Each image entry is judged individually. The judges’ scores are not cumulative per application, but reflect their decisions per individual image entry. Images are judged on the following:

• Technical excellence, both in surface design and form
• Market viability
• A distinct quality of unique, original and creative thought

Decisions of the judges will be final. Notifications will be sent in December 2010. Winners will be announced at the NICHE Awards ceremony during the February 2011 Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft.

The NICHE Awards competition is open to professional craft artists over the age of 21 who reside in the U.S. or Canada and are actively involved in the design and production of craftwork supplied to galleries and craft stores.

Only one application per artist is allowed. Entries must be submitted by the artist in the artist's name, not in the name of a company. Applications received without payment of the entry fee will not be reviewed.

Submitted work must have been produced or introduced after August 31, 2009, to be eligible. Work previously submitted to the NICHE Awards will not be accepted.

Finalists receive:
• Award certificate from NICHE magazine
• Listing in the Winter 2010 issue of NICHE magazine
• Listing in the February 2011 Buyers Market of American Craft (BMAC) Buyers Guide
• Listing on www.NICHEAwards.com
• Press materials tailored to local and trade media
• An opportunity to display their work in a special exhibit at the February 2011 Buyers Market of American Craft (February 18-21, 2011, in Philadelphia, PA).  [Drop-off and pick-up of items is required. Further details concerning the special display are provided in the finalist's packet.]

Winners receive:
• Award certificate and trophy
• Press materials tailored to local and trade media

NICHE magazine accepts only digital photos for the NICHE Awards. Images must be in JPEG format, 300 dpi and approximately 4 x 6 inches (1200 x 1800 pixels) in size.

Applicants may enter up to three images, but no more than two images per category. No additional images showing detail will be accepted for jurying. Each image must be a separate piece of work. You may not enter an individual piece in more than one category.

Images submitted are understood to be the property of the artist with the right to use them for unlimited publication. When applicable, photography credits must be submitted with the entry in the "Comments" section. Also, if the entry is a collaborative piece, the second artist's name must be provided in the "Comments" section.

Digitally enhanced images and artist's renderings will not be accepted. Installation works will not be accepted in any category.
 

Suggestions for Entrants:

• Apply for all protections necessary (e.g. copyright, patent or photographer’s release).
• Submit high-quality images with a plain background. Evenly distribute lighting from at least three light sources so that no shadows are cast. Hire a professional photographer to photograph your work whenever possible.
• Present fashions as worn by professional models.
• Photograph jewelry alone, not worn by a model.

NICHE magazine reserves the right to cancel or merge categories that do not accrue an appropriate number of applications. NICHE assumes no responsibility for handling, loss, theft or damage to any entry.