How to Submit Artwork to a Popular Digital Art Contest: A Complete Guide for Artists
Submitting artwork to a digital art contest can feel overwhelming, especially if you've never participated before. This guide walks you through the entire process of how to submit artwork to popular online art competitions, ensuring your work gets the recognition it deserves.
What is a Digital Art Contest?
A digital art contest (also called an online art competition or art submission platform) is a curated event where artists submit their work for professional evaluation by established judges and curators. Unlike traditional gallery submissions, digital art contests make the process accessible to artists worldwide, with entries submitted entirely online.
Digital art contests typically feature:
Professional jury panels of established artists and curators
International participation from multiple countries
Official certification and recognition
Potential for solo exhibitions or prize opportunities
Global exposure to collectors and art professionals
Why Submit Your Artwork to Digital Art Contests?
Before diving into the "how," understanding the "why" helps you choose the right contests for your career goals.
Career Benefits of Entering Art Contests:
Professional Recognition — A certificate from a legitimate art competition adds credibility to your portfolio and CV. Collectors and galleries trust work that's been vetted by professional juries.
International Exposure — Quality digital art contests distribute finalists' work to global audiences, significantly expanding your visibility beyond local markets.
Community Connection — Participating in online art competitions connects you with fellow artists, curators, and industry professionals who can become valuable contacts.
Portfolio Building — Winning or being selected as a finalist provides documented achievement you can use in future exhibitions and promotional materials.
Feedback from Experts — Many contests include jury feedback, offering professional critique that helps refine your artistic practice.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Submit Artwork to an Online Art Competition
Step 1: Research and Choose the Right Digital Art Contest
Not all art competitions are created equal. Before submitting, verify:
Jury Credentials — Research the judges. Are they established artists, curators, or critics? Legitimate contests clearly list jury members and their accomplishments.
Contest Legitimacy — Check reviews, past winners, and whether the contest is listed on reputable platforms like ArtDeadline.com or CallForArt.com.
Alignment with Your Work — Does the contest theme match your artistic style? Submitting work that aligns with the competition's focus increases your chances of recognition.
Clear Guidelines — Quality contests provide transparent submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and timeline.
Artist Fees — Be cautious of excessive entry fees. Legitimate contests typically charge $15–$50 per submission. If fees seem excessive, it may not be a credible opportunity.
Step 2: Prepare Your Artwork for Digital Submission
Digital submissions have specific technical requirements. Following these guidelines ensures your work displays correctly and receives proper consideration.
Image Resolution — Most contests require high-resolution images (300 DPI for print-quality evaluation). Low-resolution images may be automatically rejected or appear unprofessional to judges.
File Format — JPG is the standard format for art submissions. PNG and TIFF are also acceptable, depending on the platform. Avoid proprietary formats unless specified.
File Size — Keep files under the specified size limit (typically 10-50 MB). Oversized files may not upload successfully.
Correct Dimensions — If the contest specifies artwork proportions, ensure your submission matches. Cropped or stretched images appear unprofessional.
Color Accuracy — If submitting photography of physical artwork, ensure lighting is neutral and colors are accurately represented. Use natural daylight or professional lighting.
Filename Clarity — Name your file clearly: "YourName_ArtworkTitle_Year.jpg" rather than generic names like "Image1.jpg."
Step 3: Create Your Artist Profile
Most online art competition platforms require an artist profile. This is your introduction to the jury and potential audience.
Professional Photo — Use a clear, professional headshot. This builds trust and connection with viewers.
Artist Bio — Write a concise biography (150–250 words) highlighting your artistic background, style, and achievements. Focus on what makes your work unique rather than a generic life story.
Artist Statement — A brief statement (75–100 words) explaining your artistic vision, themes, and creative process. This helps jurors understand your work's conceptual foundation.
Portfolio Links — If the platform allows, provide links to your website or Instagram. This gives judges additional context about your practice.
Contact Information — Ensure your email and contact details are current. Contests may reach out to finalists or winners.
Step 4: Choose Your Category and Complete the Submission Form
Digital art contests typically have multiple categories. Select the one that best fits your artwork.
Common Art Contest Categories:
Painting
Drawing
Digital Art
Photography
Mixed Media
Modern Art
Contemporary Art
Sculpture
Installation Art
Video Art
Fill Out the Submission Form Accurately:
Artwork Title — Be descriptive and memorable. Generic titles ("Untitled" or "Painting #3") are less compelling than specific ones.
Artwork Description — Write 50–150 words explaining your piece. Discuss the inspiration, technique, medium, and conceptual ideas. Help judges understand what they're looking at.
Medium/Technique — Specify whether it's acrylic, oil, digital, mixed media, photography, etc. This helps categorize your work correctly.
Dimensions and Year Created — Provide accurate artwork specifications.
Price (if applicable) — Some contests ask for artwork valuation. Be realistic; underpricing diminishes perceived value.
Step 5: Upload Your Artwork
This is the crucial moment. Follow the platform's upload instructions precisely.
Before Uploading:
Double-check file format and size
Verify image quality and colors appear correct
Confirm filename matches your submission
Test your internet connection
During Upload:
Allow sufficient time for the file to fully upload (don't refresh or close the browser)
Look for confirmation messages indicating successful upload
Take a screenshot of the confirmation
After Upload:
Preview your submission on the platform
Verify the image displays correctly
Check that all information (title, description, artist name) is accurate
Step 6: Review and Submit
Before finalizing your submission, review everything.
Submission Checklist:
✓ Artwork image uploaded and displays correctly
✓ Artwork title is clear and compelling
✓ Description accurately reflects your work
✓ Artist profile is complete and professional
✓ Contact information is current
✓ All required fields are filled
✓ Submission fee (if applicable) has been paid
✓ Deadline is noted in your calendar
Once you've verified everything, submit your entry. Most platforms provide a confirmation email—save this for your records.
Step 7: Track Your Submission and Await Results
After submitting artwork to an online art competition, the waiting begins.
Mark Your Calendar — Note the announcement date when winners and finalists will be revealed.
Follow the Contest — Many contests share finalist announcements on social media. Follow their accounts to stay informed.
Expect Communication — Legitimate contests contact winners and finalists via email. Check your spam folder in case notifications land there.
Document Your Entry — Save your submission confirmation, artwork images, and all correspondence. If you win, you'll want this documentation.
Common Mistakes When Submitting Artwork to Digital Art Contests
Avoid these errors to maximize your chances of recognition:
Submitting Low-Quality Images — Judges can immediately tell if an image is poorly scanned or photographed. Invest in proper scanning or professional photography.
Ignoring Guidelines — Each contest has specific requirements. Not following them signals carelessness and may result in disqualification.
Choosing the Wrong Category — Submitting work to an inappropriate category reduces its chances. A digital artwork doesn't belong in a painting category.
Writing Weak Descriptions — Vague or generic descriptions don't help judges understand your artistic intent. Be specific and compelling.
Missing Deadlines — Submitting after the deadline, even by minutes, typically results in automatic rejection. Submit early.
Submitting Unfinished Work — Only submit pieces you're truly proud of. Judges can sense when an artist isn't committed to the work.
Not Researching the Contest — Submitting to illegitimate contests wastes time and money. Always verify jury credentials and past winners.
How to Find Popular Digital Art Contests
Reputable platforms where you can find quality online art competitions:
ArtDeadline.com — The most comprehensive listing of art opportunities, updated daily. Searchable by category, region, and opportunity type.
CallForArt.com — Curated list of legitimate art contests and exhibition opportunities for emerging and established artists.
Submittable — Many museums and galleries use Submittable to manage submissions. Search for contests in your medium and region.
Artsy.net — Lists gallery exhibitions and artist opportunities, including digital submissions.
Museum and Gallery Websites — Visit institutions you admire. Many host annual competitions and open calls.
Artist Communities — Follow platforms like Curatone.art that specialize in connecting artists with quality competitions.
Best Practices for Digital Art Submission Success
Submit Multiple Works — If a contest allows multiple submissions, consider entering 2–3 pieces. This increases your chances of recognition.
Diversify Your Submissions — Don't submit to only one contest. Enter several competitions across different platforms and themes.
Participate Regularly — Consistent participation builds your portfolio of achievements and increases visibility over time.
Network with Other Artists — Connect with fellow participants. Shared experiences and recommendations lead to discovering quality opportunities.
Track Your Results — Keep records of where you submit, acceptance rates, and feedback. This data informs future submission strategies.
Update Your Materials — As your work evolves, refresh your artist statement and portfolio. Outdated materials appear unprofessional.
Invest in Professional Documentation — High-quality images of your work are essential. Consider professional photography or scanning if needed.
Understanding Jury Feedback and Results
When contests provide jury feedback, use it constructively.
Positive Feedback — Celebrate recognition, but don't become complacent. Continue evolving your practice.
Constructive Criticism — Take feedback professionally. Judges offer perspective that can strengthen your artistic direction.
Rejection — Not every submission succeeds. Quality artists face rejection regularly. Use it as motivation to refine your work and apply to other opportunities.
Recognition — When selected as a finalist or winner, document this achievement. Add it to your CV, website, and future submissions.
Conclusion: Take Action and Submit Your Artwork Today
Submitting artwork to popular digital art contests is one of the most accessible ways to gain international recognition and build your artistic career. By following this guide—researching quality contests, preparing professional submissions, and submitting strategically—you significantly increase your chances of success.
The art world is increasingly accessible through online platforms. Thousands of artists are discovering opportunities and building careers through digital submissions. Your artwork deserves to be seen by professional audiences and curators.
Ready to take the next step?
Start by researching contests aligned with your artistic practice. Prepare your strongest work with professional documentation. Choose a reputable platform like Curatone.art or ArtDeadline.com and submit with confidence.
Remember: every successful artist started by submitting their first artwork to a competition. Your recognition might be just one submission away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Submitting Artwork to Digital Art Contests
How much does it cost to submit artwork to an online art competition? Most legitimate contests charge $15–$50 per submission. Higher fees don't necessarily mean better opportunities—research the contest before paying.
What file format should I use when submitting digital artwork? JPG is the standard format. PNG and TIFF are also acceptable. Check the specific contest guidelines for their preferred format.
Can I submit the same artwork to multiple contests? Yes, unless the contest specifically prohibits it. Many artists submit the same piece to multiple competitions to maximize exposure.
How long does it take to hear back after submitting artwork? Most contests announce results within 4–8 weeks of the deadline. Some take longer. Check the contest timeline when you submit.
What should I include in my artwork description for a submission? Describe your artistic process, inspiration, medium, and conceptual ideas. Help judges understand what they're viewing and why it matters.
Is it worth paying an entry fee for online art competitions? Yes, if the contest is legitimate and aligns with your goals. Research the jury, past winners, and platform credibility before entering.
How do I know if a digital art contest is legitimate? Check jury credentials, research past winners, verify the platform reputation, and ensure guidelines are clear and transparent.