Entering an art contest can be a great opportunity.
If you are a budding artist, entering art contests is a good opportunity to get your work viewed and critiqued by professionals in the art world. Some contests offer prize money, while others offer the chance to be published, to have your work marketed, or to study with other professional artists. Most contests charge an entry fee.
Instructions
1. Follow the contest guidelines. Be sure to enter work done in the media specified that is the correct size. Entering a "water media" contest may include works in watercolor, acrylic and gouache, or it may include only watercolor and gouache. Read contest guidelines carefully. Many contests specify a size or range of sizes of work that will be accepted. Stay within the size range as directed. If you have questions about the work you intend to enter, most contest applications provide a contact phone number or email address for inquiries.
2. Use the proper format when entering art work. Many art contests are available on the Internet, and most of these ask that work be photographed or scanned and entered in jpeg, tiff or gif format. If you are not computer savvy, or do not have the proper software to accomplish formatting your work correctly, you may have to hire a photographer who can provide this for you. Entering work in other formats may get you disqualified from the contest.
3. Submit physical entries appropriately matted or framed as stated in the contest guidelines. If a contest specifies work must be matted for submission, adding a frame does not get you extra points with the judges and may get you disqualified. Following the guidelines to the letter is the best way to keep submitted work in the running.
4. Fill out all sections of the application as instructed in the contest rules and guidelines. Many applications will ask for a short bio. When writing your bio, include all information requested while sticking to the word count specified. Sign and date your application prior to submission. Online applications may require an electronic signature.
