Application Requirements

The portfolio should demonstrate original thinking and a willingness to take creative risks. You are urged to submit work you feel best represents your personal creative interests and your artistic voice. Keep in mind that your application is being judged as a whole and judges are looking at both technical rigor and creative execution of an idea. This includes all 10 images as well as the Artistic Questions section.

• Portfolio must include a total of ten (10) images that represent eight (8) to ten (10) of your best works made within the last two years. Your portfolio should explore a cohesive idea, technique, or theme. If submitting under ten (10) works, the additional image(s) can be detail shots of a section of a piece that is difficult to view in an image of the full piece.
  • Optional: For those submitting video stills/documentation of performance piece(s), a 30-60-second supporting video recording may be uploaded here. This recording should not include your answers to the artistic questions below. Do not include your name or any other identifying information.
• Artistic Questions: (100-250 words or 30-second video/audio recording for each)
  • Question 1: Describe your point of view as an artist. What motivates you to create?
  • Question 2: Explain the selections in your portfolio; why you chose these works; and what their relationship is to each other and to you as an artist. 

NOTE: If you are selected as a winner with distinction and attend National YoungArts Week, your work is shown in an exhibition. The curator will select a work or works from your portfolio submission.

Media Submission Guidelines

• Do not place your name, a watermark or any identifying information in or on your media submissions.
• Submit work that has been created within the last two years.

Technical Specifications

Photographing Images:

• Set camera for “fine” or “extra fine” resolution, not “web” or “normal”
• Use a camera that has a high-resolution setting.
• Position the camera so that the edges of the piece are parallel to each other if it is a rectangular 2D work. If it is a 3D sculpture or non-rectangular 2D piece, capture the work with no other objects and with a blank background.
• Use as much natural light as possible. The best photographs are taken with indirect sunlight with no glare or shadows on your artwork. Use a neutral or non-distracting background.
• Objects not related to your artwork should not be included in your picture.
• Images may not be digitally manipulated.
• It is recommended to do an internet search to obtain resources on how to document your artwork.

Formatting for Images and Digital Works:

• Image File Size: Minimum of 1 MB/Maximum 20 MB.
• Image File Format: JPEG (JPG) or PNG only. TIFF images should not be submitted.
• Image File Dimensions: No smaller than 2400×2400 pixels.
• Image File Resolution: 300 dpi
• Recomended file size: 6×4 inches, 300 dpi

Uploading Images:

• Each image must be saved and uploaded separately. (10 images in total). Files should be named either with the title, or Piece 1, Piece 2, etc. if untitled.
• The order you upload your work will be the order presented during adjudications.
• In the spaces provided in the application, please indicate the title of the piece (If untitled, can be named Piece 1, Piece 2, etc.), medium (give detail of materials used and technique), size and year created for each piece.
• Do not title your files with your name or any other identifying information.

Uploading Video:

• Optional video may not exceed 60 seconds in length. The panel will only view the first 60 seconds of your video if it is longer.
• In the spaces provided in the application, please indicate the title of the piece (If untitled, can be named Performance Video), and year created.
• Do not title your file with your name or any other identifying information.
• In the description, please indicate if the video is documentation of work/performance or if video is your medium, and provide any pertinent information that will assist the panel with their understanding of the work.

Intellectual Property and Copyright Requirements

All submitted work must be entirely original and must not infringe on the copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights of any other individual or entity.

You are welcome to submit materials that have been part of other applications, competitions, or projects. YoungArts does not own any works submitted to its competition, however if your work has been submitted to other competitions, you are responsible for obtaining permission to submit to YoungArts, if necessary.

Additional Resources

Applicants may use the following resources to assist in formatting and preparation of files for submission. These resources are intended as an aid only, and any details within should not be confused with the application and technical requirements prescribed above.

• Call for Entry: Photographing Artwork