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WRITERS’ SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
If you have a unique artistic technique you’d like to share with others, please send samples of your artwork accompanied by a query letter outlining your article idea to the respective Managing Editor at:
(Name of Magazine Title)
22992 Mill Creek, Suite B
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Managing editors also welcome brief e-mail queries. (E-mail address can be found on the masthead of each publication.) No telephone calls, please.
Please note that the artwork itself often sells the article. Managing editors seek first-rate projects and encourage artists who have not published articles before to submit ideas, as editorial assistance will be provided. Competitive editorial compensation is provided for all published articles.
Depending on which magazine you are most interested in submitting artwork to, you are encouraged to review any additional guidelines that are unique to each magazine, which are published in each issue of all standing titles. Listed below is an outline of some of the upcoming themes, challenges (and other pertinent information) unique to our current regular standing titles. Immediately following the information regarding our regular standing titles is an outline of what we are looking for for our quarterly, bi-annual, and annual special publications:
CALLS & CHALLENGES: Regular Standing Titles
Themes
Paper Dolls (Newsstand Date: March 1, 2009)
Paper dolls are a blast from the past, and can be made of anything, and go anywhere ... with the creative imagination of the artist. They are no longer only found in books for little girls; paper dolls are created with artist paper, collaged, embellished, and sometimes contain movable parts. Solo or in groups, these products of playtime can be fanciful or serious, simple or complex.
Somerset Studio invites you to submit mixed-media and paper projects that breathe life into paper dolls. Rejoice in the fun of creating a persona from paper. Experiment with shape and medium to find innovative avenues for this established art.
We must receive your Artwork by October 15, 2008.
Andrew Lloyd Weber (Newsstand Date: May 1, 2009)
As an extension of fine taste and popular culture, Andrew Lloyd Weber has become intrinsically a part of contemporary theater. And we'd like to see you honor the genius of his works. Fashion the Phantom of the Opera, take creative cues from Cats, emulate Evita and more, as you stay in tune with your artform.
Use mixed-media or other off-stage mediums to showcase your performance. We urge you to compose your own pieces that contain the richness of a night out, helpibng us escape to another time and place, while stirring the soul. Meld the musical, tragic and imaginative into submissions that will inspire us to give a standing ovation.
We must receive your artwork by December 15, 2008.
Sisterhood (Newsstand Date: July 1, 2009)
Roars of laughter, heartfelt tears, and late night conversations are just some of the fond memories that sisters collect through the years. Somerset Studio invites you to create works that honor these very special relationships.
Beyond familial sisters, you may have a circle of art-swap sisters, a mixed-media sister, and any number of “sisterly” friendships that bond you together with someone who is always there for you and “gets you.” We welcome mixed-media projects in all sizes, colors and shapes that help pay tribute to sisterhood.
We must receive your artwork by February 15, 2009.
Calls for Creativity/Challenges
Cards
Thank you to all artists who continue to submit dimensional works for Somerset Studio. Please also note that we have an on-going need for cards and other smaller flat works of art. This is an on-going call for each theme as outlined above..
Challenges
Challenges
Spool Wrapped Memories
Here’s another fun way to share and display your memories that’s definitely thinking outside the box … or page … or album. Using an empty spool and lots of creativity, wrap your version of special memories onto the spool. We presented some artful spools in the premier issue Somerset Life in a feature called “A New Spool of Thought,” by Lisa Guerin. The idea is to turn ordinary items into vessels for memories. What kind of beautiful spool wrapped treasures can you come up with? Results will be published in the February/March 2009 issue.
Deadline: October 1, 2008.
Memories in Moments
Share a heritage/memory art project that can be completed in 20 minutes or less! In the increasing rush and complexity of everyday life, not everyone has time to spend hours upon hours creating beautiful art (though we’d all love to in a perfect world). However, we know that beautiful heritage/memory art can be created in a few precious moments, and we’d love to gather your innovative ideas and inspire readers to preserve their precious memories in those little pockets of time (20 minutes or less) as they arise. For information on submitting your artwork, please see the Submission Guidelines, and be sure to note clearly “Memories in Moments” in your submission. Deadline for artwork to be received: On-going.
Go digital
If you have created computer-generated scrapbook pages, simply e-mail low resolution scans (72 dpi) of your pages to us at: memoriessubmissions@stampington.com. If we choose your page, we'll contact you via e-mail for the high-resolution image. Deadline for artwork to be received: On-going.
Show Your True Self – Tattoos and All
Scrapbook pages often depict seemingly perfect people – adorable infants, angelic children who never throw a tantrum, and dreamy, air-brushed self-portraits. Then there’s the heartwarming journaling recounting baby’s first tooth, a first day of school, a wedding. While it’s important to preserve such happy moments, it’s also the dark and difficult days, the somber thoughts and serious reflection that can make for compelling pages. We invite you to create your own scrapbook pages that look at life honestly, that are unafraid to share the negative feelings as well as the positive ones, and that offer a self-portrait that’s true to oneself and one’s view of reality rather than an idealized picture. There’s no formula, no single style, no one way to create these pages. We’ll publish as many of your pages as we can in upcoming issues. Deadline for artwork to be received: On-going.
Challenges
Feeling Themeless?
The Stampers’ Sampler always welcomes general stamped artwork. If you can’t find one of our themes or challenges to fit your mood, feel free to create a sample or project of your choice. You’ll receive a free copy of any issue in which your work appears.
The Celebration Issue!
Join the fun in our April/May 2009 issue as we focus on the many celebrations in life. Whether it's birthdays, anniversaries, births, weddings, graduations, retirements, new homes, Mother's or Father's Day, we want your stamped cards honoring the memorable events in life. Proclaimed “Celebration Extravaganza Issue,” our ode to all celebrations will be showcased throughout the magazine. Absolute Deadline: November 15, 2008
Fuchia Frenzy
It’s time yet again for our annual color challenge! Put on your creativity caps and show us what you can do with one of this season’s hottest colors — fuchsia! Pair it with yellow to create one of the hottest color combinations of the moment. Pair it with yellow to make a delicious summer card. We can’t wait to see everything you come up with for our June/July 2009 issue. Absolute Deadline: January 15, 2009
Polka Dots on Parade
There is just something about polka dots that have us turning to them, time and time again. They’ve been around forever, and yet we’ve never tired of them. They can be fun and playful but sophisticated at the same time. We want you to embrace one of the most-loved patterns of all time. What different ways can you use polka dots in your work? Do you have a great stamp that lets you use them? Or do you prefer to make them on your own? Whatever your pleasure, send us your polka dot creations for our June/July 2009 issue. Absolute Deadline: January 15, 2009
Challenges
INSPIRED ARTISAN
Designers of art-to-wear garments and accessories can find inspiration from almost anywhere. For Susanna Gordon, in our March/April 2008 issue of Belle Armoire, it was the floor-to-ceiling chalkboard menu from French cafés that inspired her handbag design. We challenge you to keep your eyes open to observe things on the ground, in the air, in and around buildings... or any other place you find yourself, to get inspired for your next art-to-wear design.
For your creation to be considered for publication for future installments of The Inspired Artisan, please send a hi-resolution digital image (300 dpi at 8" x 10") of the inspiration (either e-mailed to the Editor-in-Chief at beleditor@bellearmoire.com or burned on a CD) along with your actual art-to-wear creation to Belle Armoire by following the Submission Guidelines. Deadline: Ongoing.
STUDENT RUNWAY
Belle Armoire seeks original, handmade artwear by students and working apprentices to present as part of the Student Runway Department. To be considered for publication, please see top of page for details on mailing artwork and ensuring its return. Artwear may include garments, jewelry and accessories, and projects and techniques may encompass sewing; knitting and crochet; mixed-media adornment of clothing, jewelry and accessories; surface embellishment; beading; wirework; glass; and polymer and art metal clay. Submissions should include information on apparel, textiles, jewelry or other classes taken, as well as contact information for an instructor or professor overseeing your studies. The editor welcomes brief e-mail queries at beleditor@bellarmoire.com. Deadline: Ongoing.
BELTED OUT & BUCKLED UP
What’s around your waist? Is it macraméd or braded? Rhinstone-studded or needle felted? Crocheted or knitted? Thick or skinny? Shiny or distressed? And what about the buckle that brings it all together? Is it a metal oval with a collage in the middle? Or maybe a recycled piece of vintage bling. We challenge you to create artistic belts and buckles that you can imagine and submit them to be considered for publication in Belle Armoire.
Deadline: We must receive your artwork by October 15, 2008.
CORSET COUTURE
Historically, corsets were worn to mold and shape the torso into a desired shape for aesthetic or medical purposes. Today, corsets of all sizes and shapes are becoming chic fashion accessories that can be worn with almost anything. Pair them with long skirts or dresses to exude a romantic and feminine mystique. For a style that's more rockin' or gothic, pair them with jeans or leather pants. We challenge you to create a corset from scratch or alter an existing one and submit them to us to be considered for publication in Belle Armoire.
Deadline: We must receive your artwork by December 15, 2008. |
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SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS: Quarterlies
A hand-me-down sweater … a raggedy old skirt from the thrift store … a plain T-shirt … Using just a few tools coupled with your creativity, all of these items can be transformed into fantastic works of wearable art! The publisher of Belle Armoire and Somerset Studio invites you to submit your own altered and embellished clothing and accessories to be considered for the second volume of this exciting publication. Chapters will include Skirts & Dresses, Pants & Overalls, Jackets & Vests, Shirts & Tops, Children’s Wear, Sassy Shoes, and Accessories. Deadline for artwork to be received: Quarterly every September 15th, December 15th, March 15th, and June 15th.
THRIFTY ENSEMBLES
Got 20 bucks? Then you qualify for this challenge:
1. Visit a thrift store and purchase a complete outfit for no more than $20.
2. Take “before” photos of the outfit.
3. Alter the outfit a la Altered Couture so that it transforms into an art-to-wear outfit.
4. Write a brief description about the experience.
5. Submit the photos, altered outfit and description.
Deadline: Ongoing.
FASHION ICON: MADONNA
One of our most popular music artists is also one of our enduring fashion icons known by a single name: Madonna. Ever re-inventing herself, she has produced many fun and fabulous styles throughout her career. From crosses and crinolines to her disco dancing queen look, there are countless looks to choose from. Whatever she donned, her fashions always made a statement. We challenge you to create clothes inspired by this fashion icon. Deadline: December 15, 2008.
JEWELRY
If you’d like to share your inspiration and detailed how-to instruction for creating beautiful jewelry with readers, we want to hear from you. Belle Armoire Jewelry covers a broad range of mediums, from art clay to polymer clay to found object to fiber to wire to beads and much, much more. Whether you are a creator of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches, pendants, rings or other jewelry, we welcome you to submit your artwork for consideration of publication. Deadline for artwork to be received: Quarterly every October 15th, January 15th, April 15th, and July 15th.
This is our newest quarterly publication. If you are the creator of a blog or know of one that you think other creative minds would like to know about, please send a letter of interest to the Managing Editor. Deadline: Ongoing.
Life Images
Life Images will feature the very best of your most artistic, emotionally moving, or expressive photos along with a few of your words. These photos should be of people, places and things important in your life, whether for a fleeting moment or a lifetime. We are interested in your journal entry that would accompany these photos – whether it be a heartfelt short story, expressive comment, or emotional poem. All original or copies of photographs submitted must be clearly identified with the artist’s name, address, email and phone number on each photo. We also require information on the camera make & model, film or digital, altered or unaltered. If altered, please indicate software and techniques used or materials and technique used for manual alteration (i.e. bleaching, etc.) We also ask that your journal entry be attached. If you prefer, you may send the images, copy and photo information electronically to the managing editor Staci Dumoski at sdumoski@stampington.com. Deadline for images to be received: Quarterly every September 15th, Decembr 15th, March 15th, and June 15th.
These Words:
Let the words we provide inspire your photography. It might be a quote, a
favorite poem or an old saying. How does it make you feel? What does it make
you see? Show us with your original photos that illustrate the essence of
the words before you. Upcoming: “Color helps to express light, not only the
physical phenomenon, but the only light that really exists, that in the
artist's brain. -- Henri Matisse” Deadline for submissions is September 15th.
Photo Technique:
Here’s your opportunity to expand your skills and try your hand at something
new. In each issue, we’ll introduce a new technique for taking photos, or a
method for altering the photos you’ve already taken. Give it a try, and send
us your best results. Upcoming: Digital Effects (due September 15th), motion
blur photography (due December 15th) and Polaroid emulsions (due March 16,
2009).
Collaborative Challenge:
Classes, photography clubs and other groups are invited to submit
collaborative works. These might be collected images on a single theme,
photo journals, photo essays, or any other works with two or more active
contributors. Submissions for this special challenge are ongoing, and
collaborators are welcome to query before submitting work.
THE MAGIC OF:
For these challenges, we’d like to see the unique ways in which you treat these raw materials and then incorporate them into your everyday living. Please refer to the article in this issue about The Magic of Crepe Paper (and the article about The Magic of Cheesecloth in our inaugural issue available at www.stampington.com) for ideas on what we are looking for:
• STRING: String can be dyed, knotted, braided, macraméd, cut, sewn and shredded. Please share your most favorite ways to work with string. DEADLINE: August 15, 2008.
• TULLE: This sheer fabric comes in many colors and can be placed atop of paper or fabric to add sheen, elegance, and romance. It can be stitched into a gift bag, torn into strips, and so much more. DEADLINE: November 15, 2008.
• STYROFOAM: The artful applications of this polystyrene material have far surpassed what the practical applications ever were intended to be. Paint on it, build with it, shape it. Lightweight and versatile, you can use it for art and decoration. What are your artful Styrofoam ideas? DEADLINE: February 15, 2009.
ELEVATING THE ORDINARY:
For these challenges, the publisher offers ideas for readers to join her in an effort to share in experiences that are sure to stretch the boundaries of our creativity. In this current issue, the publisher inspired the Somerset Life® team to visit their local warehouse store and find a product that could be artistically transformed. In our inaugural issue, the challenge was for the team to visit an antique store and to select just one item for under $10 and to incorporate that item into our everyday living. We would like for readers to join the publisher's creative team by taking up her challenges to elevate the ordinary:
• HARDWARE STORE: Nuts, bolts and washers, oh my! Visit your local hardware store and show us how elements from these aisles can help enhance our everyday lives. DEADLINE: August 15, 2008.
• WAL-MART: You can find almost anything at Wal-Mart; plastic containers, linens, office organizers, the possibilities are almost endless. Show us how you use everyday items to elevate the ordinary and live artfully. DEADLINE: November 15, 2008.
CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE:
As Oprah Winfrey says, "The more we celebrate life, the more in life there is to celebrate." To this end, we'd like for you to join us in creating themed parties that everyone can enjoy. Whether your contribution is the invitation or the favor or the centerpiece or other decoration, join us as we celebrate life:
• VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY: Candles in pretty votives, handmade cards, paper flowers, and more. DEADLINE: August 15, 2008.
• MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH: Show us how you honor the maternal influences in your life. DEADLINE: November 15, 2008.
LOCALES OF INTRIGUE:
This special department features stories about truly unique stores and boutiques across the globe. Stores that would like to be featured in this department are asked to submit digital images of the store with a brief written query to the Editor-in- Chief at someditor@somersetstudio.com. If the submission is accepted, professional hi-resolution digital images (300 dpi at 8" x10") will need to be furnished by the store. DEADLINE: Ongoing. Upcoming Challenges
LIFE CREATIVE SPACES:
Where do you create? Whether it's a small table or breakfast nook, cleared-out closet, or an actual room dedicated as your creative studio, we want to peek inside. If you think your creative space is something that Somerset Life® readers would like to learn more about, please submit digital images of your space with a brief written query to the Editor- in-Chief at someditor@somersetstudio.com. If the submission is accepted, you will be asked to furnish professional hi-resolution images (300 dpi at 8" x 10"). DEADLINE: Ongoing.
MOOD BOARDS: Artists frequently create mood boards that contain scraps of paper or fabric or other assorted elements that they like to display on a wall or a large piece of cardboard or foam core. These boards provide a ground from which ideas for projects come alive. Aside from their functionality, mood boards can become incorporated as part of the décor. Please submit digital images of your mood boards with a brief written query to the Editor-in-Chief at someditor@somersetstudio.com. If the submission is accepted, you will be asked to either furnish the actual mood board or to provide professional hi-resolution images (300 dpi at 8" x10"). DEADLINE: Ongoing.
ARTFUL KITS: We all love to collect papers, ribbons, embellishments, and other bits and bobs. More fun than collecting specific elements is finding creative ways to juxtapose the pieces together to create unique kits. Whether you create them to give away or to sell or offer to students in a workshop setting, we’d like to see your favorite kits. Please send in kit samples directly to the Editor-in-Chief as outlined in the Submission Guidelines. DEADLINE: Ongoing.
MISCELLANY: Sometimes, an image of something lovely is all we need to feel inspired. Have you taken a photo of something that makes you feel inspired? Perhaps it is a photo of your collection of vintage handkerchiefs. Or an old stack of books. Or your treasured stash of ribbons. Please submit your favorite digital images (5" x 7" @ 300 dpi) to be considered for Somerset Life’s® special Miscellany department to the Editor-in-Chief at someditor@somersetstudio.com.
SEASONAL: We also encourage general submissions centered around the seasons.
• Submissions for New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter and other winter-related celebrations need to arrive every August 15th.
• Submissions for Easter, Mother's Day, Father’s Day and other spring-related celebrations need to arrive every November 15th.
• Submissions for Independence Day, "Back-to-School," and other summer-related celebrations need to arrive every February 15th.
• Submissions for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and other autumn/winter-related celebrations need to arrive every May 15th.
MARTINI GLASSES: For a fun and fresh way to present sweet treats around the house, Jenny Doh took one of her martini glasses and covered it with vintage wallpaper and added a small ribbon to the stem. We’d like to see your embellished martini glasses and unique items that you would place in them... treats, jewelry, art supplies, etc. DEADLINE: August 15, 2008.
We are looking for quick and easy stamped cards for this best-selling magazine. Send us your “ten minutes or less” artwork in any style, theme or color and we’ll send you a free issue if your artwork is published. (Due to the volume of submissions, artwork submitted to Take Ten will not be returned.) Deadline: On-going
SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS: Semi-Annuals
How do you carry it? That’s the question Somerset Studio would like to help answer through our new and exciting special publication titled Haute Handbags. Whether we use purses, clutches, totes, portfolios, sacks, bags, or attachés, there are many styles made with an astounding array of materials emerging from all corners of the creative world – all vying to be carried and used with style. You are welcome to construct a bag from scratch, or to purchase one that you embellish and alter with paints, beads, rubber stamps, ribbons, buttons, transparencies, and more. No medium or material is ruled out so use your imagination to make bags of leather, wool, fabric, paper, plastic, wood, glass, or any other materials that you love. Deadline for artwork to be received: Semi-annually every November 15th, and May 15th.
The Art of Creative Sewing & Mixed-Media
More than ever before, artists are discovering the joy of combining sewing with mixed-media projects, as artists recognize that stitches are not limited just to fabrics. Machine stitching can be added to almost anything including paper, transparencies, fabric, batting, canvas, foil, paper bags, kraft paper, and so much more. For those who choose to work with more durable materials like wood, metal and clay, stitches can also be added, but usually by hand. Whether you sew by hand or machine, we invite you submit your most innovative and imaginative art projects that incorporate sewing, for this brand new special publication. Sew Somerset will feature projects of the highest caliber that Somerset Studio is known for … projects that will surely take your breath away … projects that will look “So Somerset!” In this 144-page publication, you will find beautiful photographs, easy-to-understand techniques, and a bounty of tips, ideas and inspiration. Sew Somerset will help you learn how to add stitches of varied lengths, sizes, colors, and dimension into your next art project. Deadline for artwork to be received: Semi-annually every July 15th and January 15th.
This is a bi-annual publication that publishes stepped-out projects. If you have a technique that you think could lead a Somerset Workshop, please send a letter of interest to the Editor-in-Chief outlining your ideas. Deadline: On-going.
SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS: Annuals
Somerset Digital Studio
Digital artwork is HOT right now and we’re super excited about the premier of a new publication that will feature all digital designs. Somerset Digital Studio will focus on all things digital — scrapbook pages, ATCs, collages, cards, invitations, calendars, clothing, heritage pieces — anything that is unique, distinctive, artistic and created digitally. In order to be considered for publication in Somerset Digital Studio, please send via e-mail the following for each submission: a high-res image (300 dpi, at least 6 x 6 inches), a brief paragraph describing the artwork (who's who in any photos or why you were inspired to create it), instructions on how you created your digital artwork including the specifics as to what tools, programs, etc. you used. Please include your name, e-mail and mailing address with every submission. E-mailed submissions should be directed to the managing editor, Jana Holstein, at somersetdigital@stampington.com. Please put “Somerset Digital Studio” in the subject line. Deadline for artwork to be received: Annually every November 15th.
Handcrafted Projects for Christmas, Halloween & Other Holidays
For most art and crafting enthusiasts, holidays are the best reasons to create handcrafted projects … either to keep and treasure in the home, or to give and share with friends and loved ones. But with so many holidays that seem to come around more quickly with the passing of each year, even the most creative minds need project ideas. Christmas cards, gift wrap papers, wreaths, advent calendars, Halloween trick-or-treat pails, papier mâché Valentine hearts, glittery paper hats for the New Year, patriotic paper fans for Independence Day, and Thanksgiving table decorations are just some project ideas that you might consider. Somerset Holidays is sure to become a holiday tradition in many homes, where ideas for creative celebrations abound. Please submit your most festive projects for the following categories to be considered for this beautiful 144-page publication. Deadline for artwork to be received: Annually every April 15th.
You are cordially invited to submit artwork to be considered for this special publication showcasing handcrafted items to decorate the home. A Somerset Home will feature items from every room in the home – from the bedroom, the kids’ room and the bathroom, to the kitchen and the living room. And don’t forget the backyard and the front porch! We are looking for a variety of items including but not limited to: embellished pillows, wall art, hooked rugs, altered lamp shades, quilts, table top items, aprons, embellished chandeliers, garlands for the mantle, decorations for the front door, slipcovers, and more! Deadline for artwork to be received: Annually every March 15th.
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