Tag: art portfolio tips
How many times have you been told, “You need a website to look professional”? Probably more times than you can count. And sure, that advice made sense ten years ago when having a website was the only way to show up online. But let’s pause for a second. Do you really need to spend endless hours (and dollars) trying to make your site look perfect when there are artist-focused platforms already doing the heavy lifting for you? Think about it. A website is like owning a house. Sounds glamorous, right? But…
When someone opens your portfolio, you want them to instantly sense your vision , like they’ve just stepped into your creative world. Cohesion is what makes that happen. It’s the invisible thread that gives your collection purpose and connection. This doesn’t mean every piece should look the same, but they should feel like they’re part of the same family. Imagine your work speaking the same language, each piece adding to the conversation instead of shouting over one another. Without cohesion, even your most skillful pieces can seem scattered, leaving viewers unsure…
1. Why You Don’t Need to Show Everything Let’s start with a truth that trips up so many artists: more is not always better. When you’re putting together a portfolio, the instinct is to throw in everything, thinking, “The more they see, the more impressed they’ll be.” But here’s the kicker, a bloated portfolio can overwhelm jurors and dilute your strongest work. Every piece should earn its spot, not just fill space. Think of your portfolio as a conversation with a friend. You wouldn’t talk non-stop without letting them digest your ideas,…
Curation is not just about what you show. It’s equally about what you choose to leave out. Whether you’re an emerging artist building your first portfolio, a mid-career creative planning a solo exhibition, or a curator selecting work for a group show, the decisions you make shape how people experience your art. And guess what? Those decisions aren’t just logistical. They’re emotional. They’re strategic. They’re everything. In a world where attention is short and first impressions are long-lasting, curating with intention is one of the most powerful tools an artist can…
Why It’s Time to Show the Messy Middle We all love the final piece, the polished canvas, the perfectly lit photograph, the sculpture that stands proud and complete. But what about the versions before that? The smudged pages, the failed attempts, the half-formed ideas that eventually led you there? Most artists hide those moments. But here’s the thing: they’re gold. Audiences are no longer content with just the result. They want to know the story behind it, the hands that shaped it, and the journey it took to arrive. Including works…
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…