Tag: artist branding

If you have ever sat staring at a blank invoice, second-guessing every number you typed, you are not alone. Pricing your art feels scary because it forces you to put a number on something deeply personal. Unlike selling a shirt or a coffee mug, your art carries your time, your ideas, and a piece of your identity. That makes the process of deciding “what it’s worth” feel almost like deciding “what you’re worth.” It is a heavy emotional lift, which is why many artists either avoid it or undercut themselves. But…

When you hear the phrase “artist bio,” it might sound like one of those formal, box-checking tasks that galleries or websites make you submit. But in reality, your bio is often the very first doorway through which people encounter your art. Before someone dives into your portfolio or takes the time to stand in front of your work, they usually glance at the words you’ve written about yourself. This small paragraph can either intrigue them or make them scroll past. That is why treating it as an afterthought sells your work…

Think about the last time you walked into a cluttered room. Even if there were treasures hidden in there, it felt overwhelming and hard to appreciate anything. The same thing happens when someone lands on an artist’s online portfolio. If the layout is messy or overloaded, the work gets lost in the noise. A clean design lets the art breathe, giving viewers the space to engage without distraction. For many artists, the instinct is to show everything, as if quantity proves dedication. But the truth is, curation is what makes your…

Most artists don’t wake up thinking about keywords or algorithms. You probably care more about color palettes than meta tags. But here’s the truth: your online portfolio is like a gallery sitting on a quiet street. If no one knows it’s there, your brilliant work might never get noticed. Search engine optimization, or SEO, is how you put up bright signs pointing people in your direction. Without it, collectors, curators, or even casual art lovers may never stumble across your work, no matter how incredible it is. Think about it this…

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…

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…

1. The Evolution of Your Practice Is Your Greatest Asset Your latest work isn’t just a collection of new ideas. It’s proof of your growth, your changing perspective, and your evolving skills. Every brushstroke, photograph, or sculpture carries the weight of everything you’ve learned since your last portfolio update. Think about it ,  the work you’re making now is likely more refined, more intentional, and more aligned with your current artistic voice. Curators, galleries, and collectors are always asking, “What are you doing now?” They don’t want to invest in yesterday’s…

Why Every Portfolio Isn’t for Everyone Let’s start with a truth many artists overlook: your portfolio isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. It’s tempting to create a single file with your favorite works and use it for every opportunity, but here’s the problem: what appeals to a gallery may not speak to a school admissions panel, and what collectors love might not be the same as what a curator is looking for. Different audiences have different needs, priorities, and expectations. Understanding who will view your portfolio can drastically change how your work is…

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…