Feature the Newest Work Include the Best Images When You Apply
Each event is different, so read and follow its requirements. For example, we limit the amount of giclées and require our jury process to be anonymous, so no names or faces should be in a booth image.
The #1 image should be the artist’s absolute best image, as many jurors run through the #1 images to see the scope of all the applications in the category they have been chosen to evaluate. This image should also feature the newest work. It should never be an image that was submitted on a past application.
Make sure the images of work in one application are cohesive. If multiple applications are allowed in one category, create one application of landscapes and one of figures, for example. Do not mix mediums in one application.
The jury is looking to see if an artist knows who they are — a watercolorist or acrylic painter, for example. If you are selected to participate in both applications, you will probably be allowed to show your work in one booth.
Artists score the best when they have high-resolution images. That is because not only do they impress the jury members, but if accepted, we have immediate access to the images for incorporating them into our marketing campaign.
Investing in a professional photographer is worthwhile for artists struggling with their images. Lighting is often the key.
Next, update your images. Old images may have been great five years ago, but it is wise to use new images. These show how you are evolving and the direction you are now taking. Plus, we are always seeking vibrant new images for our television commercials and social media.
Lastly, the booth image is a deal breaker. Less is more in a booth. Do not hang every painting you have created. Display a cohesive collection of art. Never have your name, company name, and most of all, yourself in this image.
Our Jurying Process
We require four images of art and one booth image. A point is deducted by each juror for a bad booth display. Our jury members only judge one category of art, so the artist is truly competing exclusively with their own medium to make the show.
The jury judges independently online and has three days to evaluate the category. They do not discuss or even know who the other jury members are.
Each jury member is an experienced artist — high seller, award winner, patron favorite — and an artist in the category they are evaluating. When asked to evaluate a booth image, our key question is if they would want to be next to this individual. Would they represent the Celebration event well and entice attendees into their booth?
When artists have not participated in an outdoor art festival, we request that they set up a mock booth display — in a corner of a room using two blank walls to create a concept of how their booth display would look if accepted into the event. We offer information about a rental company if an artist needs a standard white booth in all sizes, as well as tables and chairs.
This company does not have any pro panels to rent. We suggest if accepted, the artist borrow them from a friend and not use lattice panels. The benefit of renting a booth is it will be installed before arrival and staked according to our specifications.
SCOPE Events offers an Artist Helpline 24/7 for assistance in the application process and an email address. Our staff answers inquiries from artists throughout the year. We provide feedback on jury scores to artists by email when they request that information.
Some Common Mistakes
Artists do not take the time to include the image details — title of piece, dimensions of the art, what it is made of, and price of the art. These are key factors to the jury members, as they try to balance the category to make it the most appealing to our patrons.
Once again, we stress the importance of fresh art! Take the time to replace the first image of your ZAPP submission. Show us your new art!
Remember, your objective is to show how good you are, so you are invited to participate. Take the application process seriously. Think of it as a job interview. Read the event expectations for the application.
If you have questions, contact the event’s promoter. Learn from their insight. If you are successful, they will be successful, too!