How to get Started

If you want to submit artwork or photography to be considered for features on our website, Instagram, and email newsletters, or to apply for open call opportunities, we invite you to become a Booooooom Member. This membership is currently for artists, photographers, and illustrators. Learn more about our membership here.

10 Things to Consider

(Advice for Submitting Your Work)

Submitting your artwork for consideration, whether to a gallery, photography competition, art magazine, or online platform, can be a nerve-wracking experience. Here are some things to consider when submitting your work here or anywhere else.

1

Reverse the Roles

You may understand your own work—your ideas and your aesthetic—but it’s important to step outside your mind for a moment and examine what you’ve made from the perspective of someone other than yourself. Will this person understand your submission? Do the images relate to the text? Does the concept make sense?

2

Use Simple Language

Crafting a strong artist statement does not mean using “art speak” just for the sake of it. Provide context for your work using words most people will understand. Keep it clear and concise.

3

Research the Opportunity

Familiarize yourself with the recipient before you finalize your submission. Research the organization, competition, or platform. Do you know what they’re looking for?  Look through our website and Instagram to get a sense of who we are before you send us anything. It may only take 10 minutes to get a sense of the content we showcase.

4

Quality Over Quantity

Show us your best work. Less is almost always more. Focus on quality over quantity. Instead of automatically submitting the maximum number of pieces, carefully select the ones that best represent you—your style, skills, and artistic voice. Is there consistency in what you’re putting forward?

5

Your Portfolio Matters

We’ll definitely see what you submit, and it’s very likely we’ll also see what you don’t. Any other work shown on your website or Instagram can affect our decision. A well-curated submission can be undermined by a haphazard or unfocused portfolio.

6

Follow Submission Guidelines

Pay close attention to submission guidelines. These can vary significantly between different opportunities. Whether it’s file format, size requirements, naming conventions, or specific themes, adherence to the guidelines demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail. These are rules, not suggestions.

7

Highlight Your Uniqueness

What sets your artwork apart from others? There’s only one you, so the more you’re you, the better. Whether it’s your distinct style, technique, or message, make sure the reviewers understand what makes your work special.

8

Presentation is Key

For artists, having high-quality photographs or scans can make a world of difference in how your work is perceived. If possible, consider hiring a professional photographer or use professional-grade equipment to capture your art yourself. A poorly lit cellphone photo of a painting (that you spent months creating) is not the way. Ensure that your images are not unintentionally pixelated or blurry, and accurately represent the colours and details of your work. If you want people to spend time looking at your work, spend time on the presentation of it.

9

Risks are Good

Showing your work to someone is a risk, but what are you actually risking? Maybe the more important question is what are you risking by not showing anyone your work? Fear of rejection or failure is not a good enough reason to keep your talent hidden. All creative people experience imposter syndrome. Everyone has self-doubt. The only way to get more comfortable showing people your work is to do it more often! Getting out of your comfort zone is the quickest way forward.

10

Perspective on Rejection

Understand that rejections are a part of every artist’s journey. Stay resilient. Not being selected or an outright ‘no’ may simply be a signal that you’re striving for something beyond what you’ve previously achieved. Be encouraged that you are pushing towards new territory! Similarly, if you haven’t experienced any sort of rejection in awhile this could be a signal that you are comfortable staying where you’re at.

It’s also worth noting that if your work is not selected it is not always a reflection of the quality. There may be other factors to consider, for instance a book or exhibition may have a finite number of spots. Or it might be that the work simply falls outside of our scope. Wedding event photography, as an example, is not something we feature (this goes back to Researching the Opportunity).

Conclusion

Submitting your artwork for consideration is an exciting step in your artistic career. Be proud of yourself regardless of the outcome. Just remember that every opportunity to share your work is a learning experience that can help you grow as an artist. We’re excited to see the things you’re creating.

Open Calls for Artists, Photographers & Illustrators

In addition to submitting your photos and art for publication on our website, Instagram, and newsletter, we have specific open calls for artists, photographers, and illustrators. Current and upcoming calls for entry below!

2024 Booooooom Illustration Awards (Closed for Submissions)

Calling all artists and illustrators!It’s our first-ever Booooooom Illustration Awards! There are 5 award categories to submit to: “Personal”, “Product & Packaging”, “Advertising & Promotional”, “Editorial”, “Student”. We have cash prizes up for grabs as well as a bunch of goodies from some of our friends (tablets, free websites, digital tools), editorial and social coverage, and the opportunity to be published in a special printed publication.

We’ve been featuring illustration on Booooooom for over 15 years now, and after much deliberation (and suggestions from a handful of you), we are extremely excited to provide illustrators with new way to put a spotlight on the amazing work in this community. Learn more about the Illustration Awards here.

Capture Public Art Open Call (Closed for Submissions)

Once again we’re teaming up with Capture Photography Festival to curate a public art installation in Vancouver! If you’re a photographer or an artist making lens-based work this is an opportunity to have your work installed on a train station as part of the festival!

Learn more about this open call here.

2024 Booooooom Photo Awards (Open for Submissions)

The Photo Awards are back for another year! Our Photo Awards offer photographers of all levels a chance to gain international recognition, win amazing prizes, and be featured in a special print publication. See some of last year’s winners here. If you are a photographer looking for an open call, you can submit your photography here.