Getting high-quality images into your submissions is one of the most important steps in the application process. Galleries rely on clear, accurate photos to evaluate your work, so let's make sure you're uploading images that show your art in the best light.
Supported Image Formats
Crafted Call accepts the following image formats:
JPEG (.jpg) — Best for photographs and colorful work
PNG (.png) — Best for images with transparency or digital art
WEBP (.webp) — Modern format, excellent compression, smaller file sizes
HEIC/HEIF (.heic, .heif) — Common from iPhones and Apple Photos
All supported formats are compressed and optimized automatically. HEIC and HEIF uploads may take a little longer because they are converted during processing.
Recommended Image Specifications
Dimensions:
Long edge (height or width, whichever is longer): 1920–3000 pixels
Minimum: 1200 pixels on the long edge
Aspect ratio: Any ratio is fine (square, portrait, landscape)
File Size:
Maximum: Shown on the call's requirements. Common plan limits are 10 MB, 15 MB, 25 MB, or 100 MB per image depending on the gallery's plan.
Recommended: 2–5 MB for faster uploads
Pro Tip: If your image is over the call's limit, resize it before uploading. Use free tools like Photopea, Squoosh, or your image editing software to reduce dimensions or quality slightly.
Multiple Images Per Submission
Most calls allow (and encourage!) multiple images per artwork submission:
Upload different views or angles
Include detail shots showing texture or craftsmanship
Show the work in context (installed, displayed, or worn)
Highlight different colors or lighting
The number of images is set by the gallery and shown on the call page. Typical limits range from 5 to 20 images per submission depending on the gallery's plan and call settings.
Understanding Image Processing
After you upload an image, here's what happens behind the scenes:
Validation — The system checks file size and format (takes a few seconds)
Variant Generation — Multiple optimized versions are created automatically for different devices (desktop, tablet, phone)
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Status Update — You'll see "Processing" briefly, then "Ready" when variants are complete
Complete — Your image is now stored and can't be accidentally deleted during the submission process
This happens automatically—you don't need to do anything except wait. Processing typically takes less than a minute.
How to Upload Images
Drag and Drop (Easiest):
Click the upload area in the form
Drag image files directly onto the upload box
Drop to upload instantly
Watch the progress bar as files upload
File Picker:
Click "Choose Files" or the upload area
Navigate to your image folder
Select one or multiple images at once
Click "Open" to begin uploading
Both methods work equally well—use whichever feels more natural to you.
Common Upload Errors & Solutions
"File too large"
Your image exceeds the call's file size limit. Resize it using an online tool such as Squoosh.app or an image editor, then try again.
"Unsupported format"
You've uploaded a file type we don't support for artwork images, such as TIFF, BMP, PSD, RAW, SVG, or PDF. Convert to JPEG, PNG, WEBP, HEIC, or HEIF using Photopea, Preview, or another converter.
"Upload interrupted"
Your internet connection dropped. Wait a few seconds and try uploading again. Crafted Call will pick up where you left off.
"Image appears blurry or low quality"
The image you uploaded is too small (less than 1200px on the long edge). Re-upload a larger version.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Good lighting is everything. A well-lit, clear image will always outperform a detailed photo in poor lighting. Invest time in getting the light right before you even press the camera button.
Test your upload with one image first before uploading the entire set
Keep filenames simple (e.g., Lastname_Title_Year.jpg) so you can easily identify them
Don't over-compress—use "High" or "Very High" quality settings in your export
Include context if relevant (work installed, in use, or at human scale)
Use consistent lighting across multiple images so the work looks cohesive
Still having trouble? Contact the gallery hosting the call—they can provide additional guidance specific to their application process.
