Artist and Contributor
Frequently Asked Questions
Every artist has a story worth sharing. Whether you’re considering submitting your work for the first time or returning with a new creative journey to tell, you’ll find answers to our most common contributor questions below.
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Becoming a Contributor
Thinking about becoming a contributor to The Turquoise Iris Journal? Learn what we look for in featured artists, how our submission process works, and what it means to become a published contributor in our quarterly journal celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and meaningful storytelling.
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Can I apply more than once?
Absolutely! We welcome artists to apply more than once.
Every volume of The Turquoise Iris Journal is curated around a unique editorial theme, and a submission that may not be the right fit for one volume could be perfect for another. We also know that artists grow and evolve over time.
When possible, our editorial team may offer feedback to help strengthen a future submission. We love seeing artists return with new work, fresh ideas, and an even stronger application.
Do you accept international contributors?
Yes! We proudly welcome contributors from around the world.
Creativity knows no borders, and we believe our international contributors bring unique perspectives that enrich every volume of The Turquoise Iris Journal. Over the years, we’ve featured artists from across Europe, the Caribbean, Australia, and beyond, creating a global community united by a shared love of creativity.
No matter where you call home, we’d love to see your work.
Do you only feature painters?
Not at all.
The Turquoise Iris Journal celebrates creativity in all its forms. While painters are certainly part of our community, we also feature photographers, flower growers, floral designers, furniture restorers, fiber artists, clay artists, mixed media artists, woodworkers, printmakers, illustrators, jewelers, sculptors, paper artists, basket weavers, writers, musicians, and many other creative makers and entrepreneurs.
If your creative work can be shared through beautiful imagery and meaningful storytelling, we’d love to learn more about you.
Who is The Turquoise Iris Journal for?
The Journal is for anyone who finds joy in creativity.
Our readers include professional artists, hobby painters, makers, collectors, interior designers, art educators, and creative enthusiasts who appreciate the stories behind beautiful work. Whether you’re looking to improve your own artistic practice, discover new artists, or simply enjoy thoughtfully curated creative content, you’ll feel at home here.
No matter where you are in your creative journey, there’s something to inspire you in every volume.
What makes someone a great fit for The Turquoise Iris Journal?
Beautiful artwork may catch our attention, but it’s rarely the only reason someone is selected.
We’re looking for artists who are authentic, generous in sharing their creative process, and passionate about encouraging others. We love contributors who are willing to teach, inspire, and invite readers behind the scenes of their creative journey.
Every feature is about more than the finished work—it’s about the person, the story, and the joy of creating.
Ready to become a contributor? Apply Now! →
Every artist has a story worth telling.
The Submission Process
Every volume begins with the stories and artwork shared by artists like you. Learn how to prepare your application, what our editorial team looks for, and what to expect throughout the submission process.
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How long are submissions open?
We accept submissions throughout the year.
Rather than opening and closing submissions for each issue, we continually review applications and select contributors as they best fit the theme and editorial vision of upcoming volumes.
If you’ve been considering applying, there’s no need to wait—we’d love to hear from you.
How long does it take to hear back?
Because every submission is thoughtfully reviewed, it may take several weeks to hear from our editorial team.
We appreciate your patience as we carefully curate each volume and consider how every artist’s work contributes to the overall reader experience.
Can I update my application after submitting?
If something changes after you’ve submitted your application—whether you’ve created new work, updated your website, or have additional information to share—you can update your application or contact our editorial team directly.
We know creative businesses are always evolving, and we’re happy to work with you when appropriate.
What should I include in my application?
The more we can learn about you and your work, the better.
Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible and include links to your website and social media where we can view both your artwork and your photography.
Because The Turquoise Iris Journal is a highly visual publication, we place significant value on clear, well-lit, high-quality photography that showcases both your work and your creative process.
After You’re Accepted
Congratulations on becoming a contributor! From editorial guidance and creative prompts to publication and promotion, we’re here to help you share your story and celebrate your work as part of The Turquoise Iris Journal community.
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What happens after I'm accepted?
Congratulations!
Once you’ve been selected, our editorial team will provide everything you need to prepare your feature. You’ll receive a series of guided prompts designed to help you share your creative journey, along with the opportunity to write an optional article if you’d like to contribute additional content.
Our editorial team will review and edit submissions for clarity, length, and overall fit within the theme of the volume while preserving your unique voice.
Will I receive a complimentary copy?
Yes! Every featured contributor receives one complimentary print copy of the volume in which they’re featured.
You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase additional copies at our production cost (plus shipping), making it easy to share your feature with family, friends, customers, and collectors.
Can I promote my feature?
Absolutely—and we hope you do!
We encourage contributors to share their feature before, during, and after publication through social media, email newsletters, blog posts, events, and conversations with their community. Celebrating your accomplishment as a published artist is something we love to see.
Will my feature appear online?
Your complete feature will be available in the digital edition of The Turquoise Iris Journal.
In addition, we’ll introduce you to our community through at least one feature on our website, include links to your website and social media, and promote your work across The Turquoise Iris Journal’s social media channels. We also love sharing and reposting our contributors’ creative work long after publication, helping readers continue to discover and support the artists featured in the Journal.
Editorial Philosophy
Every contributor helps shape the story of The Turquoise Iris Journal. Learn more about the values that guide our editorial process, what we’re looking for beyond beautiful artwork, and how we curate each volume to inspire and encourage our creative community.
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Can I submit previously published work?
Whenever possible, we encourage contributors to submit fresh, original content that hasn’t been published elsewhere.
Our readers appreciate discovering new artwork, stories, and creative insights within each volume, and original content helps make every volume a unique experience.
Can my business be featured?
Absolutely! Many of our contributors are also small business owners, educators, makers, or creative entrepreneurs. We love learning about the businesses that support your creative work and often include them as part of your story.
Our focus is always on the artist behind the business, creating a feature that feels authentic, inspiring, and meaningful rather than promotional.
What are you really looking for in a contributor?
We’re looking for artists who create with intention and believe creativity is meant to be shared.
Beautiful artwork is important, but what truly stands out is authenticity, generosity, and a willingness to encourage others. We love contributors who openly share their process, celebrate both successes and challenges, and inspire readers to embrace their own creativity.
Every volume of The Turquoise Iris Journal is built around meaningful stories and genuine connections. If that reflects the way you approach your creative work, we’d love to hear from you.
What if I'm not sure I'm ready to apply?
If you’re wondering whether your work is “good enough,” you’re not alone. Many of our contributors applied with the same uncertainty. We encourage you to submit your work anyway. Every volume is carefully curated, and while not every application is selected, we’ll never know your story unless you share it with us.
Your Story Could Inspire Someone Else
At The Turquoise Iris Journal, we believe every artist has a story worth sharing. If you’re passionate about your craft, willing to encourage others, and ready to share your creative journey, we’d be honored to consider your submission for a future volume.
We carefully curate each issue to celebrate artists, makers, and creative storytellers from around the world—and we’d love to learn more about you.