Application Process: (back to top)
  1. How do I set up a new profile with ZAPPTM?
    To set up a new user profile with ZAPP TM please go to www.zapplication.org and click the "New Users Register Here" button. This will take you to a New User Profile Form. Tip: Create a username that reflects the category of images you want keep in this profile, e.g. smithpaint.

  2. How do upload my images?
    3. You must first have your images formatted to the ZAPP TM specifications. Please click here to read ZAPP TM Image Preparation specifications. Once your images are formatted and correctly sized, follow these steps to upload your images individually:
    • Log into ZAPPlication.org and click on the MANAGE IMAGES tab.
    • Click the Click to Add Images button to open the Image Upload form.
    • Click the Browse button to select an image to upload from your computer or CD.
    • A File Upload window will open; select the folder where you have saved your images.
    • Select the image file and click open. The image file path and image file name will populate into the Image File field in the Image Upload form.
    • Complete the remainder of the form. Note: the bold green fields are required and must have at least one character entered.
    • Click the Add Images button at the bottom of the page. An image upload in progress window will appear. Please be patient as the image uploads.
    • The image is successfully uploaded when your screen refreshes and a thumbnail version of your image appears.
    • Please repeat these steps to upload more images.

  3. How do I apply to shows?
    Once images are uploaded into ZAPP TM , you can apply to any of the shows available on ZAPP TM . Please follow these steps to apply:
    • Log into ZAPPlication.org and click on the APPLY TO SHOWS tab.
    • You will see a list of shows that are currently accepting applications. Find your show and click VIEW MORE INFO link. (If your show does not appear on this page, this may mean that they have not opened the application yet, or they are not yet a licensee of ZAPPlication.org.)
    • This will open the show prospectus and application guidelines. Be sure to read the guidelines.
    • At the top of the page you will see the show logo. To the right of the logo are three sentences:

      APPLY TO THIS SHOW
      BACK TO PARTICIPATING SHOWS
      CONTACT SHOW

    • Click the APPLY TO THIS SHOW link. You will be asked to accept the individual show's terms and conditions. You can choose to accept or decline their terms. If you decline, you will be taken back to the show listings page.
    • Once you accept the terms and conditions, you will be taken to the show's specific application.
    • Answer the application questions. Please note that required questions are indicated by bold, green text and must be completed.
    • Following the application questions, choose the number of images and booth shot (if applicable). All the images you uploaded under the MANAGE IMAGES section are available for your selection.
    • Select the checkboxes next to the images that you want to submit with this application.
    • Once you have answered the questions and selected your images, click the Update button to save your work. Clicking the Update button does not submit your application but takes you onto the image order page.
    • On the Image Order page, choose the order in which you want your images to display for the jury. You must click the Re-order Images button to save your order.
    • Once the order is set, you can choose to exit the application or proceed to CHECKOUT. Checkout will allow you to pay for your application fee and submit your application.
    • If you want to exit, click the My ZAPPlications button on the left-hand side and you will exit your application. Click Log Out to exit ZAPPlication.org. You may return to your application at a later date.

  4. How do I checkout?
    You can select the CHECKOUT tab at the top of the screen or click on My ZAPPlications button to view a list of your active applications. If you go through My ZAPPlications you will see a CHECKOUT link under the options column next to your application. Clicking this link take you to the checkout page. A list of all available applications and products for purchase will appear.
    • You can pay for multiple show applications or multiple products with one credit card transaction.
    • Select the check box(es) next to each application fee (product) or enter the quantity of items in the box next to each product you want to purchase.
    • Click the Re-calculate button. This will refresh the page and give you the opportunity to enter a coupon code (if applicable). The total amount due will display at the bottom of the page. The payment preference select menu also appears at the bottom of the page.
    • Enter a coupon code if applicable. A show will communicate the coupon code to you if you are eligible. If you do not have a coupon code, ignore this field.
    • Select your payment preference.
      Credit Card Payments:
      • The Payment Preference will default to Visa/MasterCard.
      • Click the Proceed to Checkout button.
      • This will take you to the credit card transaction page. This page will indicate the total amount due and open a form to enter your credit card information. Please enter your card number without any spaces or dashes. The form is secured by Verisign Merchant Services and credit information is not retained by ZAPP TM or the show.
      • Once the form is complete, click the Submit Payment button once. Do not click the submit button twice. Do not click the back browser button. Please be patient as the system processes your transactions.
      • A receipt with the Verisign confirmation number will be generated. Print the receipt for your records. An e-mail copy of this receipt will also be sent to your e-mail address.
      • This receipt is a confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted. Your application status will now be “received".

      Check Payments:
      • Pay for one show at a time if you pay by check.
      • Select check from the Payment Preference drop-down menu.
      • Click the Proceed to Checkout button.
      • You will be taken to the Checkout with Check page that shows the total amount due.
      • Enter your check number and click the Click to complete button
      • A receipt will be generated. Print the receipt and send it to the show along with your check payment. The show mailing address will be listed on the receipt page. Do not send payments to ZAPPlication.org. An e-mail copy of this receipt will also be sent to your e-mail address.
      • You application status will now be set to "Awaiting Payment by Check" until the show receives your payment.


  5. Will I have to pay any fees to use the ZAPPTM system?
    It is free to create an artist profile and image bank in ZAPP TM . You will only pay for show application fees or other show products purchased through ZAPP TM .

  6. How will I know if my application was received successfully?
    Once you checkout and pay your application fee(s), you will receive a confirmation e-mail with a receipt of your transaction. The receipt indicates that your application has been successfully submitted. On your My ZAPPlications page each successfully submitted application will have the status of “received".

  7. If I make an error in submitting my images, will the error be fixed? Will someone let me know?
    It is your responsibility to upload images correctly and to ensure that they are displayed correctly in ZAPP TM . If you do not submit the correct number of images that a show requires or if ZAPP TM encounters a problem with an image, a message will appear in ZAPP TM alerting you to this problem. If you are unable to resolve the problem, contact the show to which you are applying for technical support.

  8. Can I pay the show's application fee online?
    Yes, you can pay each show's application fee online via credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or with a check. If you pay by check, make the checks payable to the show, not to ZAPPlication TM .

  9. Can I pay the booth fee online?
    Shows that choose to accept booth payments through ZAPP TM may offer the option of paying by credit or check. Each show will determine the method of payment for booth fees. If you pay by check, payments are mailed to the show directly.

  10. Where do I go to complete an application that I have already started?
    Any application that has been started but not submitted will be listed on your My ZAPPlications page. In My ZAPPlications you will see a table that lists all of your active applications. The page will display your application status and available action options such as "complete" or "remove". Any transactions made on behalf of an application will also display. To complete an application, click on the COMPLETE link under options.

  11. Will I be allowed to submit a paper application to a show that is using ZAPPTM?
    All application submissions must be digital. We ask that you please contact each show to inquire about its individual policy regarding paper applications.

  12. Can I still send in slides?
    Participating shows will present all artists' images to jurors in a digital format. As a result, slides must be converted digitally prior to submitting to ZAPP TM . The participating shows will not digitize slide submissions themselves. Some shows may elect to accept slides, hire a local professional vendor to scan the slides into a digital format, and then show staff will enter the digital images into ZAPP TM on behalf of the artist. There will be an additional cost for this service if an artist chooses to submit slides. It is in the artist's best interest to oversee the digital process of their own slides to ensure that the images are of the highest quality.

    13. Archiving Your Applications: (back to top)

  13. How can I un-commit my images?
    After a show has completed its management of applications, or if your application status is “Not Invited", an ARCHIVE link will appear in the My ZAPPlication management table. Archiving an application will release or “un-commit" images for you to modify or remove them from your image bank (as long as the images are not committed for other active show applications). Archived applications cannot be made active again, and applications can always be viewed in the My Archives located beneath the My ZAPPlications table. Do not archive your application until you are certain the jury and the show is over and you no longer need to make any further purchases for that event.

    14. Using the System: (back to top)

  14. What does an artist need to use ZAPPTM?
    You will need access to an Internet connection, personal computer, and an Internet browser. Click here for a list of technical requirements. It is suggested that a broadband connection be used to facilitate the time necessary for the uploading and viewing of images; however, this is not a requirement.

  15. I don't own a computer. How do I use ZAPPTM?
    Personal computers are available for public use at community colleges, libraries or Internet cafes. You may also ask a friend or family member to assist you. Bring a CD of your digital images with you, so the images can be uploaded easily.

  16. How do I know if I have been accepted into a show or not?
    Each show will send an e-mail notification to invited artists. You can go to the My ZAPPlication page and check the status of each show to which you have applied.
    • If you application status is “invited" you can accept the invitation or decline the invitation using ZAPPTM.
    • If you accept the invitation, ZAPPTM will take you through the process of ordering a booth and requesting other services if applicable.



    Digital Imaging: (back to top)

  17. How do I get digital high-resolution images?
    There are several options to create high-resolution digital images: Use a digital camera at the highest quality setting to photograph your artwork in a digital format. Have a professional photographer take images of your artwork in digital format. Scan your slides into a digital format or have a professional scan them.

    Please note that it is recommended that you conduct your own research to check for a variety of vendors who offer digitizing services. You can see a list of resources here.

  18. Why does ZAPPTM require a square, 1920x1920 pixel format?
    Click here for a complete explanation on the importance of square-image formatting.

  19. Will artists experience a loss of image quality when they use ZAPPTM to apply to art fairs/festivals/shows?
    The ZAPP TM digital format and projection does not reduce image quality. Artists will still maintain control over the quality of images that are submitted for jury purposes. As with slide submission, artists are responsible for the quality of their digital images submitted.

  20. What format should my digital image be in?
    All images submitted to ZAPP TM must be in JPEG format. Please click here to see Image Preparation instructions.

  21. What if I submit a low-resolution image?
    Images submitted that are not sized at 1920x1920 pixels will not be accepted by the system.

  22. At what DPI setting should I set my images?
    Images submitted to ZAPP TM must be 1920x1920 pixels. The DPI setting is not crucial, however you should set your images to at least 72 dpi. Please click here to see Image Preparation instructions.

  23. Will the colors of my artwork be altered by ZAPPTM?
    ZAPP TM and the participating art shows will not make color or any other type of alterations to image files.

  24. Can I preview the order of my digital images before they are juried?
    Yes, after selecting images to submit with your online application, you can set the order of how your images will display to the jurors.

  25. Will converting my image to a JPEG have any effect on image quality?
    Always modify your images while they are in a TIFF or RAW format. These are known as "loss-less" formats. Once your images have been sized to 1920x1920 pixels, save a copy of the image as a JPEG. Do not make any modification to a JPEG image, which is a "lossy" format. This means that each time you make changes and save a JPEG, your image will degrade. For further details, please reference Image Preparation.

  26. Is there a potential for artists to manipulate images and present work that appears better than it actually is? What are the consequences?
    This is an ethical issue for artists and for each show, fair and/or festival. Artists certify that their artwork is original and in its true form upon submitting an application to a show. The shows are encouraged to review artwork on site to verify that the artwork matches the images submitted for jury. The ZAPP TM license agreement signed by participating shows specifically forbids the alteration and disclosed use of any image. Should this occur, the participating show will no longer be able to license ZAPP TM .

    27. Equipment: (back to top)

  27. How is ZAPPTM monitoring the quality of the displays, screens, monitors, etc?
    ZAPPTM cannot be responsible for the personal computer equipment that an individual artist uses. The quality of the equipment you use to view your digital images is your responsibility, as it is when you preview your slides on projectors. ZAPPTM standard equipment, along with ZAPPTM guidelines, is offered to each show, fair and/or festival.

  28. Will there be instructions on how to calibrate a personal monitor to closely reflect what the jurors will see?
    ZAPPTM will offer technical recommendations; however, color variations exist between different display devices unless artists are using identical equipment to that used by the shows, fairs and festivals.

  29. Is ZAPPTM PC and MAC compatible?
    Yes. Please click here to see our list of preferred Internet browsers for each platform.

  30. Projector Settings
    The projector settings for the ZAPP equipment are:
    • sRGB colorspace
    • Brightness: 48
    • Contrast: 68
    • Color Temp: Mid
    • Red: 128
    • Green: 128
    • Blue: 128
    • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
    • White Intensity: 4
    • Degamma: 3
    • ROKU HD 1000 setting
    • Video Format: 1024x768
    • Image Format: Fit to Image

    31. Privacy: (back to top)

  31. Are safeguards being taken to protect an artist's high-resolution images?
    When an artist uploads digital images into ZAPP TM , ZAPP TM saves the image in three formats: a thumbnail, a Web-optimized image, and a high-resolution image. The thumbnail and Web-optimized image will be password protected in ZAPP TM . This means that the artist can login and access his/her own images. These images are for management and inventory purposes. Each show will also have access to these images submitted to them through a password-protected administrative section. The high-resolution images are transferred during upload and are not accessed by any party other than the ZAPP TM management. Click here to review our security measures.

  32. Will my personal information be protected?
    ZAPP TM keeps personal information confidential until it is released to the shows, fairs and/or festivals to which you have applied.

    33. Communication: (back to top)

  33. How do I sign up for ZAPPTM communications?
    From My ZAPPlications, you can choose to receive several different types of e-mail communications from ZAPPTM management and from ZAPPTM participating art shows. These communications will include new show notifications, deadline notifications, and ZAPPTM-related issues such as new features, instructions and opportunities. Complete information about these communications is available on the My ZAPPlications page.

    ZAPPlicationTM and art show communications are designed to keep artists informed of art-show activities. You may choose to receive several different kinds of communication. If you do not want to receive any communications from ZAPPTM management or ZAPPTM participating shows, you may choose not to select any of the communication check boxes from the My ZAPPlications page. Be assured that ZAPPTM will never sell or distribute your contact information to any art show or third-party vendor.

    34. Liability: (back to top)

  34. Is ZAPPTM liable for any infringements on my artwork?
    ZAPP TM is using every safeguard to protect an artist's images. Since ZAPP TM will not be using any images outside of the ZAPP TM system, we are not liable for infringements on submitted artwork to ZAPP TM .

  35. Are ZAPPTM and the participating shows bonded?
    No, ZAPP TM and the participating shows are not required to be bonded.

    Effects on Jury Process: (back to top)

  36. Is the jury process going to change due to the new submission process?
    The jury process will not substantially change. The jurors will still see the same number of images projected onto a screen or wall, and a similar image size as previously displayed. ZAPPTM is simply updating the projection equipment and juried scorecards.

  37. Will jurors spend less time looking at my artwork because of the speed of digital technology?
    The time that jurors view images of artwork is controlled by each show. Most shows have indicated that they will implement a similar time frame as used in the past. Digital technology will eliminate technical problems such as un-dropped slides and inadvertent reversal of images.

  38. Will jurors jury off-site or will they still convene for the jury process?
    Each show, fair and festival is responsible for managing their processes and policies. ZAPPTM encourages all participating shows to convene jurors for the jury.

    39. Participating shows, fairs and festivals: (back to top)

  39. Are all types of arts shows, fairs, and festivals able to use ZAPP TM ?
    Yes, ZAPPTM accommodates any size show, fair or festival.

    40. Security/Reliability: (back to top)

  40. Are money transactions managed by ZAPPTM (such as application fees, booth fees, electrical, etc.) secure?
    All money transactions are processed through a secured server. Credit card transactions are managed by VeriSign, a trusted third party transaction administrator. Neither ZAPPTM nor the participating art shows store your credit card information.

  41. What if my personal computer crashes during my online application process?
    If your personal computer crashes while completing an application on ZAPPTM, there is a risk that data will be lost if it was not saved prior to the crash. ZAPPTM has no control over an individual artist's personal computer. We advise you to check your equipment and Internet connectivity prior to using any online systems.

  42. How many images can I upload into the system?
    Each portfolio allows a maximum of 40 images.

  43. How do I apply to more than one media category in a show?
    To apply to more than one category, you must create a separate artist profile for each category. You must choose a separate username and password for each profile. Try to pick usernames that correlate to your profile category (i.e., SmithPaint and SmithSculpt). Create two separate profiles by going to www.zapplication.org and registering as a new user for each profile. For example, create one profile for painting and one profile for sculpture. Upload painting images in the painting profile and sculpture images in the sculpture profile. Images between profiles cannot be mixed. Each profile will allow you to manage an independent and discrete set of applications. You will pay an application fee for each application submitted.

  44. Can I delete images from my portfolio?
    An artist can modify or remove if the images are not committed to a show.

  45. Does ZAPPTM accept images with watermarks?
    ZAPPTM will accept images with watermarks, however, please be aware that these images will be used for the jury. ZAPPTM does not distinguish whether an image is watermarked or not. This means that if you have a watermark on your JPEG, it will display to the jury. Please note that shows may consider this a modified image and eliminate it from the jury process.

    46. Troubleshooting: (back to top)

  46. Duplicate Payments:
    If you receive duplicate copies of your receipt and the Verisign confirmation numbers are the same, you were not charged twice. The confirmation page on ZAPPTM is set to send an automatic e-mail whenever you click on that page. If you use the back button, it will generate the same e-mail over and over again. You should not be concerned if the confirmation code is the same. The system is not charging you multiple times.

  47. How do I update my e-mail address or mailing address?
    • Log in to www.zapplication.org with your current username and password.
    • Go to My Profile (on the left hand navigation).
    • Your profile form will open up, change/update any information that you need to, and click the update now button located on the bottom of the page.

  48. Why do my images look large on my screen but are small on my ZAPPTM account?:
    ZAPP TM stores the 1920x1920 pixels high-resolution images you submit on a secured server that prevents unauthorized use. The image that you see in your account is a web optimized copy that is set at a lower definition so that you can view it quickly and manage your bank of images. This web optimized image and is not what will be projected to the jury. The high-definition 1920x1920 pixel images are the images projected.

  49. Will someone at ZAPPTM look at my uploaded images and tell me the image quality is good?
    ZAPP TM management cannot make any qualifying judgments about images. ZAPP TM management will not compare your images with other artist images that have been submitted. ZAPP TM can tell you if your images uploaded correctly in regards to the dimension and image size. As you would work with any slide submissions, you should look at your digital images under many variables. ZAPP TM recommends that you should work closely with your photographer or digital imaging vendor to get the look that you require.

    Look at the images that you prepared prior to the upload, and ensure that this image does not look pixilated on your monitor. If so, you should take them to your Photographer and see if they look the same on their monitor. The images that you prepared are the image that will be projected.

  50. How do I modify my image information?
    Click on Manage Images. For images that are not committed to a show application click on MODIFY under your image thumbnail. This will open the Image form. You can modify or enter all the necessary information. Make sure you do not add commas to prices.

  51. My images are committed how do I uncommit them?!
    If your images are committed to an application, you will have to contact each show and ask them to set your application to “incomplete". This will release your images. Then you can go to MANAGE IMAGES and click modify under your image.

    If you want to modify the image information under a committed image you can duplicate that image. Click the link duplicate under your image. This will create a duplicate version of your image and you can modify the image information. Make sure you name your title differently than the original image. This image will count as one of your 40 images.

  52. How do I enter my coupon?
    • Go to checkout.
    • Select your application fee.
    • Click re-calculate.
    • The coupon field will appear next to your application fee.
    • Enter the coupon code assigned by the shows.
    • Click proceed to checkout to finalize the purchase.

  53. Why am I am not getting any e-mails from ZAPPTM?
    Unblock the ZAPP TM and show e-mail address from your SPAM filter. This may be why you are not getting the e-mails. The two ZAPP TM e-mail addresses you need to unblock are: info@zapplication.org and contactzapp@westaf.org.

  54. I thought I already purchased a booth. Why are there booths and other products showing up when I go to checkout?
    Several shows offer a list of products which stay available until they are sold out, regardless of whether you have made a purchase or not. That product list appears to allow artists to purchase more items if needed. You can check what you have already purchased by clicking My ZAPPlications button on the left-hand navigation. Next to your show application there will be a list of products you have purchased.

  55. Will ZAPPTM digitize and upload images for me?
    ZAPP TM does not offer a digitizing and uploading service. However a list of vendors that offer digitizing and uploading services are available here. Many shows offer a digitizing service; please contact your local show.

  56. I cannot seem to log on?
    Please disable your content advisor. The ZAPP TM contain your jpg images. Some content advisors block jpgs.
    • Internet Explorer
    • Go to Internet Options
    • Select the Content Tab
    • The first item under content is the Content Advisor
    • If your button is showing “DISABLE" this means the content advisor is on. Please click the button to disable the setting. The button will change to “enable"

  57. Software Updates
    Many technical issues can be resolved by updating your software. Several vendors like Microsoft and Adobe offer free software and security updates. Please make sure your computer is current in all of the software updates. If you are using a Windows based machine go to www.microsoft.com and click on Microsoft Update. Microsoft will scan your machine for the latest updates and walk you through the updating process.



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