Online Jurying

[DianeDennisBeadwork]

This is my first year of applying to shows via juried art services and zapp. Some of the shows I have applied to in the past are now requiring online applications. Is anyone noticing a higher rejection rate to shows using the online process? I am mainly wanting info. concerning shows that you have been getting into for years and all of a sudden you are out. I have been in a particular show for a number of years, been jury excempt several times and won awards, established a nice customer base etc.

[Luann Udell]

The rejection rate may end up being higher because on-line applications & jurying processes make it a lot easier for artists to apply for shows.  This results in more artists applying for each show, and consequently, more artists getting rejected.

If you've already been in the show and they offer preference to past artists, this may not affect you.

[Nature artist]

I am on the fence about zap.  It all sounds good on paper and all, but I know there are a lot of artists who are not computer savy.  Some don't even have an email address and two, whom I have encountered,  don't even own a computer.  Zap is great for those who are computer savvy but what about those who aren't?  Should they be excluded?  To me, and this is just my own opinion, a choice should be given - a paper application and the option of doing an online application should be offered, if not already.  Even though I don't have a personal objection to doing an application with zap, I still prefer the good 'ol paper application and standard sending in slides/photos because I can have a hard copy of everything as back up.  There are still computer bugs that can occur that could hinder what should be an easy process.

Nature Artist
www.grammyscc.moonfruit.com

[mixedmed]

I agree about the comment about having Zapp only applications.  There are quite a few artists who aren't computer savvy...although I think as time goes on that number is going to get smaller.  I've found Zapp to work very well in my experience.  I personally love using Zapp because I can avoid having to buy 3 millions slide duplicates every year and I don't have to chase down who got sent what or whether or not they sent my slides back or not.  The Zapp system keeps a copy of your application and what images you sent.  I usually print out a copy of my app whenever I complete an application and you can also see your past applications online...so record keeping isn't a big issue.

As far as the rejection rate...I think Luann might be right.  Since it's easier for artists to apply, you may be getting artists who might not have applied otherwise when you had to do the old slide dance.

Nicolette

[nanci]

This year I could not get to apply to the one large art show in my area because they would only accept Zapp, and I could not figure out how to resize my pictures per their specs. The folks at the botanical garden this is held by even offered to resize them for me, but I had to use the computer at work, and could not post the pictures on Zapp because of the spamguards. It was annoying, because I live within 5 minutes of the gardens, I could have just walked in and HANDED my app to them in previous years, but was not allowed to do that. Things did happen to turn out for the best, I ended up involved with other shows that I'm happy about, it is just too bad that a lot of new artists are probably in the same boat I'm in because of the Zapp situation.

[Ruth Apter]

As a juror for the 2007 ACRE Show I can say the age of paper applications and slide shows will be over very quickly.

Using digital applications the jury can work from their homes all over the country. It is a huge undertaking to be a juror for any sizable show. I spent many hours every week over a period of many months. Having the highest quality photos of your work is  necessary to get into quality shows.

If you are not computer savy then hire someone to help you get your Zap application in. You are going to be left behind if you can not or are unwilling to adapt.

I can understand your frustration with not being able to just hand in your application for a local show. Not everyone doing that show is local most likely. Digital is cheaper and easier in the long run. It is much easier for those putting together the show as well.

One standard application can be sent to multiple shows which really has helped many artists.

I have a friend who is 70 and not computer savy. I have been helping him get digital photos and I help with his applications to shows. He is now getting a computer so he can do email. He continues to grow as an artist and as a person. He knocks me out.

I was so not into computers. I now make my living selling wholesale online.
This has change my life. I can work from home and communicate with people like you all over the country. We can support eachother and network. I love this tool!

[Luann Udell]

Nanci, I missed your post from April.  You can always have Larry Berman help you prepare your digital images for Zapp.  He did some of mine, and once he explained the process to my, my photographer was able to do the rest. 

There are drawbacks to online jurying, but once you get everything set up for the year, it's so simple to apply to mulitple shows.

The first time I entered a show by clicking a few keys on my computer vs. filling out an application, tracking down and labeling slides (only to realize I was out of certain shots because they hadn't been returned from other shows), looking for envelopes and return address labels (and trying to figure out how much postage I needed for the packet and realizing I was out of 3 cent stamps) and getting the whole thing into the mail in time (only to realize I'd forgotten to stamp the return envelope for my slides), I said HALLELUJAH! 

[nanci]

Well, I am certainly all for utilizing the internet for applications, it's just that, being small potatoes as I am,and only doing local shows, I would probably be using Zapp for that one show. It would not be worth the cost to me to pay someone to resize my photos ( although I have heard that Larry Berman is very good at that). Plus, not everyone as of yet has a PC! ( I do, but still, it's a point to be considered).

I guess my complaint is that, for someone who is just getting started as an artist or craftsperson (as I am), Zapp is another area where there is a significant outlay of money (having to buy Photoshop and/or paying to have pics resized), when you are trying to keep costs down.

[artchain]

Nanci,

There are free alternatives to PhotoShop (such as GIMP) that are perfectly fine for preparing your images.

In general I think that the business side of art is no different from any other business...  you need to keep up with current technology, or you will be left behind by your competitors. 

[JessicaFranchuk]

For the non-computer savvy people I always recommend a program called PIXresizer.

It can be downloaded for free at http://bluefive.pair.com/pixresizer.htm



It has a very simple layout and lots of options to choose from and does most of the work for you.

[Tom Young]

In general I think that the business side of art is no different from any other business...  you need to keep up with current technology, or you will be left behind by your competitors.

This is so very true.

The unfortunate part is that so many do not figure this out until they have been left behind with little or no hope of catching up.

Tom

[nanci]

I should realize that you are right about keeping up with the current technology - myself more than most, because I have told my husband that same thing over and over- he JUST got a computer in his store, has been fighting it, and his employee and I told him the same thing,"Like it or not, this is the way it is, and you have to keep up!" I am actually more computer savvy than 98% of the people I know (I believe it is our area- things are generally behind around here), so I can't even find anyone to help!

Thanks so much. I looked earlier, but I could not find any free programs, just free trials for a certain time period. I will download one of those programs, and hopefully I can figure it out and get some pics on Zapp!