How To Create A Captivating Portfolio

Here at The Contemporary Creatives, we suggest creating a digital pdf portfolio, including a headshot, bio, cv, statement, and images of your works. With this digital pdf portfolio, when you are submitting work to a gallery you don’t have to worry about poor image attachments and the gallery will be thankful to have a comprehensive package that includes everything from your artist’s statement to contact information. Setting up your portfolio this way will ensure that you are showing your work in the best light.

Through this guide, we will give you the knowledge to create one yourself. Each portfolio should include; 

• COVER PAGE
  Include your name, email, phone number, and website. The cover page pulls together the following documents into one cohesive presentation.

• ABOUT THE ARTIST (This can be split into two pages)
  HEADSHOT. Put a face to the name and your work! It will help humanize you and your work!
  BIO. A short paragraph that weaves an engaging story of your art career, allowing you to share your credentials and achievements, up to 140 words.
  CV. The Curriculum Vitae or CV is essentially an artist's resume outlining previous exhibitions, publications, press, and more. For a full explanation, examples, and a guide to writing your CV, please read our post How to Write an Artists CV in 9 Steps.
  ARTIST STATEMENT. Your artist statement is an opportunity to explain the background and process of the work you are submitting to a gallery. There is no definitive right or wrong in writing your artist's statement, but it should be concise. Five hundred words is a loose guideline, but it could be less or (slightly) more. For a full explanation, examples, and a guide to writing your CV, please read our post The Artist’s Statement: Some Suggestions to consider.

• ARTWORK The most crucial component.
  Your portfolio should include 10-20 of your most recent works. If your work is highly textured or uses unique materials, provide detailed shots for some of those pieces! Make sure you label the pieces, include title, year, medium, and size. Depending on what kind of submission you are sending, you may or may not need a price list (for example, if you are submitting to a non-commercial venue, you should not submit a price list).

• A WRITTEN PROPOSAL (Not always necessary)
  A written proposal for an exhibition is only necessary if you submit your work to a gallery that explicitly requests exhibition proposals, not just artist portfolios. If you seek representation by a gallery, you do not need to have a written exhibition proposal.
  The difference between an artist statement and a written proposal is that your artist statement focuses on your artwork and practice in general, and a written proposal is a specific plan for an exhibition. A written proposal should include:

  • a brief overview of the concept behind the show

  • number of works and description of works to be included

  • timeline

  • specifics of installation

  • short biography of the artist(s) and, if applicable, curator(s) involved

Quick View

Coaching Call for Contemporary Artists

$200.00

Have a question or want to run your portfolio by us, book a time with us! Let our conversation be the starting point as you scale your business and empower your career!