to meet your responsibilities this follows you like a
How Do I ? bad mark on a resume. If you submit something inappropriate for a publication call, it just goes in
the circular file. Likewise, do some research about
the magazine, company or site to which you are By Vicki
applying. Take note of the type of work they lean
toward. Every magazine, company or site has its
own style. Make sure you fit. If your style is
eclectic, and you see a call for a site that prefers
A perennial question you see showing up from simple and clean, this may not be for you.
paper publications to message boards is: What is
the secret to being accepted when submitting for Follow the instructions in the call exactly. If you
publication and design team calls? Let me start by cannot follow the instructions in an initial call, you
saying there is no secret recipe, no magic formula. send a message that you may not be able to follow
However, there are a few things you can do to instructions as a Team member. You also will likely
increase your chances. Now, doing these things be eliminated before your work is even evaluated.
will not guarantee your success, but your chances If you are submitting for a Design Team, it's always
will increase significantly. a good idea to keep an updated Scrapping Resume.
Even if one is not requested, many times
First, read the publication or design team call information from it can help you answer
thoroughly. Seems simple enough, but this can preliminary questions to you by the sponsor of the
make or break you. Many calls are about very call.
specific requirements. Follow those exactly, and
you at least make it past the initial screen. This Take time in compiling images and writing up the
demonstrates your professionalism, attention to information requested. Make sure images of
detail and ability to follow instruction. If you read layouts or other projects are clear, focused and
a call and have a question or questions...Ask! well lit. Scan items, if possible, as this gives the
Contact the person noted in the call with your best image. But if you don't own a scanner, or your
questions. Make sure you address all your items don't lend themselves to scanning,
concerns in one email. This demonstrates that you photography is fine. But take careful consideration
are thorough and not afraid to seek guidance, but in getting the best photographs. Photograph your
not needy. projects in bright indirect sunlight. Use a white or
other neutral background. Avoid deep shadows or
After you examine a call and get your questions glare. Try to photograph layouts directly from
addressed, decide if this is for you! Be realistic! If above to avoid distortion of the image. When
the requirements are something you cannot or do compiling supply lists be a thorough as possible.
not meet, don't submit! Many people seem to Make sure your supply list is complete. Do not
think this is something they can flake on. It's not. abbreviate manufacturer names. If you use
Site owners talk, magazine editors talk, photographs taken professionally or of persons not
manufacturers talk. If you take a position and fail in your immediate family, disclose this information.
11

Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42