A little guidance.
A bigger next step.

A thoughtful submission starts with the right opportunity—not with uploading every piece in your portfolio.

By Jersey Art Finds · November 5, 2026

An art call is an invitation to submit work for an exhibition, competition, public project, or other creative opportunity. Each organizer sets its own process. Use this guide to prepare, then follow the specific call’s instructions.

1. Check whether the call fits your work

Read the full prospectus or entry guidelines before paying a fee or preparing files. Look for the theme, accepted media, location, age or residency requirements, and whether existing work or a new proposal is requested.

A strong fit is more useful than a large number of submissions. Choose work that answers the brief while still feeling like your own.

2. Note the dates and the total commitment

Record the submission deadline and time zone, notification date, delivery or installation dates, exhibition period, and collection date. A nearby exhibition may still require several trips.

• Check entry fees, framing, delivery, return shipping, and any sales commission.
• Read the organizer’s image-use, sales, and payment terms.
• Confirm you can supply the work for the full period. Ask the organizer about unclear requirements before submitting.

3. Select and photograph your work

Send only the number of images requested. Use sharp, evenly lit photographs with accurate color and a clean background. Keep the full artwork visible unless a detail image is requested. For three-dimensional work, use the views the organizer asks for.

Resize copies to the required dimensions and file size; keep your original high-resolution files. Avoid adding watermarks, borders, or labels unless instructed. If judging is anonymous, remove identifying information where requested.

4. Prepare your supporting information

• Artwork details: title, year, medium, dimensions, and price if requested. State whether dimensions include the frame.
• Artist bio: a short factual introduction to your practice and relevant experience.
• Artist statement: what you explore, how you work, and how the selected pieces relate to the call.
• Proposal: for a proposed project, explain the idea, materials, timeline, and budget if requested.

Respect word limits. Clear, specific language helps a reviewer understand the work; you do not need to make your statement sound academic.

5. Submit exactly as requested

Use the official portal or email address. Match the file naming rules, subject line, format, and image count. An example file name is Lastname_ArtworkTitle_01.jpg, but use the organizer’s convention if one is provided.

Review the complete form, test your links, and submit before the last minute. Save the confirmation, submitted files, and a copy of the terms.

Your final submission checklist

• I meet the eligibility rules, and the work fits the brief.
• My images, file names, and artwork details follow the instructions.
• I understand the fees, sales terms, and delivery responsibilities.
• I checked the deadline and time zone.
• I saved a submission confirmation.

After you apply

Wait until the stated notification date. If no response arrives, send one polite inquiry. Acceptance may come with further paperwork or delivery instructions. If your work is not selected, keep a simple record and use the materials for the next suitable call; one selection decision does not define your work.

A good pitch makes it easy for someone to understand your work, see the fit, and respond to one clear idea.

By Jersey Art Finds · November 5, 2026

A pitch introduces a specific collaboration or opportunity to a gallery, brand, shop, publication, or creative partner. It is different from responding to an open call: when an organization has a formal submission process, use that process first.

1. Know who you are writing to

Review the recipient’s website, recent projects, and submission policy. Find the appropriate professional contact. Look for a real connection between their work and yours—a subject, visual approach, product category, or audience.

Refer to one relevant detail in your opening. Avoid generic flattery or claiming to have followed their work if you have not.

2. Pitch one clear idea

Decide what you are proposing before writing. Are you offering an illustration for an editorial feature, a small exhibition, a print collection for a shop, or a pattern collection for licensing?

Describe the idea in a sentence, then explain why it suits that recipient. Keep the first email focused; a full biography and every service you offer can make the next step harder to see.

3. Choose a small, relevant portfolio

Link to a curated page with work related to your proposal. Check that the page loads without a password or access request. If the recipient requests attachments, follow their file and size requirements. Avoid sending large unsolicited files.

Label the work accurately, including whether it was commissioned, self-initiated, or a concept mockup. For licensing pitches, indicate that availability and rights will need to be confirmed.

4. Write an easy-to-scan email

• Subject: name the proposal and the relevant creative work.
• Introduction: say who you are in one sentence.
• Connection: explain why you chose this recipient.
• Idea: describe the collaboration and its fit.
• Work: include one focused portfolio link.
• Next step: ask one specific, low-pressure question.

A sample pitch to adapt

Subject: Botanical pattern collection for [Brand] — [Your Name]

Hi [Name],

I’m [Your Name], a New Jersey-based illustrator and surface pattern designer creating [brief description of your work].

Your [specific product or collection] caught my attention because [genuine connection]. I’d like to introduce [collection name], a series of [brief description] that could suit your [specific product category].

You can view a short selection here: [portfolio link]. These are [original designs / concept mockups]; I’d be happy to discuss availability, intended use, and licensing terms if the work is a fit.

Are you currently reviewing artwork for [relevant collection or season]?

Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
[Website]

Use the structure, but replace every bracket with accurate details. For a gallery, swap the product proposal for a concise exhibition concept and link to the relevant body of work.

5. Make the next step practical

If the recipient is interested, ask about the brief, intended use, timeline, scope, and budget. For licensing, discuss the products, territory, duration, exclusivity, and rights needed before agreeing to terms. Do not imply that a first email grants permission to use your work.

6. Follow up with care

Respect any published response timeline or “no follow-ups” policy. If there is no stated policy, one short follow-up after about two weeks is a reasonable courtesy. Refer to your original message, restate the idea briefly, and leave room for a no. Avoid repeatedly messaging across email and social channels.

Before you hit send

• The person’s name and organization are correct.
• My idea is specific to their work.
• My portfolio link opens and shows relevant examples.
• I have one clear question.
• I removed every placeholder and checked the spelling.