Become an Artist >> Browse Articles >> Starting your Visual Art Career
Portfolio Development for Artists
Susan Myers / NYFA
Your portfolio is a valuable tool in your arsenal as an artist, and it is often the first opportunity you have to impress and influence those in charge of making the decisions and choices that affect you and your work. By developing and preparing a professional portfolio, every artist is taking a step towards ensuring her or his own success.
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In general, a portfolio consists of various presentation materials representing both the artist and her or his work. Some artists will have a very detailed and complex portfolio, but the basics almost always include: an artist resume and bio, an artist statement, work samples, press clippings or reviews of artwork, and, if appropriate, a query or cover letter. I see the artist’s portfolio as an evolving assortment of credentials that can be modified and tailored for any particular audience. While each artistic discipline has its own conventions and standards in preparing a professional portfolio, all artists can benefit from the information and suggestions included below.
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Spons
2 months ago
8 comments
I can't believe all of the time I have spent working on an artist resume and bio, an artist statement, work samples, press clippings or reviews of artwork, and, if appropriate, a query or cover letter, designing a website, taking photos of artwork, documenting everything and of course the Curriculum Vitae.
When did being an artist turn into to such a real job?
I JUST WANT TO FREAKIN PAINT!
xcillia
2 months ago
234 comments
Good article
MerryleeFelder
2 months ago
2 comments
Your article merely states the obvious, with a little "feel-good" language. What artist does not evolve?
Tauruspainterchick70
5 months ago
8 comments
you know, I did all that to get into the HS of art and design and F.I.T. in NYC and they were bougie and really discouraging. That's good info for newbies but for Jaded artist such as my self, it no longer applies.
brandeem
5 months ago
4 comments
extremely helpful..ive got one produced already, but this will only upgrade it ever more
amu
5 months ago
10 comments
nice article
kathandbabes
7 months ago
4 comments
after reading this I have learned there is a lot more to building a portfolio than I thought..but I am excited to start
Joe_313
10 months ago
6 comments
Great article!
hoosierartist2
10 months ago
236 comments
Thank you for sharing your excellent advice. I am now motivated to get my portfolio together.
ljbcreative
10 months ago
50 comments
Great Advice! I wish I had read this article years ago when I first started. While I have discovered much of this information on my own, it helps to read this information to find that I have begun to take my portfolio in the right direction.
strawberryxskelter
11 months ago
70 comments
I'm currently finishing up a portfolio for a scholarship contest and this was really helpful!
ETReid
about 1 year ago
8 comments
Don't need to print, but I did need to read something to boost my motivation.
clmyers79
about 1 year ago
128 comments
i wish there was an option to print these articles..........
trip
about 1 year ago
102 comments
Proofreading is sooo important- I agree make sure you get help with this one- I proofed my portfolio more than a few times but still missed the errors. Nothing worse in my opinion than seeing a portfolio that is sloppy or has typos.
CHILLINGWENDY
about 1 year ago
8 comments
What would an upcoming graduate's resume look like for a Creative or Assistant position in Fashion or Communications with an Art Diploma?Anyone have any ideas or experience, please clue me in sometime soon. Have a good day everybody.