Questions and Answers

Window by Looi Wei

Please note that the answers below are intended only to clarify the terms and conditions governing entries into the art gallery and are not definitive.

Who is eligible?

Children aged up to and including 18 years thirty days before each entry is received by Look and Learn (to allow time for artwork to be scanned/photographed and uploaded to the gallery).

When is the competition entry deadline?

The deadlines are given here - usually artwork must be received by Look and Learn before 5pm (GMT/BST) on the seventh day following the competition month.

How literally must I stick to the competition theme?

Your artwork should relate closely to the competition theme, but you will not be penalised for departing from it slightly (eg, if you were asked to draw a picture of an animal, you could, if you wished, do a picture of a number of animals).

What materials can I use?

You may use pencil, crayon, coloured pencil, ink, markers, pastels, or paint on paper or card. If you use charcoal, pastels or make a collage, please “fix” your artwork before sending. You may use a computer to help produce the artwork - but the artwork must clearly reflect your creative input.

How big can a picture be?

For online submissions the file size should be no larger than 5MB compressed, or about 40MB uncompressed. For postal submissions, the paper/card may be in any proportions, but the size must be no larger than A3 (i.e. 420mm x 297mm), and the artwork must not be framed, matted, laminated, or folded.

May I submit more than one competition entry?

Only one entry per child will be accepted for a particular month’s competition. If you re-submit an entry (e.g. because you think it better than your first entry), it will replace the first entry.

How many pictures may I add to my personal gallery?

Up to 999.

How do I enter?

You may enter at home or through your school. First, you need to be enrolled by your parent/guardian or teacher. If you are aged 12 or over then you may enrol yourself. Once enrolled, you will have a unique entrant ID, beginning with the letter ‘Z’.

You can upload entries online (where you will find detailed instructions).

For competition entries only, you have the option of sending them by post. Instructions can be found at the bottom of the Competitions page.

How will I know you have received my entry?

When your picture is added to the art gallery our website sends an e-card to your sponsor (parent/guardian or teacher). If your sponsor has also entered your email address then you will receive a copy too.

How do I find my pictures?

How will I be able to send e-cards of my pictures?

Click on the thumbnail of one of your pictures to take you to an enlarged view with links to send an e-card or order postcards, greetings cards, notecards or sticker books of your picture.

How quickly will my picture appear in the Look and Learn art gallery?

Picture submitted online are generally reviewed and added to the gallery within a week, often more quickly. Pictures sent in by post are generally photographed or scanned and added to the gallery within two weeks.

How long will my pictures stay up in the Look and Learn art gallery?

We intend that the pictures will stay there permanently allowing you to build up a portfolio of work over time.

Can I submit competition entries in advance?

Yes, you may submit an entry for current and future competition themes. If posting entries for more than one competition, please remember to write the competition month on the back of each picture, along with your name and your Entrant ID.

Do I need to enter every competition?

No. While we hope you will enter as many competitions as possible, you can choose which competitions you enter.

What are the monthly competition prizes?

There are three cash prizes in each age group each month: a 1st prize of £35, a 2nd prize of £25, and a third prize of £20. Winners also receive a printed prize certificate.

Who judges the competitions?

The competitions are judged by the Managing Director of Look and Learn, taking such advice as he sees fit.

How will I know if I have won a prize?

If you have won a prize, we will contact you via the email of address of your sponsor – i.e. your parent/guardian or teacher who enrolled you.

What happens to the copyright in my artwork?

The copyright remains with the artist. However, it is a condition of entry to the gallery and competitions that images may be used for the benefit of Look and Learn. In particular, Look and Learn may license images for commercial purposes (e.g. use on products like greetings cards, stationery, clothes and kitchenware). Look and Learn runs a commercial picture library and is well-placed to generate income from children’s artwork.

Will I benefit if Look and Learn licenses one of my pictures?

Yes. Look and Learn will pay half of the net income to the child, and the other half will be added to the competitions prize fund.

Can I remove a picture from the art gallery?

Yes. All your sponsor needs to do is email the L&L file name shown underneath the image in the gallery with a request that it be deleted.

Will you return my artwork?

No, we cannot return artwork that is posted to us.

Where can I read the detailed rules of the competition?

Click on rules.