keep it a hobby for yourself and friends, start right at the top of the price scale for your area. If you are good the business will grow as much as you want and you will have the "right" clients. If you aren't, keep your options open and go another direction. DO NOT try to start by being on the bottom of the price scale, no matter how good(or bad) you are, the only clients you will cultivate are the "cheap" ones. They can overwhelm you with work, worries and headaches and then when you do decide to up your prices.... they will leave you for the cheapest taxidermist they can find.
You are starting out in the right dierction, don't mess up! Say hello to Yox for me at the show and good luck with your mount.
Andy: Enter in the Professional Division. I entered back in 2000 in the Amateur Division with my second completed deer. Well, as a hobbiest, I've only completed one since. I'll be entering this one in the Professional Division in the UTNY this year if I can get that Friday off from work. See you there.