GIve it your best shot! (literally)

With the arrival of Spring, we've noticed a new crop of juried show opportunities. 

(Full disclosure, ours is among them- details HERE).

Many of these require submission online.
(More  exhibition opportunites are listed at the bottom of this post.)

As artists, we submit our strongest pieces, work that has been carefully conceived, expertly crafted, our best efforts. We labor over the artist statement, navigate the online forms. 

But WHAT MATTERS MOST in the selection process is how the work is seen by the juror- In our experience, submitting TOP QUALITY IMAGES is critical. 

True Story-  During the jurying process for 'COTTON,' our last juried show, a piece came very close to being rejected simply because of the poor quality of the artists' images. Fortunately, we were able to ask the artist for a written description and better photo, and ultimately the piece was included. We don't know for sure, but others may not have been so lucky.

The higher the stakes (in short, the ones you REALLY want to get into), the less likely it is for anyone to go to these lengths to insure that your work is appropriately considered. AND the less likely that the juror will recognize your work and give you the benefit of the doubt.

Don't sell yourself short! 

Submitting top quality images is not rocket science. You can learn to do this yourself; many classes and workshops, online or at local institutions, can help you learn the basics. (Try googling 'how to resize photos' to see just how many resources are available online!)

We're hosting just such a workshop in the Gallery, Wednesday April 3, 2013 1 - 3PM, taught by member artist Bob Evans, a photoshop expert for over 20 years. Called ESSENTIAL PHOTOSHOP FOR ARTISTS, it's one-stop shopping; everything you need to know to get the most out of your submission photos.

Key points which will be covered by Bob are
• Sizing Images for entry, web placement etc
• Preparing your images for printing / web use / invitations 
• Basic Image Correction or improvement
• Sharpening 
• Converting Color images to Black & White 
FInd out more and register HERE

If you're one of the many artists who've got this down, pat yourself on the back, and share this post with fellow artists-  after all, Friends don't let Friends submit bad pictures!

FYI- links to lists of upcoming juried show opportunities.
This is by no means a complete list-
Please share opportunites you're aware of, on our facebook page or in the comments. Thanks!
artdeadlineslist.com
callforentry.org
artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake
.multiculturalartscenter.org/call-to-artists/
danforthmuseum.org/juriedexhibitions2013