How does the entry process work?
Submitting to a call for art through EntryThingy is straightforward. Here’s the complete process from start to finish.
Step 1: Find a Call
Browse available opportunities at app.entrythingy.com/calls_list/ or click “Find Calls” in the navigation menu. You can filter by location, medium, deadline, and more to find calls that match your work.
Step 2: Review Call Details
Click on a call to see full details including:
- Requirements: Media types, size limits, number of pieces
- Deadlines: When submissions close
- Entry fees: Cost to submit (if any)
- Categories: If the call has specific categories to choose from
Make sure you understand the requirements before starting your entry.
Step 3: Create Your Entry
Click “Start Entry” to begin. You’ll need to create an EntryThingy account if you don’t have one yet (it’s free!).
You’ll fill in:
- Basic information: Your name, contact details, and location
- Artist statement: A description of your work or artistic practice
- Custom questions: Some calls include additional questions from the gallery — things like shipping preferences, whether you can attend the opening, or demographic information for grant reporting. If a question is marked as required, you’ll need to answer it before you can submit.
Step 4: Upload Your Artwork
This is where you add the actual images or files you’re submitting:
- Click “Add Piece” for each artwork you want to include
- Upload your image file (usually JPEG or PNG)
- Add details for each piece: title, medium, dimensions, year created, etc.
- Some calls have per-piece custom questions that appear alongside each piece’s details — answer these as you go
- Reorder pieces if the call requires a specific order
Pro tip: If you’ve used EntryThingy before, you can click “Select from My Artwork” to reuse images you’ve uploaded previously. This saves time if you’re applying to multiple calls!
Step 5: Review and Submit
Before submitting:
- Click “Preview” to see how jurors will view your entry
- Double-check that all images uploaded correctly
- Verify all required fields are filled in — including any custom questions from the gallery. The review page shows a checklist of anything still missing.
- Review the entry fee amount (if applicable)
When everything looks good, click “Submit Entry” (or “Submit and Pay” if there’s an entry fee).
Step 6: Payment (if required)
If the call has an entry fee, you’ll be redirected to PayPal to complete payment. After payment, your entry status will automatically update to “Submitted” and you’ll receive a confirmation email.
After Submission
- You can view your entry anytime from “Applications” in the navigation menu
- Your entry status will update as the gallery reviews submissions
- If you need to make changes after submitting, contact the gallery directly—they can help with edits if submissions are still open
Saving Drafts
You don’t have to complete your entry in one sitting! EntryThingy automatically saves your progress as you go. Just come back and click “Applications” to continue where you left off.
Common Questions
“Can I edit my entry after submitting?”
Once submitted, you can’t edit entries yourself—but contact the gallery and they can help if changes are needed before the deadline.
“What file formats are supported?”
Most calls accept JPEG and PNG images. Some may also accept PDF for documents. Check the call’s requirements for specifics.
“How do I know my entry was received?”
You’ll receive a confirmation email, and your entry will show as “Submitted” in your Applications page.
Need help during the process? Each call shows contact information for the gallery hosting it—don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions!