I am a judge for both open class exhibits and 4-H. Every judge is different in what they are looking for in an item.
#1 make sure you follow the rules and guidelines-you would be surprised how many people do not. In any open class that I have judged, you do not know the person who made the item, the name should be covered. In many areas, they no longer encourage the tasting of the product, due to not knowing how food is being handled. (In 4-H, it is not unusual for the youth to also be handling livestock and hand washing facilities can be sketchy.)
#2 is the cake level and is the crumb of the cake uniform? Is, frosting even, without crumbs?
#3 display, some competitions it matters and some it does not (see #1)
#4 it should be about improving your skills
#5 one of things I tell my 4-Hers, is convince me this is the best project, I will see all day. In 4-H, it is 50% youth and 50% project, I want to know want went right. Personal dislike, and this happens particularity with girls, don't tell me what is wrong with the project, that is my job to find and decide if it needs to be addressed. This is a self-esteem issue. I love judging 4-H!
#6 a judge does not need to award top ribbons and I sometimes do not
#7 the area that I am very particular is with food preservation. It must meet the criteria and USDA food preservation guidelines, this includes the time and how processed, jars and lids used and fill amounts.
#8 enjoy the process and encourage others to compete. We need people willing to enter.
Here is something that may be of assistance to you:
https://sugargeekshow.com/news/dos-d...e-competition/