Overview
This assignment invites you to explore your creative journey through the form of a personal essay or its equivalent in your chosen medium. Your submission should reveal the passion behind your creative process and offer a glimpse into your artistic world.
Assignment Details
For Writers
Create a personal essay (800-1000 words) that explores one of the following themes:
- The moment you knew you were a writer
- How your creative process has evolved over time
- A challenge that transformed your relationship with writing
- The story behind your most meaningful piece of work
Your essay should include specific details, sensory descriptions, and honest reflection that reveals something meaningful about your creative identity.
For Photographers
Submit a collection of 5-8 photographs that tell a cohesive story about your passion for creating visual art. Your collection should:
- Follow a clear narrative arc or thematic connection
- Show technical skill and artistic vision
- Be accompanied by a written context (300-500 words) explaining your creative journey, what these images represent, and how they reflect your growth as an artist
For Painters/Visual Artists
Submit 3-5 pieces of your work that represent a significant aspect of your artistic development. Your submission should:
- Demonstrate your unique style or approach
- Show progression or exploration of a particular theme
- Be accompanied by a written context (300-500 words) explaining your creative process, influences, and the story behind this collection
For Content Creators
Create a video (under 10 minutes) that:
- Captures your creative process, philosophy, or journey
- Demonstrates your storytelling abilities through visual and audio elements
- Shows authenticity and technical skill
- Include a written context (300-500 words) explaining your creative decisions, inspirations, and what you hope viewers take away from your piece
Submission Guidelines
- All submissions must be original and previously unpublished work
- Written components should be submitted as PDF or Word documents
- Visual elements should be high-resolution JPG or PNG files
- Videos should be uploaded to a hosting platform (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) with a link provided
- Include a brief bio (100 words) and your contact information
- Submissions due by June 15, 2025
Selection Process
Three submissions will be selected for publishing and promotion across the Traveling Cannabis Writer’s platforms. Selection criteria include:
- Authenticity and emotional resonance
- Technical skill and creative execution
- Unique perspective or approach
- Overall professional presentation
For Those Still Developing Their Craft
If you don’t feel ready to submit for publication, we encourage you to:
- Complete this assignment for yourself as a personal growth exercise
- Continue developing your skills with our quarterly guides
- When you feel ready, share your work with someone close to you for feedback
- Remember that every creative journey moves at its own pace
Selection Announcement & Rights
The three selected submissions will be announced via email to all network members.
Important Note for All Participants:
- For submissions not selected for publication, please be assured that your work will not be used, plagiarized, or published elsewhere by the Writers Network or the Traveling Cannabis Writer.
- You retain all rights to your submitted work and are encouraged to expand on your project and pitch it to other publications.
- This assignment is an opportunity to develop your portfolio, not an exclusive rights agreement.
This assignment is designed to help you build your portfolio while exploring your authentic creative voice. Whether you’re submitting for publication consideration or creating for personal growth, we hope this process helps you connect more deeply with your artistic passion.