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Huge News for Cookiers and My Cookie Art Competition!

 

Hey, all! The news I have for you today is SOOOO BIG that I thought it merited its own special blog post. Its aim is to celebrate our amazingly talented cookie community and to spread the love of cookie art to every nook of our country, if not the world! 

First, some history . . . As you may know from some of my posts last fall, I moved my namesake cookie competition from the Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show (when it was retired in October) to its new home at the Show Me Sweets show, closer to my actual home in St. Louis, Missouri. It's now called Julia M. Usher's Cookie Art Competition™ to reflect that the competition isn't just about "decorating"; it's about creating truly memorable works of edible "art". It's also been expanded to include two categories: 2-D/Flat and 3-D Cookies.

Anywho, with that brief background aside, here's the amazing news in poster form. I think the poster pretty much speaks for itself (though I do have a few more points to add , so please read on after checking out the poster)!

3-D Cookie Art Casting Call-2

I AM SO EXCITED, AND I HOPE YOU ARE TOO! I love this concept, because it allows people to bring their A-games to a competition without the often unreal time constraints imposed in other reality-based TV challenges.

To flesh this out a bit more for you . . .

(1) The network plans to follow a select subset of entrants in the 3-D cookie category (who they will cast) from design process and showpiece preparation through to the final competition in St. Louis. If you want to be considered for casting OR the chance to win $5,000 (or more) in prizes (being cast in NO way ensures you will be a winner), then you must enter the 3-D category of my competition first. The competition will be judged as rigorously and fairly as ever (judges will be announced in the next couple of weeks). The network is simply following the competition as it was planned in order to create a fabulous TV documentary that casts the spotlight on cookie artists - at long last!

(2) If you want to enter but aren't interested in being cast (followed on TV throughout your process), that's fine too. Enter away! This is an equal-opportunity competition!  

(3) Further, you don't need to be a pro 3-D cookie artist to participate. Even if you're new to 3-D cookies or primarily another type of sugar artist, we want to see what your unique perspective brings to the table! There are no skill level or age requirements in this competition.

(4) For more info about how to enter both the 3-D and 2-D categories, please visit my competition page on the Show Me Sweets site. I encourage you to register early, especially for the 3-D category. The casting process will start in April or May, and the production company will be drawing from those registered to make their selections. Early regs will also help me, the show, and the network plan the best possible experience for you! 

(5) IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ ALL COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS CAREFULLY EVEN IF YOU'VE READ THEM BEFORE, AS SOME HAVE CHANGED ON ACCOUNT OF THIS GREAT NEWS. Most notably, the theme for the 3-D Cookie category changed and there is now a tasting requirement. We have also introduced a size (footprint) constraint for both categories.

Some other background: This opportunity came about through the generosity of my mentor and very good friend Kerry Vincent, retired Director of the Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show (OSSAS), and so she deserves a HUGE thank-you! Back in July or August of last year, she urged this production company to check out my competition at the OSSAS. I sent them a demo reel with some of my cookies on it, they liked it, and they decided to follow Kerry's advice! While they loved all the cookies they saw at OSSAS in October, they were particularly enamored with the 3-D ones. They filmed me and some of the entrants at that time, and then pitched the idea of this documentary to the network about a month later. The network then greenlighted the production in January of this year, and here we are! While I'm clearly an advocate for all forms of cookies - 2-D, 3-D, decorated, and undecorated - I can't help but to think that the network's decision to feature 3-D cookies will have spillover benefits for us all!

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU CREATE OUT OF THIS OPPORTUNITY! I REALLY, REALLY HOPE YOU'LL MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, AS THE SAYING GOES!

AGAIN, HERE'S THE LINK TO MY COOKIE COMPETITION INFO.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to leave them below, and I will answer those that I can.

Attachments

Images (2)
  • Title Image: Clip Art Purchased from FotoSearch
  • 3-D Cookie Competition - Casting Call!: Graphic Courtesy of Show Me Sweets and Julia M Usher

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Comments (37)

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Heather Bruce Sosa posted:

👏👏👏💝💝👏👏👏👏💝💝👏👏👏

Congratulations, Julia!!!!! Amazing achievement! Do you ever sleep?😄

❤️

Not lately! I've got a huge out-of-town private event next week - so much is colliding all at once! But it's exciting!

Bakerloo Station posted:

WOW! So exciting! Congratulations, Julia! xo

Really, congrats to all! I think it's a great opportunity for cookiers everywhere to share in the spotlight that cake and cupcake artists have dominated for so long! 

Last edited by Julia M. Usher
Julia M. Usher posted:
Bakerloo Station posted:

WOW! So exciting! Congratulations, Julia! xo

Really, congrats to all! I think it's a great opportunity for cookiers everywhere to share in the spotlight that cake and cupcake artists have dominated for so long! 

If only I did more 3-D cookies, this would be tempting! But here are plenty of others around here who would be perfect for this opportunity!

Sweet Prodigy posted:

Congratulations, Julia! You definitely deserve this recognition. And so wonderful that cookiers are getting the opportunity to become more a part the spotlight! 👏👏👏

Thanks! Of course, it's awesome that the network tagged onto my competition, but my primary motivation is increasing the visibility of our entire community, and celebrating the great work cookiers are doing every day!

GeminiRJ posted:

Pretty exciting stuff! I cannot wait to see the documentary!!!!! Now, if only I had the nerve to actually enter....

I say go for it; treat it like any learning experience and don't worry about winning or losing; just focus on the personal growth part! 

swissophie posted:

Wow, reads like a fairy tale 😄. Am so happy for you, Julia! This *is* huge! Congrats 🎉!!! (I think I'll have to consider moving back to the States now 😉😂!)

It's great news, for sure, but there's a lot of un-fairy tale-like work involved too! My hope is that the  work will be more than worth it!

You could just travel to the States for the show, you know!  Stay a week, do final prep in your hotel room, etc.

So amazing dear Julia @Julia M. Usher!!! I'm thrilled for you and am confident that this event will be a huge success ❤️. Without a doubt, you are working like a mad woman to make sure every little detail is taken care of for this fabulous competition. Do you ever sleep?!

You never cease to amaze me with your ingenious ideas and creativity in all you do!!

Such exciting news, Julia @Julia M. Usher!!! Your tireless work and dedication are noticed and greatly appreciated far more than you may realize. I, for one, can say that YOU have made a very real difference in the continuing improvement of my work.

You graciously share your knowledge and talent via several outlets. You are a true leader with a rare gift of teaching; and your passion is contagious!

Congratulations is definitely in order . This show will put the art and love of decorating cookies into the spotlight in a big way .

Cookies Fantastique by Carol posted:

Such exciting news, Julia @Julia M. Usher!!! Your tireless work and dedication are noticed and greatly appreciated far more than you may realize. I, for one, can say that YOU have made a very real difference in the continuing improvement of my work.

You graciously share your knowledge and talent via several outlets. You are a true leader with a rare gift of teaching; and your passion is contagious!

Congratulations is definitely in order . This show will put the art and love of decorating cookies into the spotlight in a big way .

So sweet of you to say, Carol. I'm exhausted, but you've definitely buoyed my spirits!

Julia M. Usher posted:
Cookies Fantastique by Carol posted:

Such exciting news, Julia @Julia M. Usher!!! Your tireless work and dedication are noticed and greatly appreciated far more than you may realize. I, for one, can say that YOU have made a very real difference in the continuing improvement of my work.

You graciously share your knowledge and talent via several outlets. You are a true leader with a rare gift of teaching; and your passion is contagious!

Congratulations is definitely in order . This show will put the art and love of decorating cookies into the spotlight in a big way .

So sweet of you to say, Carol. I'm exhausted, but you've definitely buoyed my spirits!

Of course I should have edited my first comment to combine all my thoughts...I always, always have lots to say. LOL . Some may say that you can't shut me up (they're probably right).

Get some rest Julia @Julia M. Usher

Chua Cookie posted:

Congrats Julia! You are so deserving of this recognition! So grateful for everything you do for this cookie community! xoxo

❤️

Anne Marie Adams posted:

Wow Julia this is fantastic news  I’m a Canadian can I apply .       

 

Yes, as long as you can bring your entry to the show!

Violet posted:

I'm not understanding the process. Do I make a 3D piece and send in picture when I register?

No, this is not an online competition. You only register online so the Show Me Sweets Show organizers and I know in advance that you plan to enter (and so casting agents can reach out to you if they want to follow you in the documentary). Then you work on your piece until the Show Me Sweets show time; all entries need to be hand-delivered to the show and set up on tables, where they will be judged at the show. The schedule (setup times), rules, and process are all described in great detail on the Show Me Site here (note the overall competition schedule at the very top; then scroll down for cookie rules): https://www.showmesweets.com/rules 

I hope you decide to compete!

Last edited by Julia M. Usher
Julia M. Usher posted:
Violet posted:

I'm not understanding the process. Do I make a 3D piece and send in picture when I register?

No, this is not an online competition. You only register online so the Show Me Sweets Show organizers and I know in advance that you plan to enter (and so casting agents can reach out to you if they want to follow you in the documentary). Then you work on your piece until the Show Me Sweets show time; all entries need to be hand-delivered to the show and set up on tables, where they will be judged at the show. The schedule (setup times), rules, and process are all described in great detail on the Show Me Site here (note the overall competition schedule at the very top; then scroll down for cookie rules): https://www.showmesweets.com/rules 

I hope you decide to compete!

Also to clarify: This is NOT a reality-based competition with outlandish time constraints. You will have from between the time you register and the start of the Show Me Sweets Show (July 13) to work on your entry. The documentary is following the actual competition as it unfolds at the show in St. Louis in a manner that is designed to showcase cookie artists at their finest.

Does the process now make more sense?

Julia M. Usher posted:
Julia M. Usher posted:
Violet posted:

I'm not understanding the process. Do I make a 3D piece and send in picture when I register?

No, this is not an online competition. You only register online so the Show Me Sweets Show organizers and I know in advance that you plan to enter (and so casting agents can reach out to you if they want to follow you in the documentary). Then you work on your piece until the Show Me Sweets show time; all entries need to be hand-delivered to the show and set up on tables, where they will be judged at the show. The schedule (setup times), rules, and process are all described in great detail on the Show Me Site here (note the overall competition schedule at the very top; then scroll down for cookie rules): https://www.showmesweets.com/rules 

I hope you decide to compete!

Also to clarify: This is NOT a reality-based competition with outlandish time constraints. You will have from between the time you register and the start of the Show Me Sweets Show (July 13) to work on your entry. The documentary is following the actual competition as it unfolds at the show in St. Louis in a manner that is designed to showcase cookie artists at their finest.

Does the process now make more sense?

Yes, thank you so much! I'm going to sign up and see what happens. It will be a challenge as I don't have much experience with 3D cookies.

Violet posted:
Julia M. Usher posted:
Julia M. Usher posted:
Violet posted:

I'm not understanding the process. Do I make a 3D piece and send in picture when I register?

No, this is not an online competition. You only register online so the Show Me Sweets Show organizers and I know in advance that you plan to enter (and so casting agents can reach out to you if they want to follow you in the documentary). Then you work on your piece until the Show Me Sweets show time; all entries need to be hand-delivered to the show and set up on tables, where they will be judged at the show. The schedule (setup times), rules, and process are all described in great detail on the Show Me Site here (note the overall competition schedule at the very top; then scroll down for cookie rules): https://www.showmesweets.com/rules 

I hope you decide to compete!

Also to clarify: This is NOT a reality-based competition with outlandish time constraints. You will have from between the time you register and the start of the Show Me Sweets Show (July 13) to work on your entry. The documentary is following the actual competition as it unfolds at the show in St. Louis in a manner that is designed to showcase cookie artists at their finest.

Does the process now make more sense?

Yes, thank you so much! I'm going to sign up and see what happens. It will be a challenge as I don't have much experience with 3D cookies.

GREAT! There aren't too many people who do have experience with 3-D, so it's going to be a challenge for most everyone. Plus, challenging oneself is really what it's all about (it's not so much about winning)! Best of luck, and have fun! 

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