Spectrum Live is less than 2 months away, and I am very happy to say that Muddy Colors will officially have a booth there! At the booth, we will be exhibiting art from our contributors (even from some that can not attend), doing demos, and even doing some portfolio reviews.

Photo © Irene Gallo

We’ve spoken on Muddy Colors before about the great importance of conventions. How presenting your art in a professional and public manner is very important when trying establish, maintain and expand your career. I know a lot of artists who have gotten their big break thanks to their exhibiting at a convention.

But conventions can be really expensive, especially for those just starting out. Dishing out $500 for a table, and shipping all of your stuff (both ways) is not always financially feasible for a budding artist who is still trying to land their first job. It’s a bit of a Catch 22… you need to advertise to make money, but you need money in order to advertise.

So what is an aspiring illustrator to do?

Well, we here at Muddy Colors would like to help you get the exposure you need. As such, we are proud to announce our first ever ‘Muddy Colors: Rising Stars‘ showcase.

Muddy Colors will be awarding FREE display space to three lucky would-be illustrators. You can have your painting hang in a professional setting, for thousands to see, right alongside our own.

And the best part… it doesn’t cost you a thing! There is no fee to submit, no fee to exhibit, and no commission will be taken should your painting sell. The only cost to you is getting your painting there, and back. You don’t even need to be there, you can ship it to us!

Here is how to submit:

-Send an email to: Muddycolors@gmail.com
-In the header, place the subject: Muddy Colors: Rising Stars
-Attach a single scan of the work you wish to submit for consideration.
-In the email, also include: Your full name, a phone number, and medium/dimension info for the attached image.
-(You may submit up to 3 pieces of art, but each entry must be submitted in separate emails.)
-Deadline for Submission is April 2nd, 12:00 am EST

A panel of Muddy Colors contributors will view all the entires, and select their three favorite pieces for inclusion. We will personally contact the winners no later than April 8th.

This showcase is open to artists from any country, and artworks of ANY medium. However, the only stipulation is that there must be a physical piece of art to hang. That means if you work digitally, you will need to print, and frame your work in a professional manner. Please be certain you are capable of framing and shipping your work prior to submitting.