A strong portfolio is your calling card to galleries, curators, and collectors. It’s more than just a collection of your best work — it’s your visual story, your professional introduction, and your ticket to opportunities. Here’s how to build one that turns heads and opens doors.

1. Start with a Clear Artist Statement

Keep it short (under 300 words), personal, and insightful. Talk about your themes, materials, and what drives your creative process. Avoid jargon — write like a human, not a textbook.

2. Curate, Don’t Just Collect

Include 10–20 strong, cohesive works. Prioritize recent work that reflects your current direction. Don’t throw in older or unrelated work just to bulk up your portfolio.

3. Use High-Quality Images

Photograph your art in natural light or with proper lighting equipment. Crop cleanly, show scale when needed, and avoid distracting backgrounds. Quality images can make or break your presentation.

4. Include Exhibition History and Press (If You Have It)

List solo and group exhibitions, residencies, and any notable publications or reviews. If you’re just starting out, that’s okay — include education, workshops, or community art involvement.

5. Make It Easy to Navigate

Whether it’s a PDF or website, your portfolio should be clean, easy to browse, and fast to load. Consider including:

• Table of contents
• Work titles, sizes, materials, and dates
• Brief context or concept statements if needed

Final Note
Your portfolio is always evolving. Update it every 6–12 months, and tailor it when applying to different opportunities. Show the world who you are — and make it impossible to ignore.