Percent for Art Program Image Guidelines

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Image Guidelines

PLEASE NOTE: The Wisconsin Arts Board has made the transition to accepting only digital images. Effective August 15, 2006, we will no longer accept 35mm slides (analog images). Many other state arts agencies have also implemented this changeover, or will be doing so in the near future.

Viewing submitted digital images is always critical in a selection committee’s decision-making process. These images are the first impression that the committee receives of you and your work. The committee votes you in and out of the first round based on your images. Then the resumes and letters of interest that you submitted are considered—if you make it past the first round. You can be rejected from further consideration based on your images alone. These digital images are your visual resume, and as professional artists, it is to your advantage to obtain the best images possible to represent your work. Please review your digital images before you submit them to evaluate whether they present your work in the best possible light. Practice taking images BEFORE deadlines so that you are comfortable with the camera and can take great digital images. Many artists feel they have adequate skills to take digital images of their own work, but it may be to your advantage to hire a professional photographer.

Digital images

Eight images may be sent in electronic format on PC-formatted CD. Each digital work sample image should be submitted in the following format:

High quality JPEG saved with quality setting of 90% or better. TIP: To maintain the highest quality, all editing should be done in full resolution and files should be saved using a lossless format like TIFF or PSD. Only after editing is complete should you resize and save a copy to the JPEG format.
Images should be in proper orientation for viewing (upright on monitor).
Limit the file size to no more than 1MB per image.
File name should be in the following format: number_applicant name_title.jpg.
Number should be two digits with a leading 0—this will allow for easy ordering of the images to match your work sample description page submitted via eGRANT. Abbreviate where possible to keep the file name short. Here are examples:

01_SallySmith_Title.jpg
02_SallySmith_Title.jpg

Digital work sample images should be submitted on a CD. At this time we are unable to accept submissions via email. Send media in appropriate container (e.g. plastic case, cardboard sleeve, etc.). Clearly mark media and its container with the applicant’s name.

Digital Image Resource: For additional tips for preparing digital images for submission, please visit the Call For Entry (CaFÉ) website. Once you reach the website, it is not necessary to log on or register with CaFÉ. Your best resource will be the various topics under “Image Preparation.” Please be aware that the Wisconsin Arts Board Percent for Art Program is not using the CaFÉ submission program. Please submit all materials directly to Wisconsin Arts Board Percent for Art. Also, keep in mind that you must follow the parameters specified by the Wisconsin Arts Board provided above, not the CaFÉ standards.

Updated: March 26, 2008