Part 2: “Creating a Portfolio: It’s Time to Get Organized!”
As we start building our portfolio, we want to consider what we have already accomplished and where we want to go. To start really evaluating your starting point, you can sort the work you already have made into three categories, which I’ve made folders of here.
Sorting the work in this way can help you to really SEE what your strengths are, as well as places you need to grow in order to have the strongest portfolio when applications are due:
Is breadth. Breadth refers to the range your artwork spans. This can mean in medium, style, process, you name it. For example, if someone has a mostly painting portfolio but they dabble in sculpture, that goes in there. Or maybe your large work if you work small. Anything like that
Is quality, which is pretty straightforward. This category is going to be filled with your most clean work: technically sound, and great craftsmanship.
Is thematic work. in other words, work that has an underlying concept or story. If you don’t have one yet, don't worry…..
Seeing all the work together may NATURALLY lead you to seek out a theme that resonates with you. Having an overarching narrative to your portfolio is important to show not just your technical skills and craftsmanship but also your conceptual side.
If you have trouble with this, try to think of one word or phrase that connects deeply with you. For example, if you are passionate about educating others on gender equity, can you think of ways to use art as a tool to educate viewers?
If it helps, you can engage in free association writing about the chosen theme or the concepts you're observing. Let your thoughts flow unrestricted, even if they don't seem like they directly relate to your artistic practice. It's all connected, trust me.
And remember, take all the time you need.
As you spend time with your compiled images, ponder these questions:
Which folder showcases the strongest aspects of my portfolio?
Where does it appear weakest?
Are there any gaps in my body of work?
Which mediums do I feel most confident in?
Which ones do I yearn to explore and improve?
Where do you aspire to be artistically, conceptually, and technically by the end of this year?
These questions can lead you to your next step on this portfolio-building journey: making work that fills the gaps.
