Creating an art portfolio can be intimidating, even for an experienced and accomplished artist. The portfolio will act as an advertisement for the art and the artist’s skills. Using a variety of Cymru-based inspiration can help you to create this portfolio. Be inspired by great Welsh artists such as Richard Wilson and Kyffin Williams.
Whether a portfolio is needed to reach a higher level of education or to have works displayed in a gallery, it needs to look as good as the works of art it is showing off. Art portfolios are an essential part of the preparation process and can set an artist up with everything they need to get noticed.
Show off artistic talents, abilities, and skills in the best way possible. Consider the roots of your work and reference where inspiration struck, whether from the Welsh coast or iconic landscapes. Here are some tips on showcasing the creative and technical abilities that will set the art apart from the crowd.
Get Software That Can Help
Nearly any task can be easy with the right computer software or smartphone apps. When putting together an art portfolio, make sure a suite of apps to help is available to make it look as good as the paintings or photographs it contains.
Most Welsh artists today will need an online portfolio available to show their work or a portfolio that can be easily attached to emails or social media posts. Find software to help create a detailed and high-quality portfolio that can be attached to emails to galleries, curators, and potential clients. Compress your files so that they are easier to send. This can increase the chances of someone seeing your portfolio.
The art within a portfolio is important, but its presentation can be crucial to its success. Whether sent online or made into a physical portfolio that people can hold in their hands, the quality of the presentation can be a determining factor. Consider looking at the portfolios of other Cymru-based artists.
Everything Needs To Be Labelled
In most cases, information will be required to give some context to the pieces included in the art portfolio. This could mean simply adding the date and title of the piece or providing more of a description. If you are presenting to a Welsh-based crowd, then it will be more authentic to use the Welsh language.
While some establishments may want to receive a bit of extra information about the art, make sure that information is concise and not excessive in details. Simply provide any information that will heighten the impact of the art.
Organisation Is Key
The way in which pieces are displayed and the order they are placed greatly impacts how good the portfolio will look overall. The organisation of the art is an opportunity to show off presentation skills and gives viewers an idea of the thought processes that underpin the work.
Therefore, it is recommended that there is a clear organisation strategy, so whether things are in chronological order or grouped into themes, make sure it is consistent. Consider visiting the National Musuem in Cardiff to see how portfolios and exhibits are organised there.
Show Areas For Future Development
Even the best artists in the world still have a lot of learning to do, so do not feel like perfect pieces must be submitted. Art is all about being honest, and upfront about inspiration and abilities, and anyone can benefit from a little extra direction.
Therefore, if it is known that there are pieces of the portfolio that show areas that require improvement, do not be afraid to include them. Welsh artist Christoper William’s family expected him to be a doctor, but he set his sights on being an artist, which took time.
Do Not Go For Cliche Examples
When picking pieces of work to include in the portfolio, do not be tempted to play it safe and just show the usual art pieces. The portfolio needs to stand out, not blend in with hundreds of other portfolios. Welsh art is unique, and it is not seen enough. Look at the variety of pieces by artists such as Gwen John and Brenda Chamberlain, the latter of which won the first two gold medals awarded by the National Eisteddfod of Wales in the Fine Art category.
Step away from the usual fruit or flower pieces and tell a story or concept instead. While it is a good idea to show technical abilities, giving them a hint of the kind of artist beneath, and what inspires the pieces to have a lasting impression.
Focus On Quality, Not Quantity
One of the biggest challenges many artists are faced with when putting together an art portfolio is how many examples should be included.
As long as the minimum requirements stated by any art curator or art department are submitted, then it should not be a problem. Don’t feel like the portfolio needs to be overloaded with as many pages as possible instead. Focus on Welsh elements and inspirations that helped cultivate your pieces.
These top tips all combine to make a great art portfolio. Whether applying for a new art job, inclusion in an art gallery or trying to get to the next level of art education, these basic tips can help anyone to make an impressive portfolio.