Tag: art portfolio tips
Start With a Clean Slate If you’ve been an artist for any length of time, you probably have hundreds of works scattered across sketchbooks, folders, and hard drives. The temptation to cram everything you’ve ever made into your portfolio is real. But that urge can backfire quickly. Before you even begin selecting, take a deep breath and start with a clean slate. Literally. Open a new folder and only add pieces that you feel excited about today. Not yesterday. Not five years ago. Today. Doing this helps you break away from…
1. Your Portfolio is a Not a Scrapbook Let’s challenge a big idea: that your portfolio must tell your growth story. What if instead, your portfolio is about clarity, not chronology? In today’s saturated creative world, your audience isn’t looking for your origin story; they’re looking for a clear, bold window into your current identity as an artist. Growth is messy, non-linear, and often deeply personal , and that’s beautiful. But when someone’s browsing your portfolio, they have limited time. They’re seeking cohesion, not a diary. Your job isn’t to take…
We’re All Browsing on Our Phones Whether we’re curled up on the couch, waiting in line at the grocery store, or sneakily checking our phones in meetings, mobile browsing has taken over. Your future client, gallery owner, or fellow artist is probably discovering your work while scrolling between emails or during their commute. If your portfolio isn’t mobile-optimized, you’re missing the moment when curiosity turns into connection. A sleek website that looks incredible on a desktop but falls apart on a phone is like a beautifully painted canvas crammed into a…
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…
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…