Back to Basics

Recently many of you will be aware I been applying to join design teams.  What I feel is at times a disadvantage is how some artists are using lots and lots of purchased supplies to make their projects look fantastic, and of course they do.  I wonder how many of these people could make something really inspiring and creative with just the paper and no more than 4 embellishments?  I wonder if these design team applications are measured truly on craft skill or how bonnie projects look with all their goodies on them, because we can all do that!