On @josejirafa's Clay Art Contest

Contests are events where people compete for supremacy over a particular activity. Extrinsic motivators of these activities are rewards and recognitions. Intrinsic motivators are self-improvement and excellence in that particular activity.

There are hundreds of contest hosted in steemit. For me, contests are one of the ways to engage the community and at the same time, bring out the hidden talents of steemians. In almost all fields of expertise you can think of, there's someone here who allocated their effort to host a contest for those fields. It's a sign that the platform is very accepting of any community that wished to thrive and grow.

Contests here on steemit are usually designed for minnows. Meaning, the host of the contest have a specific minnows in mind to discover. Also, I observed that the hosts have higher reputations or being funded by generous sponsors. This is true because there is a lingering question if the contest will be sustained or not.

Starting a contest is easy. I have tons of contests and projects in mind, but I haven't started them. First reason: I could not sustain the project. Second reason: I could not commit to a particular schedule of posting as contests need constant updates.

Here comes @josejirafa's Clay Art Contest.

I would be honest to say that I haven't paid any attention to this contest before. First reason: I thought that this is one of the most ridiculous contests I've seen. I thought that he could not sustain the contest. He doesn't have any funding for the prizes of the winners because he is still a minnow. Second reason: I thought that only a few will accept the challenge and partake in the contest.

I just go on with my usual habit of reading posts, including the comments of those posts. I was amazed by the number of people who expressed their desire to join the contest. Well, I guess this contest was not bad after all. Still my question holds true about the funding and sustaining the project. But one comment struck me and made me change my decision 180°. Allow me to include @girlbeforemirror's comment here:

_{Screenshot from @girlbeforemirror's comment on contest #2. The contest made a positive impact on her that she decided to support.}

Let me also add this to make a point as to why I decided to support this initiative:

_{Screenshot from @girlbeforemirror's comment on contest #2. It made me realize that the contest has its own potential and merit.}

I must also add @smaeunabs' comment. She's last week's sponsor.

_{Screenshot from @smaeunabs' comment. She's one of the most amazing people I've known here on steemit.}

What's In It For Me?

I have been an art enthusiast. I don't have any artistic blood in me, but I was always amazed by how art transforms dull and mundane things in objects full of color and teeming with expression. I couldn't contain my excitement when I see how a mere clay was transformed into works of passion and dedication.

Just like @thegaillery's The Confidence Project, I will always support projects that bring value to the community. Due to my limited power and reach, I will first support projects that are closer to me - projects from dear friends and colleagues.

I believe that this initiative brings value to the community, so I wanted it to continue. When I approached @josejirafa about this, he said that he might stop the contest because he can't sustain it anymore. My first reason really holds true. But since the man is full of enthusiasm, I don't want that to stop. Now, I am making this post to reach out people who love art and wish to help others. I hope that you can help @josejirafa continue with his contest.

All SBD rewards from this post will be sent to @josejirafa for the his sole usage and discretion. I hope that this project will continue.

Let's band together as a community and help one another. As all of you might be aware of, the drama in the trending page of this platform is so immense that it brings my enthusiasm about this platform down. With abuses everywhere, I hope that more projects like this will emerge to combat selfishness. Projects like this helps mitigate the damage done by those who have power and used them for their gain.

Remarkable Clay Art Contest Contenders

With the contest running in its 5th round, there are artworks that captured my attention. I would like to highlight them here:

_{Image courtesy of @tonie. @tonie's Kevin from Minions is so cute! It warms my heart just to see this, maybe because I'm biased towards minions.
Image courtesy of @guri-gure. @guri-gure's Jake the Dog is simply mesmerizing! I love how the artist puts his artwork in different backgrounds which highlighted the value of the artwork.
Image courtesy of @bluerinse. @bluerinse's Eaglet is no eaglet at all. It looks like a hummingbird to me, but the way the photo was taken is simply picturesque that I couldn't resist it! Creativity really knows no bounds.
Image courtesy of @yssa. Who wouldn't love that turtle with a hat? @yssa's attention to details is worth emulating.}

I couldn't image how people gets so creative when posed with the limited amount of resources. It's one of the marvels I'm trying to figure out.

What Now?

Please support @josejirafa's Clay Art Contest in any way you can. Please. Just contact him directly. Let's keep his contest running.

Thank you @girlbeforemirror for changing my view about this contest. @josejirafa told me about your situation and I have nothing but respect for you. Your strength is amazing!

I would like to call the attention of my two masters: @themanualbot and @jassennessaj. Masters, I know you have plans which will bring good to the Cebu community, but please check this contest out. I'm humbly asking for your consideration.

As an art enthusiast,
Kim, @ybanezkim26