Tag: portfolio advice

Come on, you already know you’re good at what you do. The sketches, the paintings, the digital designs ,  they all prove you’ve got the skills. But when a commission client scrolls through your portfolio, do they see just “art” or do they see possibility? That’s the real test. Your portfolio isn’t just a scrapbook of what you’ve done, it’s a carefully packed suitcase you’re handing to potential clients, showing them what you can bring to their table. Think about the last time you ordered food from a restaurant you hadn’t…

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,…

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…

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…