Your Step-by-Step Guide to Entering the Spotlight Contest
From creating your account to submitting your application, we'll show you exactly where to go and what to do next.
Create an Account or Log In
Before you can participate in the Spotlight Contest, you need an OSI account. If you already have one, simply log in.
Don't have an account? Sign up
What happens here?
Enter your email and password to access your account. If you don't have an account yet, click 'Sign up' to create one.
Go to the login page at /auth/login
Choose Your Account Type
When you register, you'll choose your account type. For the Artist Spotlight, you need an Artisan account.
Artist Account (Artisan)
For individuals participating as artists. Choose this if you are a musician, visual artist, performer, or creative professional.
What is this?
Select 'artisan' as your role during registration. You'll also need to choose an Artist Category (e.g., Music, Visual Art, Performance).
Create your account at /auth/register
Go to Your Dashboard
After logging in, navigate to your dashboard. This is where you'll manage your spotlight profile and applications.
Where am I?
You're on the main dashboard. Look at the sidebar on the left side of the screen.
What do I do?
Click on 'Spotlight Management' in the sidebar. This is where you create and manage your spotlight profiles.
Navigate to your dashboard
Create Your Spotlight Profile
Click the “Create” button on the Spotlight Management page to start building your profile. The form has 6 sections that you'll complete step by step.
Click the blue 'Create' button in the top right of the Spotlight Management page
1Section 1: Identification
Social Media Handles (at least one required)
What should I enter?
Your real legal name, the stage name you want displayed publicly, your contact info, and location. You must be at least 18 years old.
Social Media
Add at least one social media handle — Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, or a website/portfolio link.
2Section 2: Artist Category
3Section 3: Your Story
Short Bio (2-4 sentences)
This appears on your spotlight card. Describe who you are as an artist and what your work represents.
Full Artist Story (5-20 sentences)
Your long-form story for the main spotlight page. How did you get started? What struggles shaped you? What does your work stand for?
Why Should Your Story Be Spotlighted?
Explain your uniqueness, impact, message, and authenticity in 3-6 sentences.
Community Message
What message do you want to share? This becomes the 'pull quote' section of your spotlight.
Current Goals
What are your goals as an artist? This creates the 'what's next' section of your spotlight page.
4Section 4: Media Uploads
Professional Headshot / Portrait *
PNG, JPG up to 10MB
Photos of Your Art / Work (3-5 photos) *
PNG, JPG up to 10MB each
Behind-the-Scenes Photo *
PNG, JPG up to 10MB
Short Intro Video (15-30 seconds) *
MP4 format
What is this?
Upload high-quality photos and a short video introduction. These visuals make your spotlight page stand out.
Important
Your intro video should be 15-30 seconds. Introduce yourself on camera — this helps the community connect with you.
5Section 5: Consent & Rights
Public Release Agreement
I agree that OSI can publish my photos, videos, story, and likeness across platforms.
Ownership Declaration
I confirm that I own all submitted content and have full rights to share it.
Interview Permission
I agree to participate in interviews and allow OSI to publish them.
6Section 6: Optional Information
Talent Management Contact
Manager name and email (optional)
Agent's Contact
Agent name and email (optional)
Press Kit URL
Link to your press kit or media kit
Previous Interviews
Links to previous interviews, podcasts, or features
Awards or Recognition
List any awards or notable achievements
Interview Availability
When are you available for interviews?
Complete the Application
After filling in all sections, review your information carefully. You can navigate back to any step using the progress bar at the top.
What do I do?
Click 'Submit' on the final step to complete your spotlight profile. You can edit your profile later from the Spotlight Management page.
Submit & Apply to the Contest
After creating your spotlight profile, you need to apply to a specific weekly competition. This is a separate step from creating your profile.
Spotlight History
CreateYour Spotlight Name
Category • Status
Step 1: Click 'Apply'
On the Spotlight Management page, find your profile and click the blue 'Apply' button.
Step 2: Select a Weekly Competition
A modal will show available weeks that are accepting applications. Click 'Apply' next to the week you want to compete in.
Step 3: Confirmation
Once applied, your profile will be entered into that week's competition. You can track your status from the Spotlight Management page.
What Happens After Submitting?
Once your application is submitted, here's what happens next in the Spotlight Contest process.
1. Application Review
Your submission status will show as 'Submitted' on your dashboard. The team reviews applications before the voting period begins.
2. Public Voting Opens
During the voting period, visitors can support you with free votes or by purchasing additional paid votes.
3. Votes Are Tracked Automatically
The platform tracks every vote electronically. Voting data is managed automatically.
4. Weekly Winners Are Determined
The nominee with the highest votes becomes that week's Artist Spotlight of the Week.
5. Winners Are Featured
The winning artist is displayed prominently as the current Spotlight of the Week, and added to the historical winners archive.