The Competitor

How to complete The Competitor

Entering an official competition or juried exhibition means putting your work in front of strangers who owe you nothing and will rank it against everyone else's. Submitting is the achievement here, win or lose, because it forces you to call something finished and let it be judged.

1. Find an open call or contest in your medium via local art councils, gallery sites, or listings like CaFE or ArtRabbit
2. Read the eligibility, size, format, and fee rules, then pick a piece that genuinely fits the theme
3. Prepare submission files exactly to spec: correct dimensions, file naming, and any artist statement
4. Submit before the deadline and keep the confirmation email or receipt
5. Note the judging or exhibition date so you can see results

Tips

• Many open calls charge an entry fee; budget for it and don't enter ten at once your first time
• Photograph physical work in even, neutral light, since jurors usually judge from images first
• Reusing an existing finished piece is fine, you don't need to make something new to enter

What counts as done

You have a submission confirmation for an official, externally-judged competition or exhibition.