We are continuing our top tips for artists responding to a range of creative opportunities. In our previous blog post we covered some things to consider in written applications, now we are focussing on the visual component of submission applications. The following tips might seem obvious, but we frequently see basic mistakes in both he written and visual components of applications for creative opportunities.
1. Read and clearly understand the support image requirements, only submit the visual components the project is asking for.
a. how many images?
b. what format is required?
c. maximum file size?
Only submit the number, format and size requested.
2. If no specifics are supplied in regard to number, format and size – use some common sense. Don’t send large numbers of images, with huge file sizes or unusual formats. Mac users should always check that their files and images are accessible to PC users.
3. Carefully select which images to submit. Choose images which are most relevant to the opportunity you are applying for. at hand.
For example, if the opportunity is for a sculptural commission don’t send images of two-dimensional artworks. This goes back to our previous post where we advised only to apply for opportunities that are suited to your practice.
4. Similar to the written component of a submission - first impressions count. Select images very carefully, only send high quality images which are clear and in focus.
5. If you don’t have all the images requested don’t send ‘fillers’ or duplicates
6. Only send images of your own work, never claim credit for work that is not yours or that you were not involved in the creation of.
7. Credit all images fully - artists name, artwork title, medium, sizes, date, location etc
8. If you are asked to label images in a particular way, please do it, there will be reasons why these requests have been made and not sticking to the guidance can cause problems at the back end.
9. No selfies – ever - at all… It’s not Facebook.
These top tips might seem obvious, but we have seen them all, over and over again and sometimes by very experienced and established artists.