Surface Design Journal Themes for 2022

Spring: Fiber Revolution

Spring: Fiber Revolution We are all familiar with the immense amount of waste and pollution caused by textile and clothing production. This issue will look at the positive contributions of artists who embrace sustainability in their practice through the use of non-traditional materials.

• Proposals due: Jan 3
• In print: April 2022

Summer: Raised by a Maker

Raised by a Maker explores the exchange of knowledge outside of the traditional university/college setting. Looking at the influence of family and tradition as well as apprenticeships, craft guilds and community art schools such as the Black Schoolhouse, New Orleans; the Elliott School, Boston; and SAIPUA, Esperance, NY. Contributions should focus on an account of the fiber traditions passed down through family or community.

• Proposals Due: March 7
• In Print: June 2022

Fall: 7th Annual International Exhibition in Print

Juror and theme TBD in February 2022

• Proposals Due: June 1
• In Print: September 2022

Winter: Traditions and Techniques in Beading

• Proposals Due: September 6
• In Print: December 2022

 
*Please note dates are subject to change*

Proposal Requirements

• • • A one-page abstract: 500 words max, attached as a Word or Pages document. Please note that text inserted into the body of an email will not be considered. Please name your file in the following format: “Title_FirstName.LastName.doc”
    • 4-6 representative images (jpg format) attached to email
    • Please title the subject/header of your email as follows: “SDJ Proposal: SEASON:THEME 2019” (For example, SDJ Proposal: Winter: Marigolds and Unicorns 2019)
    • Email to journaleditor@surfacedesign.org

Full Articles: (what to expect if your proposal gets accepted!)

• • • Full article: Word count varies depending on department (see below for word count)
    • Images: All images must be 300 dpi, jpg or tiff, minimum 6 inches x 8 inches, shared via Dropbox, Do not send images as email attachment or google drive
    • Caption sheet: Name Title Year, materials, techniques, dimensions for all images.
    • Example: Claire B Jones Triportal  2017, cotton canvas, thread, free-motion embroidered, 19″ x 12″ x 11″. Photo: Bret Corrington.

      

    • Bio: 50 words max on background of author
    • Emailed to journaleditor@surfacedesign.org

Guidelines

• • • Submissions received after deadline will not be accepted.
    • All articles will be reviewed for consideration but not guaranteed for publication.
    • Please allow up to 2 weeks for a response. Our staff is working very hard on multiple deadlines and projects, and will require sufficient time for review.
    • All submissions must be original, and exclusive to Surface Design Journal. We will not consider articles that have already been published, in any form, in print or online.

Journal Departments & Examples

Unsure of what department your article idea fits into? Here’s a breakdown of the Surface Design Journal departments, including final word counts and some examples from past Journals.

FEATURES

• • • In-depth article on an artist or project, and scholarly or technical concepts within the field of fiber
    • 1,200–1,500 words, 15-20 images

10 QUESTIONS

• • • An interview of a member conducted by a member or guest
    • We will accept submissions on an annual rolling basis
    • Question set options can be found here

IN REVIEW

• • • Exhibition or conference review focusing on execution of themes, techniques, and/or installation
    • 600 words max, 10-15 images

IN DIALOGUE

• • • Interview or conversation from one artist/critic to another about a specific project
    • 600 words max, 10-15 images

SPOTLIGHT ON EDUCATION

• • • An article highlighting an innovative or interesting project done by a college institution, studio school, or other educational facility
    • 600 words max, 10-15 images

IN THE STUDIO

• • • A first person account of an artist’s studio practice, highlighting techniques, materials, and concepts utilized by the artist
    • 600 words max, 6-10 images (finished work, in-progress work, studio, action shots)

FIRST PERSON / EMERGING VOICES

• • • A first person account of an established or emerging artist’s concepts, inspirations, and background
    • 600 words max, 10-15 images (finished work, action shots, studio)

MADE AWARE

• • • Article that focuses on various forms of textile and fiber art including (performances, workshops, collaborations, etc.) as demonstrations of social practice and sociopolitical activism
    • 1,200 words max with 10-15 images

INFORMED SOURCE

• • • A first person account of any fiber/textile-based artist, curator, or collector who has a certain expertise or focus in their creative practice and makes compelling work.
    • 600 words max, 10-15 images (finished work, in-progress, studio, facilities)

IN PRINT

• • • Review of a textile-themed book
    • 500 words max, 6-10 images (cover of book, images from book)

Other departments include: Visual Essay, Artist-In-Residence, On Display, Exposure, Legacy, Fiber in Film, By Design, Collaboration, Restoration, and more. While we don’t always feature every department in a Journal issue, we welcome proposals from any category

Contact

– Elizabeth Kozlowski, Journal Editor and Lauren Sinner, Managing Editor