I think the line between pro and non-pro designers is simple...if you have a website devoted to the sale of your goods then you're a pro. I don't think someone who sells a little on Etsy or similar would necassarily count as pro...but really...a pro and an amateur would know themselves which they were. I do think there is a big difference between hand drawn and computer aided design but not sure if it's big enough to justify seperate contests, after all it's probably simply a matter of taste. Some people love the hand painted or drawn look whilst others like the crisp designs which are possible with computer aided stuff. What it boils down to really is a fair contest..I'm not moaning or anything...I'm happy to trot along behind the pros most of the time, learning from some of the great talent on here as I go...so I'll just carry on and hopefully get better as time goes by!

I see what you're saying Stephen...I suppose my real problem is that the basics elude me...and from the look of it..others too....the very basics of computer aided design are not within my knowledge...so everything I do is hand draw and painted...I can just about tidy the edges up with my comp's paint programme....but to get the swishy looking neat and even finish that the pro's manage...well unless I took a degree...I've no chance! Sigh....I vow to keep trying!

I'm having so much fun with Spoonflower....entering the competition is a great way for me to improve my art ...is it totally against the whole ethos of Spoonflower to suggest that it might be even better if there were seperate competitions...one for the proffesionals and one for the ameteurs? Athough it's a huge part of the fun..pitting yourself against the pro's....it's also a bit wearing...because no matter HOW hard I try the probability of my winning against someone who makes their living with textiles or art...is...well...very low! I think the great thing about this site is that it gives ordinary people a chance to be a designer in a small way....and to improve their work...but entering the comp is getting a bit sad! I know..I know... it's not all about winning...except it is a little bit! :p

I have a question about revising your design for the doll panels once you have submitted it....I am a beta tester so I know I can but will my revised version be the one which is entered in the competition? It may be a silly question but I often ask those! Lol.

What about food? You could narrow it down to "Sweet Treats" or similar...or "Savoury Snacks" even! Or maybe something like "Toys and Games".

Well said Rochellebee!

I don't think Jasmine has a Spoonflower account actually. She has been given the prize as a goodwill gesture and as an attempt to make amends...Spoonflower feature the winig fabrics of the week on Etsy...so the public can purchase it....

I have to say what has shocked me more in all of this is people's attitudes. Like cats playing with an injured mouse! Attacking people in this way...no matter what they've done wrong..is ugly. The community on Spoonflower has been so great since I have been here...it's not nice to see people who were not really affcted by this issue...being so mean. It's over...the designer forgave her. People are not whiter than white and I expect this was one of those situations that snowballed.