The second annual Etsy Design Awards began accepting applications today, inviting community members to submit their favorite item from their shop for a chance to win $15,000. Informally known as “The Etsies,” the Etsy Design Awards celebrate the creative small businesses that make Etsy unique.
Expanded Categories
One big change for the 2020 competition: entries are no longer limited to handcrafted items. Designed or vintage pieces are now eligible for awards. In 2019, the Etsy Design Awards divided entries over five stylistic categories. This year, the award categories have expanded, reflecting 10 popular product categories on the site.
Etsy shop owners may enter one item from their store for consideration. Etsy enthusiasts can also nominate their favorite Etsy seller, encouraging them to apply. Each nomination counts as an entry in a sweepstakes for a $1000 Etsy gift card.
One Grand Prize winner will receive a cash prize of $15,000. One People’s Choice winner will win $5,000, and 10 Category winners will also receive $1000 each. Winners also receive Etsy Ads and listing credits, business mentorship from Etsy experts, and promotion on Etsy’s marketing channels. Sian Zeng, designer of whimsical interactive wallpapers, won last year’s grand prize.
New Judges for The Etsies
Etsy received thousands of applications for their 2019 awards. This year, an internal review will narrow down all the applicants to a maximum of 100 finalists. The Etsy Design Awards judging panel will select 10 Category winners and the Grand Prize winner from the pool of finalists. This year’s judges are award-winning actress Drew Barrymore and Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson.
Barrymore praised Etsy vendors in May, sharing her appreciation for the customer service and handwritten notes she received from sellers. “I just wanted to give a shout out to Etsy [vendors], and say that they are doing so many things right… This personal touch is so thoughtful, and so connecting, and such an artform in this time,” Barrymore said.
Etsy Design Award submissions will be open from June 17, 2020, until July 15, 2020. Winners will be announced in October, following a community choice vote in September.
Erin Dollar
Contributor
Erin is the textile designer and artist behind the home décor company, Cotton & Flax. She licenses her surface designs for fabric, home décor, stationery, and other clients. She’s also a teacher, writer, and enthusiastic advocate for small creative business owners. She lives in San Diego, California.
Can I get a application for Etsy design award?
A link to the application is in the post. Click “accepting applications” in the first line.
Should we receive confirmation if we have been entered into the award as we are unaware if we have been? Our company name is WoodPrinceCo.
Please reach out to Etsy directly for an answer to your question. Thank you!