A Beginner's Guide to the Art Gallery

      Dimensions And Size

     First, let's get the practical, but important, things out of the way.

     Both the name and type of image file you submit to the gallery matter. Your image must be a .gif or .jpg and the file name should be lower case. For example, you should submit "my entry.gif" rather than "My Entry.GIF." Capitalized file names tend to get lost in the system, meaning Kikocat, the TNT staffer who selects images for the gallery, won't be able to see or feature your artwork! Beyond the name and type of file, size matters! Your file cannot be larger than 80kb in size. Additionally, keeping your entry's dimensions between 300 and 500 pixels is highly recommended (and you can resize larger images if needed).

      Composition

     With such a small image and file size available, it is important to maximize the space you have to work with. While horizontal and vertical pieces can look beautiful, they reduce the space you have to create. A 500px-by-500px square image will allow you as much space as possible! While creating, remember that the submitted image will be downsized and compressed. For example, when drawing, bolder lines, large gestures, and clean shapes will translate to a small size much better than tiny, intricate details. When in doubt, zoom out from your image to see how it will look at 1in tall. If you can clearly read what the subject of your image is then you are on the right track!

      Stay on Model

     So, what does "on model" mean? This term comes from the animation industry and highlights the importance of remaining consistent with a design's form and appearance. Put into context, your Neopets art entry should look like, well, a Neopet! A great piece of art that veers too far from a Neopet's design (such as looking too much like a real-world animal) may be rejected. This does not mean you cannot stylize the Neopets in your entry, but they should be recognizably Neopian.

      Look to Your Peers

     The best part of the Art Gallery and Art Chat is the opportunity to surround yourself with Neopian artists from all over the globe! Look to artists you admire or those who have recently gotten into the Art Gallery to learn what goes into a cohesive entry. Study what you like from these pieces and consider ways to incorporate those aspects organically into your own work. This doesn't mean you should copy them outright, however. Do you like the way an artist uses color? Take inspiration from them by making a piece in your own style and trying to emulate what you like about their coloring! If you find yourself struggling, reach out to your fellow artists! The art community of Neopets is welcoming and friendly. If you want advice or have questions that you need to be answered the best thing you can do is make a board on the Art Chat.

      Stand Out

     Think about ways to make yourself stand apart from your fellow entrants. What makes your art you? Showcasing your unique talents is what the Art Gallery is all about! Do you like to work with watercolors? Animate? Collage? Are you interested in dynamic action scenes? Embracing what makes your art special is key to getting into the Art Gallery and growing as an artist! You can also make yourself stand apart with your subject matter. Rather than drawing a generic Neopet, you could try drawing one of the site's many loveable characters, a pet color that was recently released, tie in seasonal theming, or holiday celebrations.

      Theme It

     Each month TNT posts a board listing Art Gallery theme days for the month. Paramount to the success of your entry is entering on the correct Art Gallery theme day. The most beautiful Kau painting the site has ever seen would not be accepted into the Moehog Day gallery, after all that day is meant for Moehogs! Creating entries with the schedule in mind is key. Plan ahead and give yourself enough time to create your art.

      New to the AG Day

     Every so often, the Art Gallery will host a theme day specifically for artists who have never been in the AG before. New to the AG Day doesn't have a singular theme, allowing those starting out to choose whatever ideas excite them the most! Any art of a Neopian subject that is created by a new artist has the chance to be featured! Kikocat does check the trophy counts of those who enter. No sneaking in as an established entrant is allowed!

      Rejection is Part of the Game... Persevere!

     If at first, you don't succeed, try, try again! Rejection does not reflect the quality of your work. It simply means Kikocat had too many beautiful entries to fit into a single gallery. Even the most seasoned art gallery pros face rejection. If your piece is not accepted on your first entry, don't give up! Save that wonderful piece of art to submit on a Random Day theme! Random Days highlight a variety of Neopian art pieces without a specific theme. Have perseverance, the people accepted into the Art Gallery the most are those who enter the most!

      Have Confidence

     In the end, the most important step toward getting into the Art Gallery is to simply try in the first place. Kikocat takes the time and effort to choose artists of all skill levels and mediums. To quote the official Art Gallery rules page: "We try to use as many various styles, abilities, and ages as possible so that each member has a fair chance of getting chosen". While you might not think your entry is good enough, it might be just the thing KC is looking for! Don’t be afraid to try and try again. What you bring to the table is unique and valuable, and we can’t wait to see what you create in an Art Gallery feature someday soon!