Submission Guidelines
Swash & Serif is a group typography and lettering show based in Toronto. Everybody is welcome to submit, whether you’re a professional typographer, a graphic designer, an illustrator, artist, or anything else — we’re looking for work that celebrates typography with thought-provoking design or concepts.
Once submissions close we curate and select the best pieces to fill the gallery. Space is limited and we have high standards for the work we showcase, which means you need to bring your A game!
Swash & Serif 7, 2023
Submissions for S&S9 are due August 31st at 11:59pm
Join our mailing list so you don't miss important deadlines and info
When does the show open?
Swash & Serif 9 runs from September 18th to the 23rd, 2025.
The opening night reception will be Thursday Sept 18 from 7pm - 11pm at Northern Contemporary (420 Roncesvalles). More details to come.
What is the submission deadline?
All artwork must be submitted no later than 11:59pm on Sun Aug 31st.
Selected artists will be notified within 48 hours, and will be asked to drop off the work for install on Sept 17th (more details will be shared with selected artists).
Who can submit work?
We accept work from all kinds of designers and artists from all over the world. Artists are responsible for getting their work to the gallery on time, so don't forget to account for shipping times and costs if you need to mail your work in from afar.
What are the costs?
If your work is selected for the show, there is a $55 hanging fee to help cover the costs of producing the show. Artists selected for the show will be sent a payment link. Submitting to the show is free, and attending is free.
How many pieces can I submit?
Each person can submit up to three (3) pieces. If there are several pieces that belong together, like a triptych or a small series, that would count as one piece of the available three.
What qualifies as typography or lettering work?
(1) Any visual artwork where the primary conceptual focus or means of communication is type or lettering. (2) The typography or lettering in the work is designed to evoke a specific meaning or idea.
Work can be hand-drawn, digitally created, photographed, sculpted, or created by any other means. Have a look at our previous shows to get an idea of the kind of work we’re looking for.
What kind of work are you looking for?
Work that pushes boundaries, tries new ideas, and works in unexpected ways are the kinds of exciting art that we want to share with the world. We’re less interested in trends or copying popular artists or designers. We aim for variety and conceptual interest when curating the show - we want visitors to be surprised and excited by what they see.
Analog work (not made on the computer) is especially appreciated - digital tools enable us to do some incredible things, but they are also tools of ease and convenience that don’t always breed innovation. The work in Swash & Serif is different, unique, and special, so if you create work with that in mind, there's a higher chance of it being chosen for the show.
Can I submit work in any language, alphabet, or script?
Yes! We love seeing lettering in other languages. In the past we've featured work in Hindi, Thai, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, Hebrew, Spanish, Ukranian, French, English, and more.
What mediums are accepted?
Any and all! From printed works, to sewn, sculpted, etched, or laser cut, anything goes. The more unique or unusual, the better. If your work needs electricity or something else to work properly, note that in your submission and be prepared to bring anything extra you need at drop off (like an extension cord or tablet).
What size can my work be?
Your work can be any dimension, big, small, flat, or 3D. We don't have strict limits on size, and we want to display your work at the size it looks best at. However, please keep in mind your artwork has to share wall space with dozens of other pieces, and refrain from making it huge for the sake of being huge.
I want to sponsor the show or get involved another way
We'd love to hear what you have in mind! S&S is a great way to connect with the design and art community in Toronto. Email us here, or apply to volunteer here.
Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to hear about new shows, calls for submission, and other updates from Swash & Serfi and the Toronto Design Directory.