essentials guide

Advice and resources for recent graduates, self-taught artists, and other emerging creatives

Start your CV / résumé ASAP

CV stands for “curriculum vitae” (vitae rhymes with mighty). Your CV is a record of all your professional activities.

Document your work

Take GOOD pictures, and keep track of your pieces and their info.

  • This creates a record of all your work, and an easy way to copy and paste the info for each piece direcly into applications.

    Claire uses a Google Doc like THIS

    Whatever format you use, include:

    • An image of the piece

    • Title

    • Year

    • Materials

    • Size

    • Most recent retail price

    And I also find it helpful to include a short statement about the work, collector info, or any other info that will help me with open calls or other professional communications.

  • Most people who encounter your work will see it online. You should find a way to create or obtain professional-looking photographs of your work.

    If you are about to graduate from an institution, we highly recommend you utilize any resources there to document your work - education, cameras, lighting, professors, other students as models, etc.

    Claire’s guide to jewelry/object photography.

Create a website / online portfolio

You will need a way for people to see your work online, and learn about you and your practice. It is more professional if this site is different from your personal Instagram.

Utilize institutional resources

Squeeze everything you can out of that college or organization you paid for!

  • Ask your professors all your questions, and get their advice, contacts, and a list of resources from them.

    • Write down the emails of your important contacts so you do not loose them when you loose your school email.

    • Take photos and a video of your studios - you might want to reference how things were set up there (Claire is so glad she did this!)

    • Check out and scan any technical/research books you could use later.

    • Buy software that offers student discounts while you are still a student, like Adobe, Rhino, etc.

    • What else can you utilize while you have access?

Keep making work

It can be challenging to maintain your practice outside of certain educational, social, or financial structures, but work makes work. Keep working!

  • Work at your kitchen table, borrow space in someone’s garage . . . find a space in which to work, and materials you can afford.

  • Get together with like-minded people to share resources and feedback.

  • Read books, articles, blogs, watch lectures, attend workshops, go down research rabbit holes, and look around.

Network & promote yourself

Networking is your superpower, and will likely be the source of MOST of your big opportunities.

    • Art openings, parties, events, etc.

    • Make sure people know what you do: work it into conversation naturally and authentically - don’t be pushy or too transactional. Be curious about others and they will be curious about you.

    • Networking does not have to feel forced or transactional. It is simply the process of getting to know people, taking an interest in their work, and sharing your own. Genuine relationships are often the source of unexpected opportunities.

    • Find a way to remember people’s names and personal info. This can be a challenge if you attend a lot events!

    • Build and maintain a community of peers - this is a superpower for artists. Your peers will help inspire and guide you, as well as send opportunities your way.

    • Help others - they will likely help you in return.