How NOT to Submit Your Art to a Juried Exhibition

Five Common Mistakes That Could Cost You a Spot in an Art Show

You’ve spent countless hours creating your artwork. You’ve found the perfect exhibition, completed the application, and submitted your entry. But what if your artwork is rejected before the juror can truly appreciate it?

At Artists of Palm Beach County (APBC), we want our artists to succeed. Whether you're submitting to an APBC exhibition, a gallery, or a national juried competition, the quality of your submission images can make a significant difference.

Jurors often review hundreds of entries, and your digital image may be their first—and sometimes only—opportunity to evaluate your work. Even an exceptional piece of art can be overlooked if it is poorly photographed or presented.

Here are five common mistakes artists should avoid when submitting artwork to exhibitions.

1. Photographing Artwork in a Frame

A beautiful frame may enhance your artwork when it hangs on a gallery wall, but it can be a distraction in a digital submission.

Frames can create shadows, reflections, and visual clutter. Crooked photographs and visible walls also detract from the presentation.

The Better Approach: Unless the exhibition specifically requests an installation or framed photograph, submit a clean, straight-on image of the artwork itself. Crop out the frame, wall, and surrounding background. Make sure the artwork is level and properly proportioned.

2. Glare, Reflections, and Hot Spots

Have you ever photographed a painting only to discover a bright white spot in the middle? That's usually caused by direct flash or uneven lighting.

Glossy surfaces, varnished paintings, and works behind glass are especially susceptible to glare. These reflections can obscure important details and distort the colors.

The Better Approach: Photograph your artwork using soft, even, diffused lighting. Avoid direct flash and harsh sunlight. Natural light in a shaded outdoor location or indirect light indoors can work beautifully. Position your camera directly in front of the artwork to minimize distortion.

3. Images That Are Too Dark or Poorly Exposed

If a juror cannot clearly see your artwork, how can they properly evaluate it?

Underexposed photographs can hide texture, subtle colors, and important details. Overexposed images can wash out highlights and eliminate contrast.

The Better Approach: Adjust the exposure and white balance so the digital image accurately represents the original artwork. Compare your photograph with the actual piece and make reasonable corrections.

Remember, the goal is accuracy—not digitally enhancing your artwork beyond its true appearance.

4. Digital Markings, Dates, and Distracting Backgrounds

Camera-generated dates, timestamps, editing marks, and other digital distractions have no place in a professional art submission.

Similarly, photographs showing your studio floor, furniture, easel, or other objects can make your submission appear unfinished.

The Better Approach: Submit a clean image without unnecessary text, graphics, or backgrounds. For three-dimensional artwork, use a simple, neutral background unless the exhibition guidelines specify otherwise.

Let the artwork speak for itself.

5. Watermarks and Oversized Signatures

Many artists add watermarks to online images to discourage unauthorized use. While understandable, watermarks can interfere with a juror's ability to evaluate the work.

A large copyright notice or digital signature across the artwork may obscure important details and diminish its overall presentation.

The Better Approach: Submit images without added watermarks or digital copyright notices unless specifically permitted. A signature that is physically part of the original artwork is generally acceptable.

Protect your work by maintaining original high-resolution files and accurate documentation rather than compromising the quality of your submission image.

Bonus Tip: Follow the Submission Guidelines!

Even a perfectly photographed artwork can be disqualified if the artist fails to follow the instructions.

Before submitting, carefully review the exhibition requirements, including:

• File format: JPEG is commonly requested, but always check the specific call.

• Image dimensions: Follow the required pixel dimensions and file-size limits.

• Image quality: Submit a sharp, properly focused image with accurate colors.

• File naming: Use the requested naming convention.

• Artwork information: Double-check titles, dimensions, medium, and pricing.

• Deadlines: Don't wait until the last minute to upload your images.

A note about resolution: Digital submission requirements are generally based on pixel dimensions and file size, not simply DPI. A 72-DPI setting does not automatically make an image suitable for online submission. Always follow the actual specifications provided by the exhibition organizer.

Build Your Own Digital Artwork Library

One of the best habits an artist can develop is maintaining organized digital files of every completed artwork.

For each piece, keep a high-resolution master image suitable for printing, a smaller version optimized for websites and exhibition submissions, and a record of the artwork's title, medium, dimensions, year, and price.

This simple practice will save you time, reduce errors, and make future exhibition applications much easier.

Your Art Deserves to Be Seen at Its Best

Juried exhibitions are competitive, and selection depends on many factors, including artistic merit, originality, technique, and how the work fits the exhibition's theme.

Poor photography shouldn't be the reason your artwork misses an opportunity.

Taking a little extra time to properly photograph, crop, color-correct, and prepare your images can make the difference between a professional submission and one that fails to showcase your talent.

At Artists of Palm Beach County, our mission is to Share, Inspire, and Promote. That includes helping our members develop the professional skills needed to present their artwork confidently and successfully.

Before you click Submit, take one final look at your images.

Your artwork deserves nothing less than your best presentation.

Artists of Palm Beach County (APBC) is dedicated to supporting artists through exhibitions, education, professional development, and opportunities to connect with the arts community.

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