Submitting Your Work: A Practical Guide for Early-career Artists

Submitting your artwork for the first time - whether to an exhibition, a grant, or an art magazine - can feel like stepping into the unknown. There’s excitement, hope, and also that little voice whispering, “Am I ready for this?”

We get it. The process of putting yourself out there can be intimidating. But here’s the truth: submitting your work is an essential part of building an artistic career. It opens doors, expands your reach, and helps you refine how you present your practice to the world. This article is a guide for early-career artists, that hopefully, will offer some insight into the areas you should focus on before you apply to open calls. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to submit with confidence (and way less stress).

Why Submitting Matters (Even If It’s Scary)

Every submission - accepted or not, is a step forward. Whether you're applying to an open call, a gallery show, a grant, or a feature in a magazine, you’re building visibility, learning how to talk about your work, and signalling to the world: I take my art seriously.

Yes, rejection is part of the deal, but it’s never a reflection of your worth or talent. It's just part of the rhythm of growth. And each “no” gets you closer to the right “yes.”

Prepping Your Portfolio: A Guide for early-career Artists

Think of your portfolio as your art’s first handshake. It should give people a clear, compelling sense of your voice as an artist.

• Choose pieces that reflect your current direction. You don’t need to show everything you’ve ever made—just the work that best represents your vision right now.
  

• Quality over quantity. 8–15 strong pieces are often more than enough.
  

• Use high-quality images. Crisp, well-lit, and color-accurate photographs make a huge difference. If your work is physical, photograph it in natural light against a neutral background. If digital, export it in high resolution.
  

Pro tip: Include a simple title card for each piece with the title, medium, dimensions, and year. Clean, readable, and consistent formatting shows professionalism.

Writing Your Artist Statement and Bio: Be Clear, Not Cryptic

Let’s demystify two things that trip up many artists: the artist statement and the bio.

Artist Statement

Your statement explains what your art is about—your ideas, your influences, your process. Keep it short (under 300 words is perfect), and use plain language. You're not writing a thesis; you’re inviting people into your world.

Ask yourself:

• What themes or questions drive your work?

• What materials or techniques do you use and why?

• What do you want people to feel or consider when they see your art?

  
  

Tailor it slightly to fit each submission. A gallery show might require a more conceptual tone; a magazine might appreciate something more personal or poetic.

Artist Bio

This is your creative résumé in narrative form. Mention your location, background, training (if applicable), and notable exhibitions or awards. Keep it updated and skip jargon. Write in third person unless the platform requests otherwise.

Research Where You’re Submitting

Before you hit “submit,” take a moment to dig into the opportunity. Not every call is the right fit - and that’s okay.

• Explore their previous shows, publications, or recipients. Does your work resonate with what they’ve supported in the past?
  

• Look for transparency. Is there a clear curatorial direction? Do they charge application fees - and if so, what do they cover?
  

• Tap into artist communities. Sites like Artwork Archive, The Creative Independent, and Submittable often list reliable calls for art. Instagram is also full of curated open call accounts worth following.

Read the Submission Guidelines - Then Read Them Again

Every opportunity has its own requirements. Some want five images, some want ten. Some ask for specific formatting. Others require a CV, some don’t.

Here’s how to get it right:

• Follow the file naming instructions. If they ask for “Lastname_Firstname_Title.jpg,” give them exactly that.

• Check image size limits. Resize files accordingly.

• Double-check your spelling and grammar. This shows care and polish.
  

Skipping steps or missing details is one of the fastest ways to get your submission passed over. Think of the guidelines as part of the artwork, they frame how your work is received.

Rejection Happens, But So Does Growth

So, you submitted and got a “no.” That’s normal. Truly. Even the most successful artists have stacks of rejection emails. It’s not a closed door; it’s a redirection.

What to do:

• Reflect. Could your statement be clearer? Were the images strong enough? Was this the right fit?

• Keep track. Create a simple spreadsheet to log where you’ve submitted, when, and what you sent. Over time, you’ll see patterns and progress.

• Follow up if invited. If the call allows, you can (gently!) ask for feedback. Some curators and editors are happy to give a sentence or two that helps you refine your approach.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Submitting your work is brave. It’s vulnerable. And it’s a vital part of your growth as an artist. Each application is an act of belief in your visi

on and your right to be seen. So keep applying, keep evolving, and know that your voice matters.

As you build momentum, those small wins—an acceptance here, a feature there—will start to add up. And soon, you won’t just be submitting your work; you’ll be curating your opportunities.

P.S. If you’re ready to build or polish your artist portfolio, check out our companion article Your Guide to Crafting Good Artist Applications for Galleries and Open Calls for practical tips on making your work shine.