Artist Portfolio

I have had a couple of artists contact me about how to 'get into a gallery' and/or how to 'create an artist portfolio'.  When I first started testing the waters with my photography I had several artists help me and I did a lot of research online (and that was when the Internet was just beginning).  That's what I love about the Internet is that it's like a 'magic genie' or 'swamee'.  Basically, I am paying it forward with this information.

In regards to the portfolio, I found a great website that lays it all out for you.  The website is:
http://art-support.com.  I'm sure there are others out there too.  This one provides samples and forms - everything an artist might need:  Artist Information Sheet, Resume, Artist Statement, Certificate of Authenticity, sales forms, gallery forms, exhibition forms, release forms, and much more.  In fact, I printed out their outline and samples that I needed and put them in my Artist Business Info/Resources binder that I could easily access.  It's helped me tremendously.

As far as a portfolio goes, here again, you can do a search online and get many answers to create your own.  What you need to include would be information about your past one-person exhibitions, bio on yourself including education and background.  For example, a one sheet Artist Information Sheet would include the following subject lines:  Artist, Philosophy, Style, Technique, Background, Publications or Exhibits, and Prices. You can change the titles to fit your own personal specialties.

You would also include in your portfolio, professional, quality photos of your original artworks, and photos of other variations that you may apply your artwork in (i.e., cards, coasters, wall hangings, etc.).  If you were in previous 'shows/exhibits' include the cards from those shows.  Your portfolio changes as you branch out and should be kept up to date with your current work.  Now that reminds me, I need to update mine very soon!