by Carolyn Edlund
How to present your artwork so it looks thoughtful, professional, and ready for opportunities.
Your art portfolio isn’t just a collection of pictures. It’s like a visual resume that helps you make a strong first impression with galleries, collectors, jurors, and clients. When a portfolio is created correctly, it tells a clear story about who you are as an artist and what your work represents. Use this strategic checklist to make yours stand out:
Be clear about your purpose.
Before you do anything else, define why you’re creating the portfolio. Different versions are appropriate for different purposes. For example, a portfolio designed for selling looks different from one for juried competitions.
Some possibilities are to:
- Sell your work
- Apply to exhibitions or residencies
- Attract gallery representation
- Seek commissions
- License or work with members of the trade
Then, proceed with next steps to include what’s needed to hit your mark, and learn how to get organized.
Self-curate your portfolio with intent.
To create the best possible portfolio for yourself, resolve to select only your very best work. Your portfolio needs to be focused and cohesive. When others view your portfolio, they are experiencing a narrative about your style and vision. A few powerful pieces are better than a large, unfocused collection.
Curate to achieve the following:
- The works included represent your current artistic direction.
- Your portfolio feels cohesive, with one clear visual voice or theme running throughout.
- Older work that doesn’t add meaning or quality is removed.
Present a reasonable number of pieces.
While there’s no strict number or size for any portfolio, be aware that too many images can overwhelm a viewer. The total number will depend not only on your existing body of work, but your medium. For instance, it’s much easier for photographers to have a larger selection that a painter who works slowly, so this will naturally vary per individual. A good rule of thumb is to focus on about 15–20 strong works that show the range within your signature style.
Share excellent photos of your work.
Great photos aren’t optional; they are essential. There is no more effective way to scream “amateur” than sharing a collection of photographs with flaws. It’s essential to show your work to it’s best advantage because images of your art communicate your professionalism before anyone sees the work in person. They have to work hard in order to make the best first impression.
Checklist for photos:
- Sharp focus, accurate color, proper lighting
- Neutral backgrounds (avoid shadows, glare, hotspots)
- Include detail shots for texture and technique
- In situ shots that show scale and context in a room
Organize your presentation logically.
The viewer should be able to understand your work at a glance. Think of your portfolio as a curated exhibition:
- Collections grouped by medium, theme, subject matter or other factors
- Worked arranged from strongest to supportive pieces
- Clear titles, mediums, and dimensions plus prices (if applicable)
Include supporting materials.
A strong portfolio isn’t just images. It may include written information and additional documents to provide a look at your experience and credibility, such as:
- Artist Statement — short, clear, and engaging
- Artist Bio — who you are and what you do
- CV/Resume — exhibitions, awards, press, education
- Contact Info — email, website, social media profiles
Keep your portfolio updated.
An outdated portfolio communicates inactivity and does not clearly express your current direction. Make a habit of updating whenever you complete a new work that genuinely elevates your collection. After all, you may find an opportunity arises quickly that requires you to show your best work, right now. Are you ready?
Think beyond.
For online portfolios, consider additional pages or elements that serve your business goals, such as:
The bottom line is that the job of your portfolio is showing what you do best and telling your artist story in a way that resonates with the audience. Ultimately, you want to make it easy for people to say “Yes”. This checklist helps you refine your presentation so that any viewer clearly understands what you want to convey.
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