Art-o-mat® submissions from artists are welcome at any time. Since our project is ongoing, we are always interested in new work. We fully respect the rights of artistic freedom and enjoy working with artists of all levels. However, our machines are not as forgiving when it comes to size/structure. Strict adherence to our guidelines is necessary as any deviation from the specifications below will cause vending difficulty, logistical problems and unnecessary expense (our hosts, our studio and you…the artist). Our selections are made based on effort, craftsmanship and originality. With that said, a key factor in our review process is how the final piece will be viewed in the hands of someone who may have never bought art before.
Once accepted, where your artwork is placed is based on the needs of our venues. If you have some “wish list” venues, we will try to get your work placed there. If all goes well, prepare to be asked for more. If you are only able to keep us in stock periodically, that is ok. But, consider your involvement as a long term relationship and send work when you can. We want Art-o-mat to be part of your ongoing art production/promotion.
Here’s how you get started:
1. Think of what you would like to produce for the project. Try to avoid any mass production process that could lessen the quality of your work. The vending process is only the beginning of your Art-o-Mat® art. Once purchased and two steps away from the machine, your work is solely a reflection of you and your art. Many pieces have been carried around the globe. Think of approaches where your art will be appreciated for years to come.
2. All submissions require a single vend-ready, non-returnable prototype of your art. Your prototype is to be fully rendered to the specifications below. All prototypes are inspected for suitability in the project. After inspection, they are placed into the AIC permanent archives.
3. The final size should be 2 1/8″ x 3 1/4″ x 7/8″ (54mm x 82mm x 21mm). THE FINAL SIZE OF YOUR ART (INCLUDING THE ACETATE WRAP) NEEDS TO BE EXACTLY 2 1/8″ x 3 1/4″ x 7/8″. IF YOU CUT YOUR OWN BLOCKS…THE FINAL SIZE STILL NEEDS TO BE 7/8″ THICK.
4. Most 2/D artists (painters, printmakers, etc) produce their pieces on our wood blocks, while most 3/D artists (sculptors, jewelers, etc.) place their work in our boxes. Watercolor paper or illustration board can easily increase the thickness of standard plywood from 3/4″ to 7/8″. Our blocks and boxes are 7/8″ thick which is the proper thickness.
5. Digital prints are not preferred even when called by a fancy French name. Our hosts (and their patrons) look for a “human touch” vs something mechanized. Let’s also stay away from simple collage, pour art, blob abstractions, drawings via permanent markers, snapshot-ish photography and gumbally crafty wearables. Rule of thumb. Avoid approaches which resemble a grade school art class assignment. We are happy to share our feedback upon request.
6. Once you are ready to begin, please download our SUBMISSION FORM to send along with your prototype. We sell PROTOTYPE KITS ($19.99) that will help when formulating your concept and/or approach. However, as long as your work meets our specifications, it is not a requirement to use our materials.
7. Your legal name, contact info (email or phone) and/or social media (FB, Insta, LinkedIn, etc.) is to be clearly displayed on each piece. We highly encourage you to include a bio and support material with each piece so our hosts can represent you well. Also, our buyers sometimes like to research your artistic POV and be in the know of your ventures outside of this project. The goal of Art-o-mat is to create a positive PR experience and ideally establish a valid/professional relationship between artist/patron. Keep in mind that in many cases, the Art-o-mat facilitates a person’s first art purchase. Artists who show valid effort and specifically ask “who bought me” or engage in a social media platform…often hear from buyers. Artists who cut corners and solely think about commerce rarely hear from buyers and are often not requested by hosts. Once purchased (two steps away from the machine), your work is solely a reflection on you, your artistic philosophies and the art that you create and share with the world.
8. Your pieces of art SHOULD NOT CONTAIN EDIBLES, MAGNETS, BALLOONS, GLITTER, CONFETTI OR ITEMS PROCESSED WITH PEANUTS. No exceptions. Please use common sense and do not create work with materials that are potentially hazardous. If applicable, please label on the outside of your piece that it is rated “R” or “Small Parts-Not for Children”. ALSO, please do not use a decoupage medium that will cause your artwork to meld/cling with the necessary protective acetate wrap. We are happy to share our preferable varnishes/mediums upon request.
9. IF YOU USE OUR BOXES, please fill the package so it will be rigid to protect the contents from rattling around. The desired minimum weight is 1 OUNCE. Also, pack it full of colored tissue or some sort of presentable packing material. Avoid using packing material that looks like trash and/or items that are confusing to your concept. Shoddiness and poor presentation will reflect poorly on your art. Packing the box internally with presentable material is very important as it prevents crushing during the vend process and looks professional to your buyer. ALL BOXES SHOULD BE PACKED STRUCTURALLY SOUND AND HAVE WEIGHT.
10. Wrap .003 ml acetate around each piece. Use clear “very sticky” tape to affix acetate and make sure the acetate is taut. Please do not use frosted tape or low tack labels that will release. This is important, as it will cause vending problems and incidental expense. All art must be wrapped in acetate.
11. Placards. Make a 2 X 2″ square placard to identify your column in the machine. This is the main interface between your art that the buyer and should be simple and clear. A brief description of your work and your name is a good place to start. There is no need to list a website on your placard. Just, get to the point and describe what they buyer should expect to receive. Once approved, we request that you send 10 placards per edition of 50 works.
12. Print out and sign the official Submission Form (pdf) and include it with your shipment. Submission of art is confirmation that you agree to the terms and conditions stated on this site. Send your prototype to us at: Artists in Cellophane, 5000 Rushland Drive, Winston-Salem NC 27104
13. No Brown M&M’s. Back in the day, Van Halen embedded in their tour rider, that no brown-colored M&M’s were allowed backstage at their concerts. This seemed picky. But, it was their way to know if the promoters had read their contract and that all technical and safety procedures were in place. With ArToMaT®, submitting a prototype flat in an envelope and not packaged to the above vending specifications (aka: in a box or mounted to a block) exposes that the above has not been read. Please keep in mind that the concept of your work and the functional aspect of vending are of equal importance. Leonardo could send in Mona as a prototype. But, it would need to be to the above specifications.
WHAT COMES NEXT: If your prototype is accepted, you will be notified by A.I.C. to begin production. There is a minimum requirement of 50 finished pieces with 10 placards per edition of 50 works. All editions must be delivered to A.I.C. ready to vend and in no need of repair. All shipments of art not to specification will be sent back with an invoice for return shipping. The city and machine where your artwork will be placed is based upon the needs of our venues and is at the discretion of A.I.C. and our Hosts. Depending on your work, the needs of our hosts and the time of year, it can sometimes take a few months to get your work placed in a machine. So, please be patient.
Most vend prices are fixed at $5.00. Artists will receive $2.50 per sale, on consignment (we generally send out artist payments on a quarterly basis…sometimes sooner). The remaining percentage is split between project support, the host venue and/or donations to charity. Artists are solely responsible for content of artworks and listing of profits on taxes. We suggest that all artists should consider researching a “Certificate of Liability” insurance policy.
You can use your own materials and any material can be used as long as the final art meets our guidelines.
***As a service to participating Art-o-mat artists, we sell “at cost” boxes and blocks in sets of 50. These materials are sold to approved artists once a prototype is approved. Please understand that our studio only makes income when these materials are returned as art. Our studio policy it that our boxes and blocks should not be used outside of Art-o-mat machines.***
Glued: $20.00. Includes acetate and shipping. Specify white or craft brown. International shipping upon request.
Blocks: $29.00. Includes acetate and shipping. U.S. Only – We do not ship blocks internationally.
*** Complete sets of materials are sold to approved, participating artists and ONLY after the prototype process is completed. We do not sell materials to persons who are not affiliated with our project. ***
If you have any questions about submitting art, please contact us at clark@artomat.org.
A.I.C. fully understands the energy necessary to produce work for this project. We are very grateful for your participation and will represent each Art-o-mat artist to the best of our abilities.
(guidelines effective as of 1/13/24)