[Chris Saper]

I have never ever had client who asked about competitions.( Although I automatically include a brief credentials page with my brochure.)

Credentials matter more when you: want to paint inventory and are looking for gallery representation; when you want to teach; or when you want to publish. Because sometimes you don't know when in your future these might be things you'll want to do, there's no reason not to start assembling them.

Organizations that sponsor competitions spell out the requirements clearly with the prospectus, and they're different so you have to read them carefully.