Explore our guide to submitting great documentation images of your artwork.

How to Submit Your Images for SSNAP 2025

The submission of digital images is a critical part of your SSNAP entry, as the jury makes selections based on the visual representation of your work. To ensure your submission is clear, professional, and accurately reflects your artwork, please follow these guidelines carefully.

Quick Definitions:

  • File Size: This indicates the amount of storage space the image file occupies on your device. It’s typically measured in kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), or gigabytes (GB). For example, an image file might take up 5MB of storage.
  • File Format: This refers to the type of file in which your image is saved. Common formats include JPEG, PNG, or HEIC files.
  • Resolution: Resolution has two key aspects: 1) the total number of pixels in your image, and 2) how densely those pixels are packed. It’s commonly measured in dots per inch (DPI) or pixels per inch (PPI), with higher PPI indicating better resolution.
  • Color Space: Color space defines the range of colors an image can display. Common color spaces include RGB (used for screens and digital displays) and CMYK (used for print).

Step 1. Submit High-Quality Digital Images

For each entry, you are required to submit at least one digital image that clearly shows the entire artwork as it would be exhibited. You may submit up to three images total per entry, which can include additional views or details of your work.

  • Primary Image: The first image you submit should be of the entire artwork, captured in a way that accurately represents how it will appear in the exhibition space.
  • Secondary Images (Optional): These may include significant details, close-ups of textures, or alternate views of the work. These secondary images can help the jury better understand the nuances of your piece.

Step 2. Follow the Image Format Requirements

To ensure compatibility with our judging system, please adhere to the following SSNAP image file specifications:

  • File size: Each image can be a maximum of 24MB.
  • File format: JPEG or JPG
  • Resolution: 72 ppi – 300 ppi
  • Color Space: RGB

If your file exceeds the size limit, it may not upload correctly, so please resize accordingly. You can use the following free online services to accurately compress your images:

Step 3. Ensure Accuracy

The jury makes their selections based on the digital images you provide, so it is crucial that your images are an exact representation of your artwork. If the work differs from the images or description submitted, it may result in disqualification at the discretion of SSNAP.

Step 4. Keep the Focus on Your Artwork

  • No people in the images: The artist or any other individuals should not appear in the images.
  • No other artwork: Your images should feature only the work being submitted for adjudication. No other pieces should appear in the frame.

These guidelines ensure that the jury can focus entirely on your submission, free from distractions or confusion.

Step 5. Image Quality and Presentation

  • Lighting: Use soft, even lighting to avoid harsh shadows or overexposed areas.
  • Background: Choose a neutral, uncluttered and plain background that doesn’t distract from the artwork.
  • Framing: The artwork should be framed neatly within the image, and the edges of the work should be clearly visible.

By submitting high-quality, well-lit images that showcase your work clearly, you’ll give yourself the best chance of making a strong impression on the jury.

 

Examples of great images here:

Artwork: Lucas Hale, Tammy Salzl, Sarah-Mecca Abdourahman, Guntaj Singh, Kerry Zentner

Step 6. Final Checks Before Uploading

  • Double-check that each image accurately represents the work.
  • Ensure your file sizes are within the required limit.
  • Review your images for clarity, lighting, and composition before submitting.

 

By following these image submission guidelines, you will help ensure your artwork is presented in the best possible light. We look forward to seeing your creative work and wish you the best of luck in the SSNAP 2025 competition!