I agree with starting small.... enter your local fairs and quilt shows first. Then, go to the show and hang out to listen what people have to say. I've done that.... and have heard some wonderful comments and some hurtful comments. We all have an individual eye and are looking for different things. Personally, I still am amazed at some of the wonderful quilting.... because I still struggle with my selection of design and ability to pull it off like I see it in my head.
The quilt in my avatar won 1st place at the county art show back 6 years ago.... I was thrilled. But I know where the mistakes are. I don't think the judges were quilters... I don't know. I think they were artists. I haven't entered any shows since that win.