How to Create an Artist Portfolio

Creating an artist resume is a little different than the standard resume. Being an artist I prefer to use the following style, but it can be adjusted to your needs. The key is to not fussy up an art resume with a lot of visual clutter. Save that for your web site to refer employers to check out or simply mention "Portfolio on request."

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with photo software and a good word processing program
• Paper - white or off white
• Records of gallery shows and awards

1. 1 - CONTACT INFO & PICTURE: On the top of the page put your contact info in a large bold attractive font and to one side a photo of a sample of your work. Treat it as if it was an ad or business card. You do not need to use black printing if you find it boring. To be creative and attract attention pick dark blue or dark green or even brown. You need name, address, Fax, phone, e-mail and name of studio if you run your art business from one. You want to use this for the initial impact. I specialize in wildlife so I have chosen a tiger painting. If you do several types of art adjust the sample for the job you are seeking. EXAMPLE: A past illustration for an illustrating job, a cartoon for a cartooning job. Pick something you like or something a past customer loved. Use the INSERT command to pick and insert the photo you want to use in your resume. If it needs cropping or other enhancement use any Photo Shop type software.

2. 2- SCHOOLING - In the rest of the resume use the same color for the fonts as you have in the contact info or use black. Use the standard font size of 12 or 10 point. Put any and all art education next. List school and address and course of study and degree. If private study list instructor and course. List only the most important ones if you attended several. Education separates the real artists from the "Sunday painters" when you are looking to market your work especially if the employer wants someone with a degree or specific training.

3. 3- ART SHOWS: This is optional as not all artists are into shows. List a few of the one man and group art shows your work has been in especially juried shows and major competitions. Keep it to recent ones say within the last five years.

4. 4 - AWARDS: If you have only had work in a few shows over the years, but have gleaned major awards list the show, location and award.

5. 5 - GALLERY SHOWS - This is optional. List any galleries where your work has been shown especially big city galleries and museums.

6. 6 - EXPERIENCE - Here list any past employment or commissions related to the type of art you do. This would say include anything from cover illustration for XYZ Publisher to commissioned portrait of Mrs. Diva the local Country singer. If you have a web site with your work or a portfolio this is the place to mention it - SEE WEBSITE WWW.MYART or PORTFOLIO AVAILABLE.

7. 7- SKILLS - If you work in more than one media list them here. Otherwise list your specialties in what you do. EXAMPLE - Sculpture in stone and clay, latex mold making and casting in plaster and concrete.

8. 8 - REFERANCES - This is self-explanatory. List real business references like gallery owners or people you have done work for and not family or friends.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep it simple, attractive and easy to read.
• Use white or off-white paper so your photo of your work shows up clear.
• DO NOT go overboard with graphics or font style. This is a turn-off to most personnel directors. They are more interested in your experience.

[AudreyBrown]

on 3/10/2008 Excellent tips, resumes for creative professions (like writing) definitely have to be tweaked a little. Great ideas!