Art First: Essential Skills for Your Creative Path
Presenting Your Work

Building Your Portfolio

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A view of KCAC Member Harold Smith’s studio from his three-year awarded residency at Studio Inc. in Kansas City, MO.

Curate, Organize, and Present

Your portfolio is your professional calling card — a carefully curated snapshot of your artistic practice. This module will help you select, organize, and present your work in a way that reflects your unique vision and process.

    • Choose pieces that best represent your style, range, and strengths.

    • Include works that reflect your current focus and artistic evolution.

    • Ask yourself: Does this piece tell a story about my work? Does it reflect my process or themes?

    Tip: Fewer, stronger pieces are better than many pieces that feel scattered.

    • Decide the sequence of your pieces — chronological, thematic, or by medium.

    • Group similar works together to show depth in a particular practice.

    • Consider how the first and last images will leave a lasting impression.

    Tip: Think of your portfolio like an exhibition — the order matters!

    • Include the following for each piece: Title, Medium, Dimensions, Date Created.

    • Add 1–2 sentences describing your process, inspiration, or concept.

    • Keep language clear and approachable; avoid jargon.

    Tip: Your captions should guide the viewer without overshadowing the work.

    • Digital: Websites, PDF portfolios, social media. Make sure images are high-quality and consistently formatted.

    • Physical: Printed portfolio books, gallery-ready presentation. Maintain uniform image sizing and clear labeling.

    Free online portfolio options: ArtStation, Behance, Cargo, Adobe Portfolio

Digital or Physical?

Pros
Digital Portfolio

  • Easily shareable online

  • Quick updates and additions

  • Can include multimedia (video, audio) for interactive presentation

  • Accessible globally

Cons
Digital Portfolio

  • Requires reliable internet and screen-quality awareness

  • Risk of images being misused

  • Some galleries or juries prefer physical inspection

Pros
Physical Portfolio

  • Tangible, tactile experience that can impress in-person

  • Allows full control over color accuracy and paper quality

  • Can feel more personal and memorable

Cons
Physical Portfolio

  • Harder to update or expand

  • Bulkier to transport

  • Less convenient for remote submissions or wide distribution

  • Could be more expensive

Tips for Artists

Many professional artists maintain both: a sleek digital version for applications and sharing, and a select physical version for gallery visits or interviews.

Focus on high-quality images and consistent formatting regardless of medium.

Use your Artist Statement to guide how work is presented in both formats

Your Portfolio, Your Way

Every artist tells their story differently. This quick checklist will help you decide whether a digital portfolio, a physical one, or a mix of both best supports your creative journey.

Activity: Curate Your Portfolio

  • Select 5–10 works that reflect your practice.

  • Write captions using your Artist Statement as guidance.

  • Sequence your portfolio so it tells a story about your growth and vision.

Tip: Revisit this activity periodically — your portfolio should grow with your practice.