Embedded Files
Someone once mentioned keeping a "CV of failures" as a way to demonstrate that not every application leads to success -- and you have to keep submitting to get anything! I am late to the party of tracking everything I have submitted, but going forward from July 2026, I'm planning to keep track of active submissions (both for my own records and as an "archive of applications").
Plus, many applications reopen annually (or more / less frequently), so maybe you'd like to apply to some of these opportunities yourself! Here's what I've found so far from trawling Instagram, then deleting Instagram off my phone, and generally having a hate / hate relationship with my phone.
Final note: in the words of Sarah F., nothing catalyzes like a deadline! So even submissions that are unsuccessful can lead to future opportunities, blah blah blah pep talk, go make stuff!
Active submissions as of August 2026:
Beverly Art Walk (Chicago)
Buddy (Chicago)
Beverly Art Center ( Chicago)
Skunk Cabbage Books (Chicago)
momo & co (Chicago)
paperish mess (Chicago)
Lot'sa (Chicago)
I also keep sending stuff to Raging Possum Press in hopes that something will stick.
Instagram (sadly) has been the main way I've found these types of opportunities (although some of my friends also email me every time Buddy opens their applications - thanks, friends!). Hopefully, my list will help you find places you can apply yourself / submit your work, too.
"Thanks for filling out this form"
My work has been accepted at the following venues:
Zine Pavilion at the American Library Association (2026)
South Side Zine Fest (2026)
... Plus everywhere else that is currently stocking my work!
Build in Hyde Park, Chicago
"We regret to inform you..."
In 2026, my work was not accepted to:
Small Works (Milwaukee)
Minnesota Center for Book Arts
Midwest Perzine Fest
Compound Yellow
Chicago Zine Fest (they only accepted 13% of applicants!)
Chicago Public Library Makers-in-Residence (they had 140 applications for 2 residencies)
a Chicago Collage Community group exhibition
The Gallery at Dill Pickle Food Co-op
Alley Kat's Curiosity Shoppe
Tiger Strikes Asteroid Chicago Gallery (I also can't find any record of applying to this - archives, what are you for?!)
Raging Possum Press
Current Affairs
In 2025, my work was not accepted to:
Shoestring's Insane Puppet Posse
Nasty, Brutish & Short
Hyde Park Art Center's Radicle Residency (they had 252 applications for 6 spots)
Chicago Public Library Exhibition Open Call (they had nearly 200 applications for 4 spots, and did not BCC their rejection email, with hilarious results)
Minnesota Center for Book Arts
Buddy (Chicago)
(The 2026 list is better, because it means I was getting more applications out!)
N.B.
Sometimes, you get radio silence, and sometimes, you can't make it to the event after being accepted... and sometimes shops close! - just keep swimming! :-) End fortune cookie pep talk.
Other places to apply yourself (or find things to apply for):
Illinois Arts Council
FanZineistVienna (this already happened but it sounded cool!)
Ox-Bow
Agitator Artist Collective / Agitator Gallery
Rebel Art Fest / Make South Bend
area libraries (my CPL track record notwithstanding)
Chicago Printers Build
ARC Gallery
little free galleries
The Chicago Art Locker
farmer's markets
Stray Cats Press
AnySquared Studio (Chicago)
zine libraries
puppet festivals
Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE)
Green Door Books (Indiana)
Milwaukee Zine Fest
Lion's Tooth (MKE)
insert name zine fest
NB I have not vetted any of these - I just came across them in my internet trawling so proceed at your own risk.
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