Q&A for How to Make an Art Portfolio

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How do I make a portfolio as a beginner?

Heather Gallagher
Professional Photojournalist & Photographer
Heather Gallagher is a Photojournalist & Photographer based in Austin, Texas. She runs her own photography studio named "Heather Gallagher Photography" which was voted Austin's Best Family Photographer and top 3 Birth Photographers in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Heather specializes in family Photojournalism and has over 15 years of experience documenting individuals, families, and businesses all over the world. Her clients include Delta Airlines, Oracle, Texas Monthly, and her work has been featured in The Washington Post and The Austin American Statesman. She is a member of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP).

Heather Gallagher

Professional Photojournalist & Photographer

Expert Answer

Try to create as much content as possible. Play around with different styles and see what really speaks to you. As you figure out your strong suits, you will develop a signature style, whether it's the fact that you shoot with only natural light or that you focus on a particular subject or theme. You want to have a cohesive thread that runs through your work that makes it recognizable as yours.

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My paintings are large oil paintings. How do I include them in my portfolio?

Community Answer

Take a photo or have someone take pictures of each piece. Have the pictures printed then add them to the portfolio.

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Question

Should I sign my name in the front on artwork for art school portfolios?

Community Answer

You can if you want but it is not essential. If your work is on multiple pages, get a presentation folder and perhaps create a title page with your full name and signature. But if your work is on a canvas, don't sign the front if it were for school -- instead, you would probably sign the back. Talk to your art teacher about the preferences in class.

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Question

Do I need to use the original copies of my artwork or can I use photocopies?

Community Answer

You should use the originals. Never add photocopies to a portfolio unless you want to show a large-scale piece that cannot be carried around.

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Question

What materials do I need to make an art portfolio?

Community Answer

You can make an art portfolio using a heavy paper folder to hold your drawings.

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Question

Does an art portfolio have to be a binder? Could I just put them in a big file folder?

Community Answer

It all depends. If you have a lot to show, then use a binder.

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Question

I'm applying to school for animation, an industry which requires the ability to copy art styles. Should I include a piece or two in other styles to showcase my ability to do so?

Community Answer

Yes! But try not copy the pictures too much, just show you get the main idea. Just use the major aspects of the artist's stylistic techniques.

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Question

My works vary from 1.5 m up to 3 m on hard boards. I have my eye set on galleries. Should I make smaller paintings or aim for different galleries?

Community Answer

It wouldn't hurt to make some smaller paintings just to cover your bases, but if a gallery really likes your work, they will make space to accommodate you. It just might mean showing one piece in that gallery instead of three or four.

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Question

How do I present my digital artwork on paper?

Community Answer

Find a shop or printer capable of printing in full color, or make a digital portfolio.

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Question

Which size binder should I use?

Community Answer

It depends on how many pieces of artwork you are trying to show off in your portfolio.

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Question

Where can I find online examples of an art portfolio?

Community Answer

The best place is YouTube. There is a huge variety of portfolios, and you can learn a lot from each video. People tend to explain the reasons behind why they choose to include each piece.

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Question

What online websites can I use to help me make an online art portfolio?

PurpleHoodie

Community Answer

Wix.com is a good place to check out. You can create a free virtual portfolio and edit it to your liking. Vistaprint is another option but there may be fees to create it in detail.

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Question

Can I buy a portfolio instead of making one or is it a good idea to save money and express my creativity?

Community Answer

You can buy one. You just need it to display your art well.

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Question

How do I assemble a digital art portfolio?

Community Answer

You can either make an online portfolio, which may be best if a majority of your work is digital, or print them out, making sure to keep their quality high and clear, then place them in with a physical portfolio.

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Question

Can I make a digital portfolio?

Community Answer

Yes. Method 2 Part 6 addresses this. Depending on who you're sharing the portfolio with, though, they may have specific preferences as to whether they want a digital portfolio or a physical one. It is a good idea to have both.

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Question

What is a portfolio?

Community Answer

It's a collection of your works to show to your teachers or potential clients/employers.

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Question

How do I create a portfolio if my works are all performances?

Community Answer

A digital portfolio with photos and videos would be a good option.

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Question

I'm only a hobbyist artist and I only do fan art. Is it possible for me to make a portfolio to apply for a job?

Community Answer

You would probably want to branch out from only doing fan art if you’d like to apply for a job, to avoid having copyright trouble and to showcase more originality. You could include a few pieces of your fan art in your portfolio alongside others that are entirely your own creation, though!

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