The following items are required with your application.

1. Full Name and Collaborator's Full Name - Tell us your full name and how you wished to be addressed in public. Include the pseudo or business name you work under, e.g. John Smith aka "SmithWorks". List any additional project collaborators following the same format.

2. Email and Telephone - Tell us how to reach you. IMPORTANT! Add contact (at) bigink (dot) org and lyellcastonguay (at) gmail (dot) com to your email client's approved sender list.

3. Mailing Address - Tell us where we should send Speedball Art Products printmaking samples if your application is accepted.

4. Website - Tell us where we can find more of your work. We recommend creating an public Instagram account and posting images if you don't have a website.

5. Facebook & Instagram Username - We use this information to tag you on social media posts leading up to the event.

6. Referral - How did you hear about us? Please be specific as possible.

7. Project Statement - Describe your expectations, experience level, and what you hope to achieve. Mention the challenges and rewards you envision along the way. One paragraph.

8. Anticipated Dimensions - Tell us how big you plan on working. IMPORTANT! The woodblock must be at least 24 by 36 inches but no larger than 40 by 96 inches in dimension. We sometimes work with venues that have an oversized press on-site. Please confirm the maximum allowable size under the OPEN CALLS section on this page.

9. Image Upload - Show us what you intend to carve by uploading a black and white drawing, digital graphic, painting, photograph, or print. Either a previously created image or a new concept is acceptable. The image must be formatted as a JPG with the following file name format: YourFirstName_YourLastName.jpg, e.g. John_Smith.jpg. The digital image must be sent as JPG (.jpg). Files with a .docx, .pdf, or (.jpeg) extension will not work in the system. Do not include identifying information on the image.

BIG INK Directors Lyell Castonguay and Carand Burnet review each submission.

We select submissions that follow all the directions as laid out in the entry form. We look for statements that provide insight into the applicant's artistic practice. We also evaluate the applicant's ability to complete the project based on the complexity and scale of the proposed carving.

It is free to submit; accepted applicants pay $300.

Participation highlights include access to our online woodblock printmaking master class for one year, Speedball Art Products printmaking samples, hands-on instruction during the event, and three prints from your woodblock.

Yes, no prior printmaking experience is necessary and artists of all skill levels are encouraged to apply. You'll learn the woodblock printmaking process through a combination of online and in-person instruction.

Artists can collaborate on one image. The image upload must include the whole design. We also recommend outlining how each artist will contribute in the project statement.

Yes, a new concept is not necessary.

Design changes are allowed. Any changes must be in keeping with the style and character of the original submission. For example don't submit a landscape image and then decide to carve a portrait.

All information provided to BIG INK will be held in strict confidence. We use the information from your application solely to evaluate your request.

Accepted applicants receive a registration email two days following the call's deadline.

Masa paper and Speedball Art Products oil-based block printing ink are provided on printing day.

Participants purchase their own 1/2 or 3/8 inch carving substrate. BIG INK recommends Cherry Plywood, Shina Plywood, or Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF).

Participants also purchase their own carving tools. We recommend the Power Grip brand. Our master class goes into greater detail and includes product purchase links.

Participants are responsible for their own lodging and meals. We recommend Airbnb. Click the link below to save $40 on your first booking.

First your application must be submitted, reviewed, and accepted. Then you will receive a welcome letter and Paypal invoice shortly following the call's deadline.

The woodblock must be at least 24 by 36 inches but no larger than 40 by 96 inches in dimension. We sometimes work with venues that have an oversized press on-site. Please confirm the maximum allowable size under the OPEN CALLS section on this page.

Our printing method isn't suited for lino but we encourage artists to try other substrates. For example, MDF is just as easy to carve and can be printed on "The Big Tuna".

We cannot accommodate color printing during our public events.

We are unable to offer scholarships to new applicants at this time. Artists have applied for funding through local and state grants, The Awesome Foundation, Kickstarter and the Chenven Foundation.

All artists previously accepted into a call-for-entry will be considered for the Speedball Art Products Alumni Scholarship should they reapply for another call.

Yes

Participation fees are non-refundable.

Normally yes but because of COVID we're allowing participants to drop their woodblock off on their assigned print day.

Yes, contact us beforehand so we can coordinate with the venue. Please include a return label in the package.

We recommend cutting exceptionally large woodblocks into pieces. We will abut them together on the press before printing. Keep in mind this will create a thin white line on the finished print.

We offer limited edition printing to all program alumni. Click the link below for more information.

We can be reached anytime via email. Send all inquiries to contact (at) bigink (dot) org.