If you’re looking to publish your art in a magazine, there are independent publications that welcome submissions from emerging and mid-career artists. The right feature can introduce your work to a new audience and give you an opportunity to share the story behind your practice.
But magazines vary in their editorial style, audience and submission process. Before applying, take time to find the ones that suit your work and your goals.
Here are five contemporary art magazines to explore, including my own publication, Art Seen Magazine.
Art Magazines Accepting Artist Submissions
Art Seen Magazine
Art Seen Magazine is a quarterly contemporary art magazine, available in print and digital formats. It features emerging and mid-career artists through profiles, interviews and studio visits. The magazine is edited by Gita Joshi and was launched in 2021 with a track record of hitting bestseller spots on Amazon.
Artists can submit work for consideration through the open call. The current call welcomes a range of disciplines including painting, printmaking, drawing, mixed media and sculpture. It is best suited to artists who have developed their practice and are ready to talk about their work and process. Submission details here
You can explore the magazine’s editorial style by reading articles from past issues on the Art Seen website.
Create! Magazine
Create! Magazine is an independent, artist-run publication featuring contemporary artists from around the world. The publication is over 10 years old, founded by Ekaterina Popova and available in print and digital. Its juried open calls offer opportunities for artists to be considered for print and digital issues. Check the details for each call, as requirements and guest jurors change. Past jurors have included The Jealous Curator and Liz Lidgett.
Details to submit can be found here
Women United ART MAGAZINE
Women United ART MAGAZINE is dedicated to women artists around the world. The publication runs curated open calls and features artists working across a variety of disciplines. Visit its submission page for the current issue’s requirements.
Artist Talk Magazine
Artist Talk Magazine invites artists from around the world to submit work across media and career stages. Its website shares past issues and details of magazine open calls, including application costs and selection information.
New Visionary Magazine
Published by Visionary Art Collective, New Visionary features contemporary artwork, artist interviews, studio visits and art career resources. Its website provides access to issues and submission information.
How to Choose an Art Magazine for Your art
Before submitting, get familiar with the publication. Buy or download a copy, read the features and look at the artists it presents. Notice its editorial style: does it focus on individual artworks, interviews, studio visits or something else?
Look at the people behind the magazine, too. A named editor or team gives you someone to learn about or you may follow them on socials, which can help you feel more confident about submitting your work. Explore their website and social media to see how they communicate with artists and readers. If you can’t find out who runs the publication, take extra time to research it and ask questions before submitting or sharing your work.
Read the terms before paying a fee. Check whether there is a submission fee, an additional publication fee, what is included if you are selected, and how your images may be used. Fees and opportunities vary, so decide whether the potential feature fits your goals and budget.
How to Make a Strong Art Magazine Submission
Having reviewed submissions for Art Seen, I know that presentation makes a difference. Give the editor a clear view of your work and make it easy to understand your practice.
Start with these quick wins:
Choose a cohesive selection of work. Pieces that relate to one another can give an editor a clearer sense of your practice.
Use strong, accurately cropped images. Follow the magazine’s file size and resolution requirements.
Label your files as requested. Include the artwork details the publication asks for.
Write a clear artist bio and statement. Help the reader understand your work rather than relying on a list of achievements.
Check your website. Make sure it is current and gives an editor somewhere to learn more about you.
A thoughtful submission begins with choosing a publication that feels right for your work. Read the magazine, follow its guidelines and give the editors the information they need to see your practice at its best.