So I’ve been painting for a long time now. You can see some of my paintings on my website, and some more on my flickr page. I’ve also started a tumblr to show my paintings and some other artsy stuff because I thought that might be a good way to promote myself but so far I haven’t made much traction there. Recently I’ve been wanting to try to get my stuff shown more places in the real world. But I’m not sure how to do things correctly.
The Big Show is a show that they have at the Lawndale Art Center every year, and I think I could possibly get in. But the page says
So what hardware do I need for my paintings? I just buy regular cheap canvases at the art store that don’t have any hanging hardware with them. If I’m not selected because they just didn’t like my paintings I wouldn’t be heartbroken, but I’d be really upset if I was disqualified because I put the wrong hardware on there.
Also, there’s a really cool book store/gallery called Domy Books with locations in Houston and Austin. I would like to submit my work to see if by chance I could get a show. On their website it says “Drop off/Mail a CD of your work,” but it doesn’t have any further requirements. Is there a standard way to make CDs of work? I want to put everything relevant on there, but I don’t know what they would think was relevant. I thought maybe a cover letter should go with it, but I didn’t know if that would be seen as too formal and weird.
So, if anyone has any advice on what I should do for either of these submissions, I’d really appreciate it. If by some chance I do get selected for either I’ll definitely let y’all know.
I tell my students that it is very important to read instructions because in competitions, etc, judges are inundated with entries. The easiest way to start is to get rid of the ones not following rules.
If you are in doubt, drop them a line and ask. When I have judged pieces, there were times I had to eliminate due to not following rules. I wish they would have because the pieces were exceptional.
As for a cd, consider it your portfolio. Unless there are specific rules to submitting one, there is no such thing as right or wrong.
Advice I give my students:
The presentation is your work, too. I see it, look at how you laid things out, etc. If you make a video (I don’t recommend it) please don’t use music.
If in doubt, go for a simple look. DO NOT make your presentation overshadow your work!
I always include a written portion to the disc. It can be separated from its sleeve or have the label removed.
Lastly, as mom says “you don’t have a second chance for a first impression”.
That helps a lot! The wire method sounds like a good way to make the canvases hang. Most of the other requirements for the Big Show are pretty easy for me to meet: live in Houston, work that isn’t too fragile, work done between 2010 and 2012. It’s just the hardware part that wasn’t explained.
I’ve never made a portfolio before since I’m self-taught and haven’t submitted my work to many places before. But your advice makes sense. I’ll include a written portion that has a little information about me and all my contact information. And mom’s advice is good, so I will triple-check that the CD works and everything is labeled correctly.