Are you an artist itching to showcase your talent? Submitting your work to an online drawing competition can open doors to recognition, opportunities, and even cash prizes! Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner with a passion for creativity, entering an online art contest is a fantastic way to gain exposure and put your skills to the test. Whether you specialize in painting, sculpture, or digital art, responding to a call for entries artist notice can help you gain recognition in the art world.

But before you hit “submit,” let’s talk strategy. Winning an art competition for money isn’t just about having jaw-dropping talent—it’s also about knowing how to present your work professionally and make it stand out. Here are five pro tips to ensure your submission shines among thousands of entries.

1. Choose the Right Online Drawing Competition for Your Style

Not all online art contests are created equal. Some cater to realism, while others celebrate abstract expressionism, digital art, or mixed media. Before submitting, research competitions that align with your artistic style.

How to find the best competition?

• Check the theme – Does the contest have a specific subject? If so, ensure your artwork fits the guidelines.

• Look at past winners – This will give you an idea of what kind of artwork resonates with the judges.

• Prize structure – If you’re in it for an art competition for money, review the cash prizes and awards.

Pro Tip: Some popular websites that host online art contests include Teravarna, ArtStation, DeviantArt, and Art Call.

2. Follow the Submission Guidelines for the Letter

This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many artists get disqualified because they ignored submission rules! Every online drawing competition has specific guidelines regarding:

• File formats (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, PDF, etc.)

• Image resolution (usually 300 DPI for high quality)

• Size limits (some contests restrict the file size to 5MB or 10MB)

• Number of submissions per artist

Failing to comply can get your artwork rejected before it even reaches the judges.

Pro Tip: Double-check the guidelines, and if the competition requires a statement about your artwork, make it compelling and concise!

3. Make Your Artwork Look Professional

A masterpiece deserves a flawless presentation. Even if you have exceptional drawing skills, poor lighting or low image quality can ruin the impact of your submission to any online drawing competition. 

How to ensure top-quality images?

• Photograph your artwork in natural light – Avoid shadows and reflections.

• Use a scanner if possible – This ensures the sharpest details.

• Edit your image – Minor tweaks in Photoshop or free tools like Canva can enhance brightness, contrast, and color accuracy.

Pro Tip: If you're submitting a digital drawing, export it in the highest resolution allowed, and ensure the colors look vibrant on different devices. If you're an emerging artist looking for opportunities, keep an eye out for a call for entries and artist announcements from top galleries and competitions.

4. Craft a Winning Artist Statement

Many online art contests ask for an artist statement—a short paragraph explaining your artwork. A strong statement can captivate the judges and set your submission apart.

What makes a good artist statement?

Tell a story – What inspired your piece?
Describe your technique – Did you use unique materials or a special method?
Express emotions – What feelings or messages does your artwork convey?

Pro Tip: Keep it short and engaging—judges don’t have time to read long essays!

5. Promote Your Entry and Network

Your work doesn’t have to stop at just submitting! Many online art contests allow artists to share their entries on social media, and some even have a “People’s Choice” award based on votes.

Boost your chances by:

• Posting your entry on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter with relevant hashtags (#OnlineArtContest #ArtCompetition #ArtistOnInstagram)

• Engaging with other contestants – Comment on their work and build a network.

• Emailing your audience – If you have a newsletter or a website, let your followers know where to vote for your piece!

Pro Tip: Some contests track engagement, and a strong online presence can help you get noticed by art curators or galleries! Don't miss your chance to participate—whenever you see a call for entries artist opportunity, take the leap and submit your masterpiece!

Bonus: Watch Out for Art Contest Scams

Unfortunately, not all art competitions for money are legitimate. Before entering, research the organization behind the contest.

Red flags include:

High entry fees with little to no prize transparency
No visible judges or past winners
Vague contest rules

Stick to reputable platforms to ensure your talent is appreciated (and not exploited).

Final Thoughts

Entering an online drawing competition is an exciting opportunity to showcase your artistic skills and potentially earn rewards. But winning takes more than just artistic talent—it requires strategy, professionalism, and engagement.

By following these five expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to dominating online art contests and making your mark in the art world.

Ready to submit your masterpiece? Start browsing upcoming online art competitions for money and get your work out there!