Signature Member status in SouthWest Artists, Inc. (SWA) identifies those members who have achieved consistent recognition in National or Regional SWA Competitions. Members must apply for this status by completing, signing and submitting an application. Only those awarded signature status by SWA may use the SWA logo to sign their work. To maintain signature status, SWA membership must be kept current. To qualify for signature status, The applicant must have: received 2 awards OR been accepted in 3 SWA National Competitions, Or received 3 or more awards in any category in SWA Regional Competitions.

Currently the SWA competitions include The Art of the Heartland National Competition, the Ouachita Expressions Regional Competition, and the Photography Regional Competition. Signature Status can be applied for retroactively for past awards back to 2011 and posthumously. Additional competitions may be added in the future.