How Awards Accelerated My Animation Business
“Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About Your Wins.”
When I first entered business awards, it wasn’t for the trophy. I was advised to enter to drive awareness of my business, and it would help build trust.
Like many creatives, I knew how to do the creative work. I could create motion graphics, explain complex ideas simply, and tell stories through animation. But earning credibility in sectors like finance and heritage takes more than creative talent. It takes trust and proof.
Entering awards turned out to be one of the best business decisions I’ve made to help gain that trust and proof.
Awards as a Strategic Credibility Tool
I didn’t decide to enter awards on a whim. I took advice and chose carefully. The right awards can quickly build your authority and help your business look trusted and established. I had a business coach who recommended entering awards. I did my research, and I started to follow blogs and news by trusted people, such as Debbie at the Best Business Women awards.
I discovered that not all awards are equal. I deliberately avoided:
Pay-to-win schemes
Low-credibility recognition programmes
Awards without transparent judging
processes
Instead, I targeted a mix of:
Local awards in Kent (Kent Business Awards, Kent Women in Business)
National business awards (Lloyds British Business Awards, EB100)
Global Awards (Stevie Women in Business Awards)
For clients, especially in financial services, outside recognition is important. It shows professionalism, signals reliability, and proves your work can stand up to outside review, not just your own marketing.
Awards have now become strong social proof for my business.
The Hidden Benefits No One Talks About
Winning is exciting, and even being shortlisted feels validating and helps to hide the imposter syndrome, but the biggest impact wasn’t about the trophy. It has been everything that's happened because of entering awards.
Through awards, I gained:
Access to high-level networking rooms
Exposure to larger-scale companies
Conversations with ambitious founders
A significant confidence boost
A noticeable reduction in imposter syndrome
Going into a room with over a thousand business leaders and realising I belonged there changed everything for me. As a solo founder, I often wondered if I was “big enough” to compete at that level. Awards changed how I saw myself. They reminded me that I’m not just delivering animation projects; I’m building a studio with a vision and business direction.
Recognition Builds Authority, Even Without a Win
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to win awards to make a difference. Just being shortlisted gives you incredible visibility. Award ceremonies open up networking opportunities, and being featured in the media, because of these awards, helps build awareness of your brand.
I’ve always made sure to make the most of the awards, from shortlisting, to networking and also the ceremonies to help fuel my content ideas, like social posts, reels, behind-the-scenes moments, and insights from judges. Used well, they can be part of your bigger marketing plan.
Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About Your Wins
For a long time, I held back from sharing my achievements because I didn’t want to come across as boastful. But now, I live by saying “I am the expert in my field.” This is what I tell anyone who doubts themselves - “You are the expert in your field.”
Awards helped me step up my confidence. They reinforced that:
Sharing your wins isn’t arrogance; it’s about positioning yourself and being proud.
Recognition by others reduces imposter syndrome.
Investing in coaching and support pays dividends.
Following your gut really does matter!
The Bigger Picture
Awards don’t take the place of great work; they make it stand out more. Awards can really improve how others see my business. I’ve realised they can open new doors and help me build authority faster.
Most importantly, awards helped me see myself not just as a freelance motion designer, but as the founder of an award-winning studio.
Be strategic and choose carefully. Tell your story thoughtfully. And when you get recognition, own it.
Visibility leads to trust. Trust creates opportunities. Opportunities drive growth.
Remember, you are the expert. Believe in yourself.
Watch the Podcast with Debbie, where I talk to her about how winning awards has been a great achievement for my business. Watch here.
