Tag: art networking

Most artists assume residencies are decided by the strength of their portfolio. And in a way, that’s true  your work gets you through the first door. But once you’re inside, the conversation changes. Selection panels rarely debate whether someone can paint, sculpt, or conceptualize well. What they discuss instead are the subtler things that don’t always show up on a slide deck: clarity of thought, curiosity, adaptability, and whether your proposal feels grounded enough to actually come to life. Panels receive hundreds of strong applications, and by the time they sit…

You ever notice how some artists seem to get seen everywhere ,  not because they’re rich or famous, but because their work somehow travels? It pops up in group shows, zines, someone’s Pinterest board, even in a random café post. And then there’s you, scrolling, wondering how your work that feels just as good, maybe even better, seems to vanish into thin air after you hit upload. Here’s the truth no one admits: being seen isn’t about being lucky, or loud, or backed by cash. It’s about being findable. And findable…

If you’ve ever searched for art opportunities online, you’ve probably noticed how quickly the words “application fee” appear. It can be discouraging, especially when you’re still building your career and every dollar counts. That’s why free open calls are worth paying attention to. They’re not just cost-free ,  they’re a chance to step into visibility without the extra weight of financial barriers. For women artists, access matters. The art world is changing, but it’s still uneven in many ways. Free open calls make space for artists who might otherwise hesitate to…

Someone asks, “Where can I see your work?” and your stomach does that little drop. You’ve got the art, sure. You’ve got the passion. But the link? That part’s fuzzy. Maybe it’s buried in your notes app, or worse, still “in progress.” Don’t worry, you’re not the only one quietly avoiding that question. Every artist hits this point, where the studio feels solid, but the online world feels like a maze. Here’s the truth no one really says out loud: a good portfolio isn’t about fancy. It’s about found. It’s about…

Have you noticed how your phone feels like a little art gallery now? Every few weeks there’s a new app, a fun filter, or some online space where people are showing and making art in ways that didn’t even exist a few years ago. The way artists share their work is changing fast, and it’s not just about posting on Instagram anymore, it’s opening up whole new ways of being seen. Take Wplace, for example. It’s this giant online canvas where people from all over the world add their own doodles,…

Ever caught yourself staring at your latest sketch, thinking, “Is anyone else even dealing with this creative chaos?” The late-night marathons, the piles of notebooks, the ideas that look amazing in your head but a little wonky on paper, sometimes it feels like you’re the only one juggling all that. That’s exactly why finding mentors and collaborators isn’t just “nice to have,” it’s a total game-changer. And yes, there’s a space where that actually happens: the Women in Arts Network. Imagine a place where asking questions doesn’t feel scary, where experimentation…

Ever catch yourself thinking, “Maybe my ideas are too loud for the gallery?” If so, welcome to the club, but here’s the twist: your bold ideas are exactly why you belong. For women artists, the art world can feel like a room full of invisible “Do’s and Don’ts,” mostly written by someone else. But those rules? They don’t apply to your voice. Finding your voice isn’t about matching someone else’s idea of success. It’s about noticing the patterns in your thoughts, the sparks that make you uncomfortable and excited at the…

When you think about gallery representation, it often feels like a far-off dream: openings, collectors, exhibitions, but how do you get there? The secret is a portfolio that functions as more than images, it’s your ambassador, your visual resume, and your invitation. Artists across the community share that representation often hinges on what they present before they walk into a gallery. A truly thoughtful portfolio signals clarity, reliability, and readiness. It shows you can think beyond creating work, you can present it professionally and strategically. This article translates first-hand artist experiences…