Organizer Information

Founded in 2024 by artists Ashley Diane Saldana and Karly Jean Kainz, Everything But The Work is an independent digital platform and publication project. Challenging the art world's conventional fixation on finished, commercial end-products, the platform investigates the foundational ideas, daily habits, influences, and personal experiences that drive an artist's practice. Operating via web and social media, the project builds a space for process-focused vulnerability, curiosity, and artistic exchange.

Title & Description

2026 Featured Artist – Quarter 4: Open Call

Everything But The Work has officially opened submissions for its Quarter 4 (October, November, and December 2026) Featured Artist series. The project invites creators from all disciplines to share the behind-the-scenes realities of why and how they create—without ever displaying images of their finished artworks. Selected creators receive a dedicated week-long takeover across the organization's website and Instagram, following a structured 5-day daily narrative arc:

  • Monday: Introduction (Who are you and what do you make?)
  • Tuesday: Processes (What does your practice look like?)
  • Wednesday: Influences (Who inspires you and your work?)
  • Thursday: Challenges (What’s an obstacle you’ve had to overcome?)
  • Friday: Reflections (What’s next?)

Categories

The call accepts submissions across All Creative & Artistic Practices, focusing on Editorial Features, Digital Publications, Process Documentation, and Social Media Spotlights.

Eligibility

  • Demographic Scope: Unconditionally open to all artists, creators, designers, and visual thinkers globally.
  • Geographic Scope: International (Online / Virtual).
  • Restrictions: Strict Rule: Submissions containing images of final, finished artworks are automatically excluded. Material must focus strictly on practice, inspiration, studio environment, process, and influences.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Dedicated Editorial Feature: Selected artists are featured individually for a full 5-day cycle (Monday through Friday) during Q4 (October–December 2026).
  • Multi-Platform Exposure: Cross-published across Everything But The Work's official website and Instagram channel.
  • Community Networking: Direct personal engagement with a global artistic community focused on creative process and vulnerability.

Application Fee

Participation is 100% free of charge ($0 submission fee).

Application Requirements

  1. Application Material: Completed answers matching the 5-day prompt structure (Introduction, Processes, Influences, Challenges, Reflections).
  2. Media Content: Photos/videos documenting process, studio spaces, inspirations, sketches, or daily life.
  3. Publication Consent: Text and images submitted directly through the portal form will serve as the exact published content for the feature.

How to Apply

Submit your process-focused dossier directly through the official website application form.

Key Dates

  • Application Submission Deadline: Sunday, September 27, 2026
  • Feature Publication Schedule: October, November, and December 2026 (Quarter 4)

Location

All submissions, reviews, and featured editorial showcases operate entirely Online.

Additional Details

Because published features rely directly on submitted materials, applicants are encouraged to craft answers thoughtfully. For questions regarding submission formats, reach out directly to everything.but.the.work@gmail.com.

Website Link: Everything But The Work Official Web Hub