5 Tips on How to Create a Fabulous Portfolio
by Kathy Beekman, Art Career Coach and Professional Artist original blog date: 2/2/2019
When approaching a gallery for representation you may need to present a physical art portfolio.
Here are 5 great tips for building a perfect "physical" portfolio.
1. Compile your Artwork. Your portfolio should feel cohesive. Choose finished artwork that shows a strong body of work. Make a folder on your computer and place 15-20 recent images of your art in it.
2. Know the Requirements. Do your research to find out if the gallery has a submission policy. If they do, they will provide you with guidelines. Follow these to a "T" or your chances of being considered will drop dramatically. Galleries want to work with artists that can follow simple directions.
3. Choose and Organize Your Artwork. From the 15-20 images you chose to put into the folder on your computer, choose 12 of your strongest artworks. Print and place these within your portfolio with the "best of the best" placed at the beginning, middle, and end of your portfolio. Keep in mind that the images should have a good flow, meaning that there is a reason why each image is placed one after another.
4. Pages of Your Portfolio. Each artwork image should be large. It should take up 1/2 to 2/3 of a standard paper size of 8 1/2 x 11. The size and medium should also be represented.
5. Other Pertinent Information. There is other information that should be included within your portfolio. Such as: Artist biographies, artist statements, artist resumes and, if you have them, publications about you and your artwork.
The 5 tips listed here are the basic tips when it comes to creating your winning portfolio. Have you created a portfolio that opened the doors of a gallery to you? If so, we would love to hear about it.
Are you looking for help in creating your dynamite portfolio? Kathy is an expert when it comes to designing and arranging online and physical portfolios. Feel free to contact her if you are in need of expert help