I came across this great, detailed blog post by Paul Dorrell on how to asssemble a professional looking artist's portfolio. Given that Paul is the owner of the very successful Leopold Gallery and a published author, I was grateful for his generous advice to artists on this topic. If you haven't read his book Living the Artist's Life, it's a fun read. It gives you a very personal view of the art business from a gallery owner's perspective, with war stories and tons of advice for artists.
I think I will challenge myself to put together the most eye-popping portfolio that I can, with this inspiration from a gallerist's perspective. In the past I've created various presentation packages and press kits to suit a specific marketing goal. The galleries I've been in have all been the result of word of mouth from other artists, or from internet contacts through my website. But it would feel great to have a big, stunning portfolio at hand for whatever situation presents itself (no pun intended.) A professional presentation of this type shows that you respect your work, and others will too.
Online sources of portfolios and presentation cases include all the usual popular art and photography suppliers, or you could google them and compare prices.
On the art front, I've created three new pieces to send out to consultants in Atlanta so that they'll have them early next week.
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10 comments:
Paul Dorrell's Blog was fantastic. I like the idea of looking apon your portfolio as a work of art in itself. Maybe I can psyic myself up to making another one.
Excited for you and your pursuit of the galleries.
Diane, it's going to be a fun project. It will force me to focus on what I want to put out there -- which I already know I have to do.
Great find. Thanks for sharing! So much valuable information there.
Do you think you can target market your portfolio and still showcase your best pieces as suggested?
Alyice has a point. Sometimes the best work is different from the mass of other paintings and if you put them in a portfolio together the few pieces give the impression that the artist is unable to paint with consistency.
Martha, I think your work is consistently strong. So if you put in your favorites at first there will have a smooth transition between the examples easily.
Thank you for that link! His blog post was very helpful. Good luck with the art consultants in Atlanta!
Alyice. Diane, and Elisann, glad you found the artcile helpful.
Yes, Alyice and Diane, I will be taking all of that into consideration when assembling the photos. Since I have two bodies of work (the color field paintings and the textural ones) I will probably do two different portfolios for different audiences.
Martha,
It's a great project. I liked Paul's book too. Glad to see you are staying busy.
Love,
Linda
www.lindablondheimartnotes.blogspot.com
Great to find this blog. Love your work and willingness to offer information. I have a question off topic here, perhaps.
I've been asked by a large local hospital foundation to have some of my work in their birthing center and in their permanent collection. I've tried to ask what, exactly, they are proposing ... as I'm gathering they want a donation.
I've done an enormous amount of volunteer work and donation work over years, and have reached a point of "what's in it for me?" with my work. Are there large benefits to having work on permanent collection at a hospital?
Also, I was contacted by a fairly reputable gallery this same week ... with interest in representing me. I gather, if that occurs, the gallery will not want my work at the hospital.
Thoughts?
Well, anonymous, I can tell you only what I would do. I would not donate it. And really, when you think about it, why would you want to lend them your art to decorate their walls for free? I know that some artists do this, but I personally don't think there is much return on your investment in terms of getting the right exposure and future sales of your work.
(Does anyone else want to chime in here on this topic? I know this comes up all the time for artists.)
Good luck with the gallery. Go for it! And let us know how it all goes.
I would have to agree with Martha. I don't think you should donate it. In some situations I might donate a piece but in this one you are giving them your work for free where other places may rent or, even better, buy your work.
However, if you were to donate your work, I do not see that as a problem with the gallery unless they want sole representation for you.
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