What does Kitsch mean in Art?

I haven't won ANY official art awards, does that mean I'm an incompetent artist?

• I'm a senior in HS and I look back and really wish I went to look for more art competitions to participate in... like the Scholastic Award which I heard is pretty easy to win regionally (1/3 of the people win or more). But I haven't won ANY reflections contests I've entered or any official art contests, and it makes me feel really depressed. I always thought as a young child that I would make myself outta something someday, and I will succeed in art. But now, the naivety is wearing off as the real world is kicking in as I am turning an adult next year... I feel like I've disappointed my child self. By the way, I've gotten in VCU Arts school, but I feel like people who do art as a hobby in my class would have gotten in too. I'm doing it as a passion. Am I not good enough? Have I been delusional this whole time? Please, any advice would help... I'm in such a slump.

• Answer:

  Winning awards doesn't prove you are a good artist. If you want an honest opinion of your potential, either talk to your art teacher or post your stuff on an online art community and ask for a critique. If you want to be a professional artist, you need a thick skin. You will face rejection and criticism on almost a daily basis. That's the nature of the work, not everyone is going to like what you do and some people may outright hate it. I also think you are just going through the normal senior blues. This is a big transition in your life, having doubts is to be expected.