Application Requirements

The portfolio and artistic question responses should demonstrate original thinking, technical rigor, execution of an idea, and a willingness to take creative risks. You are encouraged to submit work that best represents your personal interests and your artistic voice.

Your application will be reviewed as a whole, including all 10 images as well as the artistic question responses.

• A portfolio of a total of ten (10) images of 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 or alternate views of three-dimensional, installation-based, digital, time-based, or otherwise complex works that are difficult to understand from one full-view image.
  • Descriptions: Under each image, enter the title, date completed (month and year), materials, media, and/or software used, dimensions; and an explanation of the process in the creation of the piece.
  • Optional: If your work is difficult to understand through still images alone, you may upload a 30 to 60-second supporting video. This may include a video of documentation, animation, kinetic sculpture, performance, installation, multimedia, interactive work, or other time-based experiences. This video should show artwork only and may not include your responses to the artistic questions, your name or any other identifying information.
• Artistic Questions: (100 minimum -250 maximum words or 30-second maximum video/audio recording for each)
  • Question 1: Describe your point of view as an artist and what motivates you to create.
  • Question 2: Explain the selections in your portfolio; why you chose these works; and how they relate to you as an artist. Include 1 to 2 examples in your explanation. 

NOTE: If you are selected as a winner with distinction and attend National YoungArts Week, a curator will select work(s) from your portfolio to be showcased in an exhibition as well in an anthology.

Photographing Work

• 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 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 900×600 pixels.
• Image File Resolution: 300 dpi
• Recomended file size: 6×4 inches, 300 dpi

File Upload Guidelines

• Save and upload each selection individually and name the files with their titles or Piece 1, Piece 2, etc., if untitled.
• Do not put your name or any identifying information in or on your files.
• The order you upload your work will be the order presented to the judges.
• 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.

Additional Resources

Applicants may use the following resource to assist with formatting and preparing files to submit. This is to be used as an aid only and should not be mistaken as YoungArts application guidelines. Call for Entry: Photographing Artwork 

Intellectual Property and Copyright

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

NOTE: 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.