Loading...

What is a portfolio?

Lesson Content Banner

Do you know?

You have made a variety of artwork in this class. So, what will you do with it? The first thing you should consider is, does it belong in your portfolio? At this point, you may be asking yourself what a portfolio is and why you need one.

Look at the following images for clues and then click on them to enlarge them and learn more about portfolios.

A portfolio is a collection of items that show a specific talent or skill. In the case of an artist, the portfolio shows future employers the artist’s skills and style. Artists use portfolios as a kind of résumé when they are applying for jobs, grants, and specific educational programs (art school) or are trying to attract commissions (people who pay for a specific kind of artwork).

Before digital technology, artist portfolios were bulky and consisted of physical artwork or photographs. Today, most artists have digital portfolios on their website or in a digital presentation format. The digital presentation of portfolios makes it easier for artists to apply for work by simply sending a link via email or by bringing a tablet to an interview. The digital portfolio also allows them to include an image of a commissioned or sold artwork, and they don’t have to worry about damage to photographs.

Portfolios must be professional and consistent. For artists, this requires taking high-quality photographs of any 2D and 3D physical art. Digital art should be uploaded using a high-resolution jpeg. The portfolio should also be organized. This means that related artwork should be placed together. For example, portraits should be shown with other portraits and landscapes with other landscapes.

Your portfolio should be an organized collection of your best work that shows off your strengths and growth as an artist. Take care when selecting pieces for your portfolio; each piece you include is a representation of you as an artist. In the next section, you will learn about the type of work to include in your portfolio.