The submission deadline for Vancouver BC and Seattle is Friday October 1 at noon (12pm). The deadline for Portland is Friday November 5 at noon (12pm). Please be sure to include which city it's for (Vancouver BC, Seattle or Portland) in the subject line. Your submission will only be chosen for one show, we'll only accept one submission, and it’s best if you apply for a show you can actually attend (ie, in your city) so you can be a part of the fun.

It's free to submit your artwork and free to participate in the show if you're chosen. In fact, artists selected to be in the show will receive 20 copies of their button for free!

Not all work submitted will be chosen. We will select 50 submissions for each city to be a part of the show. Our decisions are usually based on how well the art addresses the size and space of the one inch button as well, originality, how it fits into the overall show and of course the subjective opinions of Chris and Jim. Don't take it personally, it's all about the fun times at the event.

One Submission Per Artist! If you send more than one, we'll make YOU choose which one is your entry. Your art will only be considered for only one city as well. We receive 100-150 submissions every year for the Vancouver show and we already have enough trouble choosing 50.

Download the templates.zip file and use one of the templates to format your artwork. We’ve included Illustrator (.ai), Photoshop (.psd) and a PDF file. You can also send unformatted art and we’ll decide how best to place it in the template.

Email your entry to buttons@hotoneinchaction.com

We'll send you confirmation that we've received your submission. If you don't hear back from us within 72 hours, please email again.

We also accept entries by mail for scanning. Email us for mailing or delivery instructions. Submissions received by mail will not be returned. Make sure your art isn’t larger than letter-sized (8.5x11) paper.

Please read the following carefully, answers to your questions will probably be cut and pasted from below:

All entries should include: your name, city, phone number (for our contact only), website (if available) and a title (if applicable). Only your name, website and title will hang with your one inch button on the night of the show.

Please do not include a website or other self-promotional info on the button design. This is an art show.

Digital Submission Info: Please use a downloadable template for image area and bleed reference. Keep designs within the image area of the inner circle (approx. diameter 0.925in) but have colour extend to the bleed limit of outer circle (this part wraps to the back and is approx. 1.313in in diameter). There is also an area between the 2 main guides marked as "button edge". While it is recommended not to extend your image into this area, it is the side of the button and is a viewable area. Results in the button edge will vary. Any questions, ask us. We want to be sure your artwork is the best it can be.

Consider the scale of the button when creating your artwork. Print it at home before emailing it to be sure it's how you want it. We choose from printed/pressed copies – what looks good on screen doesn't necessarily look good as a button.

Submit as Illustrator (.ai) or Photoshop (.psd) files up to version CS4 as well as EPS, PDF, TIF and JPG files. If you send JPG files, note that there may be a colour shift when we convert it to CMYK.

Your art should be 300dpi in CMYK with your name as the filename (For example, Jane_Smith.psd). If you copy/paste your art into the template, it's already set up as we need it and you just need to position, save with your name and send.

Be sure to flatten fonts in Photoshop or convert fonts to outlines in Illustrator.

Mac & PC files are ok.

Other Requirements and Info:

All artwork must be original and free of copyright restrictions (ie, you must be the original creator of the work and willing to let us reproduce your artwork as necessary).

By submitting artwork to Hot One Inch Action, you are giving us the right to use the image for publicity, display and sale as a one inch button. Publicity includes this website and any fair public use related to the Hot Action including sale at the show or other events, on this site and in promotional materials.

We reserve the right to refuse entries which we consider offensive (racist, sexist, homophobic, etc.).