What Are Art Open Calls and How To Prepare For Them

Art open calls are an exciting opportunity to display your artwork in front of a panel of judges, and if selected, a large audience of potential buyers! While this is very exciting, there are often rules on who can apply or what type of art the judges are looking for. Open calls are often great sources of inspiration for artists, and deadlines often prompt new pieces. Even entering these types of contests can kindle great connections and relations within the art community.

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The first task is researching and finding open calls that fit your description as well as your art style. Most art open calls have strict rules on who can apply. Factors can include the type of art, where you live, age, etc. Make sure you read the requirements or else you will just be wasting your time and money.

To find opportunities, there are some great listing sites such as a-n, Art Quest, Art jobs, and Arts Thread, Artwork Archive. Do your research! Take a look at who the judges are, previous winners, past exhibitions, and the company or panel you are applying to. Consider the size, medium, and techniques you think best fit the prompt. Also, be aware of all the costs involved and weigh the benefits to see if it could possibly be financially rewarding or a loss overall. Think of the entry fee as well as supplies, storage, transportation, and your time.

After you are finished and you have your final product, ensure that you take pictures that best display the features and details of your work. Take high-quality pictures in good lighting. This can be a deal breaker as low-quality images will not show judges the full extent of your talent, and may inhibit them from considering the piece at all. If you make it to the next round, make sure to share it on your social media to gain traction and increase views on your piece.

The impact of being selected as a winner of art open calls can be a pivotal moment in an artist’s career. Besides cash prizes, winning can lead to publication in magazines, newspapers, online blogs, social media, exhibitions in virtual or in-person exhibits, publicity, exposure, resources, a job, or internship.

Open calls receive a hefty amount of submissions because they are open to anyone who qualifies. Rejection is a huge part of being an artist, and if you are not selected as a winner, do not be discouraged. There are always new calls opening up, and you may just be a perfect candidate for the next one. Plus, you will be left with a stunning new piece that you created to add to your resume. You can reuse art pieces as long as they fit the theme and requirements for another open call. If you haven’t already, you can mint your piece and convert it into an NFT that can be sold on an NFT digital art marketplace and potentially create even more revenue!