Members Interview
What happens when you give yourself permission to make art without labels? In this special 3-in-1 feature, artists Kelly Rossetti, Francesca Tesoriere, and Namira Basit share how they built their creative lives around fun, curiosity, and what felt right—instead of what was expected.
1. Let’s Start with the Big Question: What Counts as a Work in Progress? A work in progress (WIP) isn’t just something unfinished, it’s a piece that’s still unfolding. It may have a strong concept, visible momentum, and compelling marks of experimentation, even if it’s not yet framed or gallery-ready. Many artists keep these tucked away, thinking they’re too raw for the spotlight. But what if that very rawness is what makes them powerful? There’s beauty in the becoming, not just the completed. And sometimes, that glimpse into your process is…
Let’s Be Honest, Looks Do Matter (At Least a Little) You know when you open someone’s portfolio, and everything just feels… right? Like a visual hug? That’s not an accident. The color palette, layout, and design choices are all doing quiet little dances in the background, making sure you feel something. A well-designed portfolio doesn’t scream for attention, it invites people to stay a while. Now I’m not saying you need to be a graphic designer to make your portfolio sing, but the visual elements you choose can seriously affect how…
Laurie Kwo, Pooja Murgai Taneja, and Shelby K. Cook talk about letting go of control, trusting their instincts, and how making art helped them navigate grief, memory, and everyday life.
Let’s Talk About Your Story (It’s Way More Interesting Than You Think) Your portfolio isn’t just a place to stash your best work, it’s a personal archive of your growth, your heartbreaks, and your creative breakthroughs. It’s where you get to say, “Here’s how I became who I am as an artist.” And people want that. They don’t just want to see your paintings or sculptures, they want to feel your evolution through them. Don’t worry about sounding polished. Instead, tap into the moments that made you fall in love with…
There’s something about writing your accomplishments down that can feel… weird.Especially as an artist, where we often let our work speak for itself and hope someone notices. But here’s the truth: your awards, recognitions, and milestones? They deserve to be noticed. Loudly, warmly, and proudly. Because each of those shiny moments marks a step in your creative journey, a moment where the world said, “Hey, we see you.” And that? That’s worth sharing. Now, I’m not saying you need to become a walking résumé (please don’t). But there’s a beautiful, thoughtful…
What’s This Portfolio Actually For? Let’s be real, figuring out how long your portfolio should be is a bit like packing for a trip. Too little and it feels like you’re underprepared, too much and it becomes a hassle to carry. The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It all depends on where your portfolio’s going and who’s flipping through it. Are you applying for a residency, a grant, or finally updating that website your cousin’s been nagging you about since 2022? Every opportunity has its own expectations, and that changes the…
Three women. Three journeys. One conversation about finding your way through painting, grief, change, and connection. From Milan to Montana, discover how Sherri, Monica, and Irena turn real life into meaningful visual stories.
Why Your Portfolio Intro is Kind of a Big Deal Think of your portfolio introduction as your front door. Before anyone browses your work, they meet your words. And those words can either invite someone to step inside or make them scroll right past. Whether you’re an emerging artist or simply updating your online presence, your introduction isn’t just filler. It’s your first impression, your handshake, your hello-I’m-here moment. It frames your work with intention and gives your viewer a soft place to land before they dive into the visuals. Writing…
Updating your art portfolio regularly sounds like something only superhumans do… or people who somehow enjoy spreadsheets. But for the rest of us (who maybe have 37 unfinished paintings, two open calls bookmarked, and no idea what year our artist bio was last updated), it can feel like a lot. So, what if we made it… not stressful? What if your portfolio timeline felt more like a cozy studio ritual than a looming admin task? This guide isn’t about turning you into a marketing robot. It’s about crafting a flexible rhythm…