How the Digital Spotlight Series Works

Each month, the Maine Gallery & Studio Guide features four thoughtfully curated digital spotlights—shared weekly—highlighting the artists and galleries that shape Maine’s creative landscape.

Each spotlight includes:

1. Submit Your Materials

Provide high-quality photographs or vertical video, a short written introduction, and the necessary links and credits.

2. MG+SG Reviews Your Submission

Each submission will be reviewed for quality, completeness, and suitability for the series.

3. Approved Spotlights Are Published

Selected stories will be organized and shared on the Guide’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Each approved spotlight would include:

  • A curated Facebook and Instagram feature.
  • Direct tagging of the featured artist or gallery.
  • A link or direction to the participant’s website.
  • Thoughtful presentation of participant-supplied content.
  • Inclusion in the introductory Digital Spotlight Series.

Submission Requirements

  • Three to five high-resolution photographs, preferably vertical and sized at 1080 × 1350 pixels.
  • Or one vertical video sized at 1080 × 1920 pixels.
  • A written introduction of approximately 100–200 words.
  • The artist or gallery name.
  • Website and social media links.
  • Photographer credit, when applicable.
  • Permission for MG+SG to publish and promote the submitted material.

Submit Your Spotlight

Space is Limited to 20 Approved Submissions

Submission does not guarantee publication. MG+SG reserves the right to select, lightly edit, schedule, or decline material based on quality, completeness, and editorial fit. Participation does not guarantee a specific level of reach, engagement, inquiries, or sales.

The following should be removed or hidden during the introductory series:

  • “Professional Documentation.”
  • Promises of on-location photography.
  • Guided interviews or story conversations.
  • Four guaranteed spotlights each month.
  • Language stating that Sarah personally leads and produces every feature.
  • Sarah’s headshot and the current “Led by Experience” section.
  • Anything suggesting MG+SG will write each participant’s entire story.
  • The current “Apply to Be Featured” button if it leads to an outdated form.
  • These elements can be reconsidered later when we have the engagement, demand, and funding to offer professionally produced spotlights.

A Digital Offering Rooted in Integrity

As discovery increasingly happens online, many artists and galleries are asked to show up in digital spaces that feel unfamiliar or misaligned—often without the tools, time, or desire to become marketers.

The Digital Spotlight Series exists to remove that burden.

 

Our Mission

To provide meaningful visibility without compromising artistic integrity. This is not influencer marketing or trend-driven promotion. It is editorial-style storytelling rooted in respect for the work, the artist, and the community.

Each feature is created with intention, clarity, and care.

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Spotlight Types

Artist Spotlight

Artist Spotlights focus on the individual behind the work—honoring process, purpose, and creative voice.

Includes:

  • A guided story conversation centered on your work, values, and what you hope your art will be remembered for
  • An on-site photography session in your studio or creative space
    • Professional portrait
    • You with your work
    • In-process or “in action” imagery
    • Storytelling details
  • A written feature, crafted with care and shared for your approval
  • A curated feature shared on the Maine Gallery & Studio Guide’s Instagram and Facebook platforms, with direct tagging and links back to you

Gallery Spotlight

Gallery Spotlights highlight the spaces that support, curate, and elevate Maine artists.

Includes:

  • A guided conversation about your gallery’s mission, history, and curatorial vision
  • An on-site photography session of the gallery space
    • Owner or director portrait
    • Interior and exterior images
    • Artwork within the space
    • Moments of curation or interaction
  • A written feature reflecting your gallery’s voice and values
  • A curated digital feature shared across MGSG’s social platforms

Who the Digital Spotlight Series Is For:

  • Maine-based artists at any stage of their career
  • Galleries and creative spaces supporting Maine artists
  • Artists and galleries seeking authentic online visibility
  • Those who value thoughtful storytelling over self-promotion

This series is for those who want their work represented with integrity—not exaggerated or simplified for trends.

Sarah Sullivan Business Consultant Brand Photographer

Led by Experience, Rooted in the Arts

The Digital Spotlight Series is led by Sarah Sullivan, photographer and digital storyteller for the Maine Gallery & Studio Guide.

Sarah brings over a decade of experience in marketing, paired with a lifetime immersed in the arts. Her approach balances creative sensitivity with strategic understanding—ensuring each feature reflects the artist’s voice while supporting meaningful visibility.

Every spotlight begins with listening, continues with documentation, and ends with intentional sharing.

Why This Work Matters

Maine’s art community is rich, diverse, and deeply rooted in place.

This series exists to strengthen that ecosystem—supporting artists and galleries with documentation and visibility that feels aligned, professional, and human.

This is about access.
It’s about legacy.
It’s about supporting Maine art for the long term.

Interested in a Digital Spotlight?

Artists and galleries are invited to apply to be featured in the Digital Spotlight Series. Each feature is thoughtfully curated to ensure alignment with the mission and care in storytelling.

Submit Your Spotlight