If you’ve ever submitted your work to an art magazine or a gallery, or even just spotted an open call for art—you probably know the feeling: excitement mixed with nerves and a big dash of What exactly are they looking for?

Submitting your art to publications can be competitive, and it's easy to feel like you’re launching your work into a mysterious void. But here’s a little secret: art editors aren’t just looking for “perfect” artists or mind-blowing masterpieces.

They’re looking for thoughtful, intentional submissions that align with their vision.

Understanding what catches an curator’s eye can give you a serious edge—not just in getting featured, but in developing a stronger, more self-aware art practice. Let’s break down the five things that almost every art editor looks for when reviewing submissions—and how you can rise to the top of their stack.

1. Originality and Authentic Voice

There’s a lot of art out there. Art curators and Editors see hundreds—sometimes thousands—of submissions every month. So what makes a piece stand out? Authenticity.

Curators are drawn to work that feels honest, personal, and distinct. They’re not looking for art that mimics trends or follows a formula. They want work that surprises them, that tells them something new about the world or the artist behind it.

How to catch their eye:

• Tap into what makes your perspective unique. What’s your “why”? What themes, experiences, or questions drive your work?

• Let your personal style evolve naturally rather than trying to fit a mold.

• Don’t be afraid of vulnerability or experimentation. Often, it’s the bold, strange, or tender work that lingers in an editor’s memory.

2. Technical Excellence

Creativity and vision are essential—but so is skill. Whether you're painting, illustrating, sculpting, or doing mixed media, editors want to see that you’ve honed your craft.

Technical excellence doesn’t mean your work has to be “perfect.” It means you’ve taken the time to develop your technique, refine your execution, and present your work with care.

How to catch their eye:

• Submit only your best, most polished pieces. Leave out anything that feels half-finished or rushed.

• Use high-quality images. A blurry photo or poorly lit scan can make even the best work look amateurish.

• If you’re still developing your style, choose pieces that show your growth and commitment to craft.

3. Relevance to the Publication’s Theme

This is a big one. The number of artists who submit great work… that has nothing to do with the magazine’s theme? Surprisingly high.

Every art publication has a unique focus—whether that’s contemporary abstraction, narrative photography, emerging street art, or something else entirely. Submitting work that doesn’t fit that focus is a guaranteed way to get passed over.

How to catch their eye:

• Do your homework. Read the magazine, scroll through past issues, and study their submission calls.

• Tailor your submission. If they’re asking for work around a specific theme (“Time,” “Resilience,” “The Body”), think about how your work connects to that idea.

• Use your artist statement to clearly explain how your submission fits the theme, even if the connection is subtle.

4. Professional Presentation

Even if your art is brilliant, a sloppy or incomplete submission can tank your chances. Art Curators and editors need to know you’re someone they can trust to represent their publication well—and that starts with how you present your work.

How to catch their eye:

• Follow every guideline. If they ask for 5 images, send 5—not 3, not 8. Name your files as instructed. Respect deadlines.

• Write a clean, thoughtful artist statement. Keep it clear and jargon-free. Let it offer insight into your process, your influences, and your intention.

• Include a concise bio that highlights your location, education, exhibitions, and any relevant achievements. Don’t over-inflate; just be honest and professional.

  
  

Remember, presentation isn’t just about looking good—it’s about showing respect for the editor’s time and attention.

5. Consistency and Cohesion

Art curators love submissions that feel intentional and curated. Even if your work spans multiple mediums or styles, there should be a thread that ties it all together—a shared theme, mood, or story.

Scattershot submissions that feel disjointed or random are harder to engage with. Cohesion helps an editor visualize how your work might appear in a spread, on a website, or in a digital gallery.

How to catch their eye:

• Submit a body of work, not just a collection of your favorite pieces.

• Think in terms of narrative. What story does this group of images tell? What ideas are you exploring across them?

• Consider your sequencing. Order matters—lead with something strong and arrange your work to build rhythm and resonance.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About Getting In

Submitting your work isn’t just about landing a feature—it’s also about refining your voice, building resilience, and learning how to advocate for your art. Every submission is a step forward, no matter the outcome.

Remember, curators are people, too. They want to be moved. They want to discover new voices and visions. When you submit your work with intention, care, and clarity, you’re not selling yourself short—you’re inviting someone into your creative world.

So keep creating, keep submitting, and most importantly—keep showing up as you.