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A guide to creating your PDF portfolio

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Applications for creative roles will often require you to have a portfolio of sorts; and today, that can take many forms – from social media profiles to printed objects. In this guide, we’ll be focusing on the trusty PDF portfolio – a condensed and curated version you’ll need for job applications. Here’s what to include, how to make the edit and some all-important details for curating a great PDF portfolio.

What is a portfolio?

A portfolio is a printed or digital document that showcases your best work. Used predominantly when applying for a job or internship, your portfolio is considered to be just as important as your CV and cover letter .

Portfolios can vary across different disciplines. For example, those working in film and animation might opt for an online showreel, whereas photographers might prefer a large-scale, printed portfolio that shows off their images.

While your work should speak for itself, when done well, your portfolio could also be considered a project in itself, or even an extension of your practice.

How is a PDF portfolio different?

Today there are lots of different ways to present your work – from Instagram and Behance, to a personal website – and each has its own role to play. For example, you might use your Instagram account to document process or inspiration, while your website shows a longer selection of finished projects.

For applications, though, a PDF portfolio is usually the standard format. This will be an edited, tailored and well-curated selection of your work that helps a potential employer understand more about you and your suitability for a role. As they are commonly uploaded as digital files, they tend to be no more than 10MB in size.

What goes into a PDF portfolio?

We’ll go into these in more detail below, but generally speaking, this type of PDF portfolio is made up of:

• A cover page • A selection of projects (normally between five and ten) • An end page • Your contact info (including name, email address and social media links)

👋 Cover page

A typical cover page will include your name and location. Sometimes, if you’re submitting a PDF to a specific person or company, it can be a nice touch to opt for a more personal introduction. This could mean opening with a customised greeting like, “Hello Design Studio!”

🗂 Selection of projects

There’s a whole lot of varied advice out there on what projects to include in your PDF portfolio. But ultimately, it all depends on the type of role you’re applying for.

As a general rule, you should only include the work you’re most proud of . Be selective and avoid adding any projects for the sake of it. Aim to keep your selection below 10 projects, and try to balance different approaches and outcomes, making sure the projects you choose fit the brief and role advertised.

If you don’t have loads of experience just yet, remember that employers are most interested in new voices and fresh perspectives; they’ll want to see an eagerness and hunger to learn. So even if you don't have any published or commissioned work just yet, you can include self-initiated projects, rough ideas, drafts or experiments. This shows that you’re interested and keen to learn.

Your final page is a chance to thank the reader for their time. Feel free to add a touch of personality, include a fun GIF, or even a friendly note. You can be the judge of this; work out if a personalised message is something they’d like to see, or whether they’d like it to be a bit more formal.

☎️ Contact information

It’s up to you where you include your contact details, but just make sure they’re easily findable somewhere in your PDF. You don’t need as much info as you’d write in your CV, but it’s good to include: • Your email address • Your location, or where you are based • Links to a website, blog or relevant social media platforms

The last thing you want after sufficiently impressing a potential employer, client or collaborator is for them to give up because they can’t work out how to reach you.

You can also embed hyperlinks in your PDF and export it as an interactive document – just be sure your links are working and correct – there’s nothing worse than realising that your website or social links are broken – or accidentally linking to that tray bake brownie recipe you were looking at over lunch!

Step-by-step: The curation process

It is crucial to personalise your PDF portfolio to the job you’re applying for. This shouldn’t be an entire archive of your output to date, instead you should select only the best examples that are most relevant to your interests and the role.

That being said, it’s not always easy! Remember that while working out what to include in your PDF portfolio can be tricky, being able to curate your own work is not only a great skill to exercise, but is also an attractive quality for potential employers.

✂️ Less is more

It might sound a bit tough, but be brutal when selecting what projects to include. If you’ve worked on a range of briefs at college or university, there will be some you enjoyed more than others. Only include the work that you were genuinely interested in, and that best represents who you are. It can be tempting, but don’t feel like you need to include everything ‘just in case’.

A good way to start making the first selection is to list all of your projects, and then whittle them down to just the ones you’re most proud of.

✅ Keep it relevant

Study the company or organisation you’re applying to, or the person you’re reaching out to. While it’s a good idea to show a variety of projects, it’s important to tailor your portfolio to reflect the skills that prospective employers are looking for.

For example, if you’re applying for a role as a digital designer, show off your digital work! Or if you’re an illustrator reaching out to a magazine, study the types of illustrations they normally publish; if they work with lots of portraits, include examples of this.

🔮 Include work you want to do more of

Your portfolio is not only a reflection of your current practice; it can help you attract the kind of work you want to be commissioned for. For example, if you’ve only got one project with a focus on typography, but you’d like to explore this further in future, include it!

As well as showing off relevant skills and projects, employers are also interested in your passions, and personal or self-initiated projects are a good way to show this.

How long should a PDF portfolio be?

Once you’ve worked out which projects you’d like to include, it’s time to think about how you communicate them on the page. While we can’t give you a definitive number of pages to aim for, there are some considerations that can help you work out what makes sense for you...

📏 Switch up the length of projects

Depending on the projects you choose to include, you’ll want to dedicate more or less pages to certain projects. A response to a fun, one-day brief, for example, might warrant one or two pages. A long-term, research or process-heavy project might be better explained across more.

If you’ve used or developed a new technique that was essential to a project, why not include research insights or tests? This might help communicate your process and proactivity.

For illustrators or image-makers, this can also help a potential commissioner understand how long your work takes to produce – for example, if you use digital or analogue techniques like linocut.

🏃 Pace your projects accordingly

Think about how a viewer experiences your PDF portfolio: How might it feel to go through lots of detailed projects in a row? You want to hold the reader’s attention throughout, so try alternating between longer and shorter projects to help create rhythm and pace.

Think about what might capture someone’s attention first, and what impression you leave them with. A good way to do this is to open and close your PDF portfolio with your very best work . You could gradually build up to a finale, give them an “ah-ha!” moment when they finish on your final piece.

Categorisation, Captions and Credits

📂 categorisation is essential.

It’s important that a prospective employer can easily navigate your PDF portfolio, especially if you work in a multidisciplinary way.

If you’re someone who likes to mix a few genres, styles or disciplines, it’s helpful to clearly label or categorise your projects. For example, you could keep commercial and personal work separately; or distinguish between techniques like digital art and screen-printing.

🧾 Keep captions concise and remember to credit

Your viewer needs to be able to quickly understand your work and the thinking behind it, and this is why captions and credits are super-important. What part did you play and how was it achieved? What’s the big idea?

For this, remember:

  • Use clear project titles, followed up with a short explanation of the work
  • Avoid big chunks of text where a paragraph will do
  • Specify the part you played, along with anyone else who was involved
  • Don’t try to claim everything as your own, especially if it was a group project!

An employer will ultimately prefer to look at your work, rather than have to read lots about it – so include enough information that they understand what they’re seeing, without you being there to explain it. You can always embed hyperlinks if it helps.

How should you design a PDF portfolio?

👔 choose a format that suits your work.

You can format your PDF portfolio in either portrait or landscape, really; it all depends on the images, design and text you want to use. It comes down to what feels right for your work. A programme like Adobe InDesign can be a good starting point here, as it makes images and text easy to adjust and experiment with different layout options.

Ultimately, how you choose to visually communicate your work and personality is up to you, but below are a few universal tips and tricks to take into consideration.

🧹 Avoid cluttering the page too much

Your work needs to be the main event, so make sure your presentation is clear. To do this, you can use any combination of layout options – here are some examples to get you started.

Why not try full-bleed images, or spread out a few on a page or two? Adding ‘page furniture’ such as project titles or page numbers as footers or headers can also help images feel anchored to the page – just make sure there’s not too much unnecessary graphic noise around your work.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

📸 Choose your images carefully

Just like the curation process for your projects, be selective about the images you include. Each image should serve a purpose, so avoid including two images that do the same job.

For example, you might not need two shots of the same book from a different angle, unless each image showcases a unique detail.

👾 Check for pixelation!

You’ll want to avoid pixelation on any images, but be aware that big image sizes will often eat up your MB allowance and might be a nightmare to send digitally. Where possible, save images as .jpegs and reduce the quality – not the resolution.

What’s next?

Once you’re happy with your selection, you can export your PDF portfolio and get ready to send it off! We’d also recommend taking your PDF to events like portfolio reviews like our very own or those run by The Dots . This gives you a chance to meet other people, and practice talking people through your portfolio.

Making the selection isn’t always easy, but it will get easier over time. And remember – creating one portfolio doesn’t mean that it’s all over forever! It’s an evolving document that you can keep updating as you grow as a creative.

Written by Creative Lives in Progress Illustration by Dionne Pajarillaga

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Erin Wright Writing

Writing-Related Software Tutorials

How to Create a PDF Portfolio in Adobe Acrobat

By Erin Wright

This tutorial shows how to create, customize, and rename a PDF Portfolio in Adobe Acrobat.

Before we begin, you may be wondering…

What Is a PDF Portfolio?

When you use Adobe Acrobat’s Combine Files tool, other file types (such as Microsoft Word or Excel files) will be converted to the PDF format. However, a PDF Portfolio lets you combine and save multiple files as one PDF without converting the other files to PDFs.

Quick Links:

  • How to Create a PDF Portfolio
  • How to Customize a PDF Portfolio
  • How to Rename and Save a PDF Portfolio

This tutorial is available as a YouTube video showing all the steps in real time.

Watch more than 250 other writing-related software tutorials on my YouTube channel .

The images below are from Adobe Acrobat DC. These steps will also work in Adobe Acrobat 2020 and Adobe Acrobat 2017. In addition, the steps are nearly identical between a PC and Mac.

You can’t create a portfolio with Adobe Acrobat Standard or Acrobat Reader ; however, you can view portfolios with both.

  • Select the File tab.

Adobe Acrobat File Tab

  • Select Create from the drop-down menu.

Adobe Acrobat File Menu Create Option

  • Select PDF Portfolio from the submenu.

Adobe Acrobat File Menu PDF Portfolio Option

  • Select Add Files in the Create PDF Portfolio dialog box.

Adobe Acrobat Create PDF Portfolio Dialog Box Add Files Button

  • Select the type of file you want to add to your portfolio:
  • Add Files —Add nearly any file stored on your computer or connected storage.
  • Add Folders —Add all the files in a folder (but not the folder itself).
  • Add PDF from Scanner —Select your scanner and then add the resulting scan.
  • Add Webpage —(Not Recommended) Enter the URL for an individual webpage that is then converted to a PDF, which often looks different than the original.

Important Note: To create a preview of the webpage along with a link to open the webpage in a browser, add the URL after creating the portfolio, as shown in “ How to Add Web Content ,” below.

  • Add from Clipboard —Add the current contents of your clipboard.

Adobe Acrobat Create PDF Portfolio Dialog Box Add Files Menu

  • After adding the files, drag them to the order you want them to appear in the portfolio.

Example of moving a file inside the Create PDF Portfolio dialog box in Adobe Acrobat

  • To delete a file, hover over it, and then select the Delete button.

Adobe Acrobat Create PDF Portfolio Dialog Box Delete Button

  • Select the Create button.

Adobe Acrobat Create PDF Portfolio Create Button

A file named Portfolio1.pdf will appear. (You can rename the portfolio, as shown in “ How to Rename and Save a PDF Portfolio ,” below.)

Portfolio1.pdf tab in Adobe Acrobat

All the files in the portfolio will appear in the navigation pane.

Portfolio Navigation Pane in Adobe Acrobat

  • Select the navigation arrows to view the files sequentially. Or, view specific files by selecting them in the navigation pane.

Portfolio Navigation Arrows in Adobe Acrobat

  • (PC Only) Select the Preview button to view a preview of non-PDF contents.

Portfolio Preview Button in Adobe Acrobat

  • Select Open Document to open a file in its native application. (For example, an Excel spreadsheet will open in Microsoft Excel.)

Open Document button in Adobe Acrobat

  • Select the OK button in the dialog box asking if you are sure you want to open the file. (Only select the OK button if you are sure you want to open the file, of course.)

Adobe Acrobat Open File Dialog Box

The file should open in its native application.

How to Customize a PDF Portfolio in Adobe Acrobat

Once you have created your PDF Portfolio, you can add additional files and web content, organize the files in folders, extract (save) files to other locations, delete files, and reorder the files in the navigation pane.

  • Select the Add Files button to add additional files, folder contents, or web content.

Adobe Acrobat Portfolio Navigation Pane Add Files Button

How to Add Web Content

The Add Web Content option shown in figure 14 creates a preview to the URL, rather than converting the web content to a PDF, as is done in step 5 of the section above.

If you add web content using this option, your readers can open the URL in a web browser by selecting Open Document (see figure 13).

  • Enter a file name, optional description, and the URL or embedded tag into the Add Web Content dialog box.
  • Select the OK button.

Add Web Content Dialog Box in Adobe Acrobat

  • Select the New Folder button to add an empty folder in the navigation pane. Then, name the folder, select the OK button, and drag files into it to further organize your portfolio.

New Folder Button in the Portfolio Navigation Pane in Adobe Acrobat

  • Select a file in the navigation pane, and then select the Extract button to save the file in a different location using your normal saving process. (Note that extracted files aren’t removed from the portfolio.)

Extract Button in the Portfolio Navigation Pane in Adobe Acrobat

  • Select a file in the navigation pane, and then select the Delete button to remove it from the portfolio.

Delete Button in the Portfolio Navigation Pane in Adobe Acrobat

  • Select and drag the files up and down to reorganize them within the navigation pane.

How to Rename and Save a PDF Portfolio in Adobe Acrobat

You can change the generic file name Portfolio1.pdf to something more specific when you save your portfolio.

  • Select the File tab (see figure 1).
  • Select PDF Portfolio from the drop-down menu.

Adobe Acrobat File Menu PDF Portfolio Option

  • Choose a location to save your portfolio in the Save As PDF dialog box.

Save As PDF Dialog Box in Adobe Acrobat

The Save As PDF dialog box will close automatically.

  • Rename and save the file as you normally would in the second Save As PDF dialog.

Related Resources

How to Insert Files into Existing PDFs in Adobe Acrobat

How to Create Navigation Buttons in PDFs with Adobe Acrobat

How to Adjust Line Spacing in PDFs with Adobe Acrobat

Updated August 30, 2023

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How to Make an Art Portfolio That Stands Out In 5 Easy Steps

Skylan Abraham

  • Last Updated: February 8, 2024

how to make a portfolio for art

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Are you an artist struggling to present your work in a way that truly captures your unique vision and style?

It can be tough to know where to start, how to organize your work, and which type of art portfolio to choose.

But don’t worry, this guide is here to help!

Today, we’ll explore the three main types of artist portfolios- physical, online, and client portfolios – and provide clear and concise guidance to help you showcase your art in the best way possible.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge and tools you need to create a polished and professional art portfolio that showcases your passion and expression in all its glory.

Why You Should Create an Art Portfolio

Use your best pieces to grab attention, stick to one art category, a clear and concise artist statement or bio, artwork descriptions, a well-planned layout and presentation, steps to submitting your artworks to a art schools or potential employer, preparing traditional art for online art portfolio submissions, printing your digital artwork as a graphic designer or digital painter, good art portfolio piece examples for inspiration, creating an online art portfolio for potential clients, targeted email outreach: a client portfolio alternative, what to do if you’re art portfolio is rejected, can i include pencil drawings in my college art portfolio, can i make a free online art portfolio, will i need to complete an art school interview after i submit my portfolio, how do i present a fashion design portfolio, for what it’s worth.

why you should create an art portfolio

Creating an art portfolio can be intimidating, but it’s also one of the single most beneficial investments you can make in yourself as an artist.

An art portfolio can help further your business , increase trust in your customer base, and showcase your talent to the world (including your dream school).

Whether you’re aiming to pursue a career as a Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Animator, Art Director, or other art-focused career…

…or if you’re seeking to gain admission into a prestigious art school, or even hoping to attract high-paying clients or collectors, one thing is for certain…

Building an art portfolio is key to achieving success in the art world.

Tips on How to Organize and Present Your Artist Portfolio

Creating a well-organized and visually appealing artist portfolio is essential for catching the attention of potential clients or art schools .

But here are some tips to help you get started:

use your best pieces to grab attention

In the art world, first impressions count for a lot.

When it comes to presenting your portfolio, you only have a few seconds to capture the attention of your audience, so it’s essential to carefully select your strongest pieces to feature at the beginning of your portfolio.

These initial works will set the tone for the rest of your portfolio and should represent the best of your unique style and vision.

Pro Tip: It’s better to have a smaller collection of high-quality accomplished drawings than a larger collection of mediocre pieces.

To create a truly effective portfolio , it’s also crucial that you consider your target audience and select pieces that will resonate with them most.

By taking the time to carefully curate your portfolio, you’ll create a lasting impression that truly represents your passion and artistic skill and expression.

While it can be tempting to showcase a diverse range of your skills and styles, it’s generally best to stick to one main category, such as concept art, illustration, or manga.

Consider your fine art specialities; are you best with painting, sculpture, drawing, digital art, photography, or other art forms? What specifically are you good at; realism, pointillism, surrealism?

stick to one art category

Once you figure that out, your portfolio pieces should reflect that specific skill. This will help you create a more focused and cohesive portfolio that highlights your strengths as an artist.

While it can be fun to create fan art based on your favorite movies, TV shows, or video games, it’s generally not a good idea to include it in your professional artist portfolio.

This is because fan art is often seen as unoriginal and may not demonstrate your unique skills and vision as an artist.

Stick to original pieces that showcase your creativity and style. 

An artist statement or bio is a brief summary of who you are as an artist and what inspires your work.

It should be clear, concise, and give your audience a sense of your unique perspective and vision. 

Including an artist statement or bio in your portfolio can help potential clients or art schools get to know you and your work better.

In addition to your artist statement or bio, it’s important to provide descriptions of your artwork in your portfolio.

These descriptions should provide context and insight into your creative process, and help viewers understand the inspiration and meaning behind each piece. 

A Few Tips for Developing Artwork Descriptions:

  • Be clear and concise in your descriptions, avoiding overly technical or academic language.
  • Use descriptive language to help viewers visualize the artwork and understand it’s emotional impact.
  • Avoid using derogatory or negative language in your descriptions, as this makes you seem less confident, which can be off-putting to potential clients and art schools.
  • Provide any relevant details about the medium, size, or technique used in creating the artwork.

a well-planned layout and presentation

The way you present your portfolio is just as important as the artwork itself.

If your portfolio is messy or disorganized, it can give the wrong impression and make it hard for people to really appreciate your art. But if you put in a little extra effort and make it look nice, not only will your work be more respected, but it can be enjoyed to its fullest.

Important! Make sure your portfolio includes your contact information, so the school or company can easily reach out to you with any questions or potential opportunities.

If you want more great tips, Digital Painting Studio provides some awesome ideas around this in their free portfolio creation course for digital artists.

The Crucial Steps to Building the Ultimate Artist Portfolio

Now that we’ve covered the general tips for creating an art portfolio, it’s important to note that when applying to an art or design School, physical portfolios may not always be required.

Some schools prefer digital portfolios, which can be submitted online and viewed remotely. Digital portfolios can also be updated and shared with multiple colleges.

It’s important to check the school’s specific admission requirements as some may still need a physical portfolio or a mix of physical and digital submissions. The standard for art school portfolio admissions may vary depending on the program’s preferences.

the crucial steps to building the ultimate artist portfolio

You’ll find out the necessary steps for submitting a physical portfolio and later on discuss how an online art portfolio differs.

With that noted, let’s dive into the necessary steps for physical portfolio submissions:

Step 1: Take Note of Your Dream School (or Job) Art Portfolio Requirements

If you’re thinking about applying to an art school, it’s important to pay attention to your target school’s portfolio requirements, as they can differ depending on where you’re applying.

For example, a niche school with one art focus (such as an animation school), might ask for a certain number of pieces in specific mediums like digital art or video shorts, while another school might be more flexible and ask for a range of work.

take note of your dream school or job art portfolio requirements

Either way, start by doing some research. Look up the school’s website or contact the admissions office to find out what they’re looking for. Make a list of specific requirements and take note of any deadlines or other important information.

Once you have a clear idea of what your school is looking for, you can start putting a portfolio together. By following the school’s requirements, you can show them that you’re a talented and dedicated artist who is ready to take the next step in your education.

Step 2: Gather Your Best Pieces and Organize Them

Once you’ve researched the portfolio requirements of your dream school, it’s time to start gathering your best pieces and organizing them into a digital or physical portfolio.

Your best artwork can include pieces that you’ve created in school, as well as any personal work that you’re particularly proud of. Ask trusted resources, like friends, family, or an art teacher, as to which of your pieces best showcase your style and skill level.

gather your best pieces and organise them

Try to select a range of pieces that demonstrate those skills in different mediums, styles and subjects. You want to show the admissions committee that you have a well-rounded set of skills and a unique artistic vision.

Once you’ve gathered your pieces, you want to organize them in a way that flows and tells a story about you as an artist. You can do this by organizing your pieces by medium or by a particular subject matter, or you can even organize them from least to most recent.

Pay attention to the details. If submitting a physical portfolio, make sure your pieces are clean and in good condition. Consider framing the pieces with matte board to give them a more professional look. Include title cards with each piece that provide more information about the artwork, such as medium, size, inspiration, and date of creation.

Step 3: Write Your Artwork Descriptions

When writing your artwork descriptions, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.

  • First, be concise and clear. Give the viewer a sense of your creative process by including details about the techniques used and inspiration behind each piece.
  • Second, use descriptive language to help the viewer imagine the artwork in their mind. Use words that capture the mood, style and subject matter of the piece.
  • Finally, make sure that your descriptions are free from spelling errors and grammar.

write your art descriptions

By taking the time to write thoughtful descriptions of your artwork, you can give your portfolio an extra layer of depth and meaning.

By providing contexts through description, you can create a professional portfolio that leaves a lasting impression.

Step 4: Write Your Artist Bio

So your artwork descriptions are complete, what’s next?

It’s time to write your artist bio.

Your artist bio is a short description of yourself which gives the admissions committee an idea about you as an artist and what motivates you to create.

write your artist bio

With that in mind, here are a few tips to follow:

  • Write a concise and clear artist bio that gives an overview of your background , artistic influences, and achievements.
  • Highlight what makes you unique and sets you apart as an artist.
  • Be authentic and genuine, reflecting your personality and voice.
  • Check for spelling and grammatical errors.

By being concise, authentic, and unique, you can make a strong impression and increase your chances of getting accepted into your dream school.

Step 5: Send Out Your Portfolio

Physical portfolios.

Before sending out a physical portfolio, it’s important to take necessary precautions and protect your work. 

Since you will be mailing your physical portfolio, consider covering your pieces with some transfer paper and secure it in place with masking tape. Make sure the tape is attached to the back of the piece to avoid any damage to the artwork.

This will help prevent any smudging or rubbing of the artwork during transit.

physical portfolios

It’s also important that you choose the right type of packaging for your portfolio, Make sure the box you send it in is stiff, and provides ample protection for your portfolio.

Alternatively, you can send out your portfolio in a portfolio case or a binder ( for prints ).

Discuss options with a trusted resource, like a teacher or mentor, who can offer valuable advice on the best way to package and send out your portfolio and help you consider your best options.

By taking these steps to protect your work, you can ensure that your portfolio arrives at its destination in the best possible condition, making a positive impression on the viewer.

Digital Portfolios

When sending out a digital portfolio of your art, it is important to choose high-quality images that accurately represent the details and colors of your artwork. Be sure to select images with good lighting and angles that capture the artwork in the best possible way. (More on that below)

digital portfolios

Once you have selected your images, you need to decide on the format of your portfolio . Consider whether a PDF file, an online gallery, or a website would be the best format to showcase your artwork and meet the recipient’s requirements.

It’s also important to pay attention to the file size of your portfolio, as large files may take too long to load or may be too large to send as an email attachment. Keep your file size manageable (less that 2 MB) to ensure that it can be easily sent and downloaded.

Unlike physical portfolios, online art portfolios can be accessed from anywhere in the world, at any time, and are not limited by physical size or location.

Online art portfolios can be designed to be interactive, with features such as zooming, scrolling, or even video playback, allowing viewers to see the work in greater detail and get a better sense of the artist’s style and capabilities.

preparing traditional art for online art portfolio submissions

Some schools, including the nation’s top art schools, like the College of Art and Design, have made the switch from physical to online art portfolios submissions.

Photographing Traditional Artworks For An Online Portfolio

When preparing your traditional artworks for an online portfolio, high-quality photography is essential for accurately representing your art.

Here are some general guidelines to follow:

  • Use good lighting to capture your artwork
  • Avoid any glare or shadows when photographing
  • Consider using a tripod or stabilizer to keep the camera steady
  • Use a high-resolution camera to capture details and colors accurately

Your next step is as follows:

Using Photoshop to Touch Up Your Original Artworks

using photoshop to touch up your original artworks

If you have a ton of paintings on canvas that you want to turn into an online art portfolio, Photoshop is a powerful tool that can be used for a wide range of tasks, including touch-ups and enhancements of digital art. Here are some tips for using Photoshop for touch-ups:

  • Use the Clone Stamp Tool: The Clone Stamp Tool is a great way to remove unwanted elements from your artwork. Simply select the tool and then click on the area you want to clone from, and then click on the area you want to replace. This tool can be used to remove blemishes, smudges, or any other unwanted elements in your artwork.
  • Adjust color and contrast: Use the Hue/Saturation and Brightness/Contrast tools to make adjustments to the overall color and contrast of your artwork. This can help to enhance the vibrancy and clarity of your artwork.
  • Use the Healing Brush Tool: The Healing Brush Tool is a great tool for removing small imperfections in your artwork. Simply select the tool and then paint over the area you want to fix. This tool will automatically sample the surrounding pixels and blend them seamlessly with the rest of your artwork.
  • Use the Liquify Tool: The Liquify Tool is a powerful tool that can be used to make subtle or drastic changes to the shape of your artwork. Use this tool to reshape elements such as hair, clothing, or body proportions.
  • Apply filters: Photoshop has a wide range of filters that can be applied to your artwork to give it a unique look or feel. Experiment with different filters to find the one that best enhances your artwork.

Remember, when using Photoshop for touch-ups, it is important to strike a balance between enhancing your artwork and preserving its original integrity.

Make sure to save a copy of the original photograph before making any significant changes, and always use the tools and filters in moderation.

3-D objects

3-d objects

Photographing 3-D work for your art portfolio can be a challenge. In addition to the steps mentioned above, there are some tips and tricks you can use to ensure that your pieces are represented accurately and show off your artistic skills.

It’s important to use a neutral background, adequate lighting, and a tripod to avoid blurriness from the natural shaking of your hands.

Consider taking multiple shots from different angles to give a complete view of your piece and showcase your technical skill.

If you’re a digital artist, creating a physical portfolio takes a few extra steps than if you create traditional artworks.

Here are some guidelines to create a physical portfolio as a digital artist:

Printing Your Digital Artwork as a Graphic Designer or Digital Painter

  • Prepare your artwork: Before printing, make sure that your artwork is saved in the correct file format and resolution for printing (300 psi). Check that the colors are accurate and that the image is not pixelated or blurry.
  • Choose your printer: Select a printer that is capable of producing high-quality prints . You may choose to print your artwork at home or use a professional printing service.
  • Select your paper: Choose a high-quality paper that is suitable for your artwork. There are many different types of paper available, from glossy to matte finished. Consider the texture and weight of the paper, as well as how it will affect the overall appearance of your artwork.
  • Adjust print settings: Adjust the print settings on your printer to ensure that the colors and contrast of your artwork are accurately represented. Make sure that the print size and orientation are correct.
  • Print a test page: Before printing your final artwork, print a test page to check for issues or errors. This can help you to make adjustments before printing your final piece.
  • Print your artwork: Once you are satisfied with the test print, print your final artwork. Make sure to handle the printed piece with care to avoid smudging or damaging it.

Printing your digital artwork requires attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality prints.

printing your digital artwork as a graphic designer

Take the time to prepare your artwork properly, choose the right printer and paper, and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that your final print is a true representation of your digital artwork.

What makes a successful portfolio? Let’s take a look at some art portfolio pieces and why they did so well. The following artworks are from artist Cecilia Cao .

good art portfolio inspiration

A moody artwork dabbling in mixed media. It’s impactful, surreal, and emotional.

portfolio drawings

This piece gives an impact as well. The skin stands out in particular with this piece, and the figure has a solemn expression.

portfolio art

Another figure drawing, this time on a tepia background. The figure is detailed yet unfinished. It shows that Celia is a technically capable artist.

portfolio for art

Detailed, plays with perspective a bit. Leans more towards comic-like, but it still showcases the skill level of the artist’s work in visual arts.

art design for portfolio

Also comic-like in nature, this drawing has a bit of graphic design elements in the background, and a sharpness to the detailed clothes and overall figure. The curved circles and ribbons provide contrast against the stark figure.

If you want more inspiration, check out these art portfolio examples .

A virtual portfolio can be a great way to showcase your portfolio to a wider audience (or if you want, a targeted audience of potential clients).

However, it’s important to approach online presentation with care and consideration to ensure that your artwork is displayed in the best possible way.

creating an online art portfolio for potetial clients

Here are some tips for presenting your artwork on an online art portfolio:

  • Choose a clean and simple layout: when it comes to designing your online or digital portfolio, it’s best to keep the layout clean and simple. A simple web design will allow your artwork to take center stage without distractions. Use a neutral color palette and avoid busy backgrounds or graphics that may detract from your work.
  • Optimize your images: to ensure that your artwork is displayed at its best, make sure to optimize your images for web use. This means compressing the file size to ensure fast loading times, while still maintaining the quality of the image.Avoid using low-quality images or heavily compressed files, as this can impact the overall impression of your work.
  • Provide context: when presenting your artwork online, it’s important to provide context for your pieces. Doing so reveals your artistic process. The context can include a brief artist statement or description of each piece, as well as any relevant background information or inspiration for the work.This will help to engage your audience and give them a better understanding of your artistic vision.
  • Consider using a slideshow or gallery format: to showcase multiple pieces of your own artwork in an online art portfolio, consider using a slideshow or gallery format. This allows your audience to easily browse through your work, while still maintaining a cohesive and professional presentation.
  • Make it easy to navigate: include clear navigation links and ensure that your artwork is organized in a logical and intuitive way. This will make it easier for your audience to explore your portfolio and engage with your work.

how to make an online portfolio

Crafting a well-written email that showcases your artwork and skills can be an excellent way to get noticed and increase your chances of landing a job or exhibition opportunity.

When creating an email outreach campaign, it’s essential to do your research and personalize each email to the recipient. Start by researching the client or gallery you’re targeting and try to understand their style and preferences.

Then, tailor your email to their specific needs and include samples of your work that you feel would be a good fit for their aesthetic.

Be sure to include a brief introduction that highlights your experience and unique perspective as an artist, as well as any relevant links or attachments that showcase your artwork (consider even placing a single character sheet in the email- if you’re aiming for a digital art client or career).

Rejection is an inevitable part of any artist’s journey, and it’s essential to know how to handle it.

If your art portfolio is rejected by an art school or doesn’t fit the needs of a potential client, don’t give up. Instead, use it as an opportunity to improve and refine your skills.

What To Do If Youre Art Portfolio is Rejected

Take a step back and evaluate your portfolio objectively. Look at areas where you can improve your technical ability, creativity, or presentation.

Consider seeking constructive criticism from trusted sources, such as your high school art teacher, fellow artists, or even the clients or schools that rejected you. Perhaps even consider taking another art program .

Remember that rejection is not a reflection of your worth as an artist. It’s merely a stepping stone on the path to success.

Keep trying, keep improving, and keep putting yourself out there. Good things are bound to come your way.

This really depends on the quality of the drawings. Whether it’s still life or figure drawings, you want to make sure they showcase your observational drawing skill and have a polished, clean look to them. Poor drawings will only make it seem like you don’t care about your work.

There are a number of website building sites that give you free access to their software, but the options are limited when it comes to the design on your own website unless you purchase a monthly subscription.

The alternative is to create a free portfolio on one of these websites:

can i make a free online art portfolio?

Some of these options allow you to input your own CSS codes and customize your design and theme.

Not all art schools require an interview after submission. Check your specific school’s website to find out for sure.

The main difference between a fashion design portfolio and a fine arts portfolio is that the focus of fashion is on the clothes and process, not so much the figures or background. You can learn more here .

how do i present a fashion design portfolio?

Your portfolio is a direct reflection of you as an artist.

It serves as a powerful tool to showcase your skills, gain exposure, and land new opportunities.

Whether you’re submitting a physical art portfolio or an online version, make sure to showcase your best work and highlight what sets you apart as an artist.

A final tip : building a portfolio is a continuous process, and it’s essential to regularly update it as you create new work and improve your skills.

By investing in a strong portfolio and continually refining your craft , you can increase your chances of success as an artist and achieve your goals in the competitive world of art.

Related posts:

  • The 5 Best Online Art Schools and Colleges in 2024
  • Art Portfolio Examples: Ideas, Tips & Superb Artist Websites
  • How to Sell Digital Art Online for Complete Beginners
  • Best Online Digital Art Classes in 2023: Top 8 Courses Reviewed
  • The Top 10 Best Online Art Classes Worth Paying For In 2024

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College Admissions

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Are you thinking about applying to an art program? Do you know what you should include in your portfolio? Your art portfolio is usually the most important part of your application, and having a great one can significantly improve your chances of getting into your top schools.

What Is an Art Portfolio?

An art portfolio is a collection of your work , whether that’s paintings, poetry, sculpture, or another art form. It gives you the opportunity to show off your artistic skills, experiences and interests, and it helps admissions officers decide if you'd be a good fit for their school. Your portfolio is usually the most important part of your application because it lets schools see firsthand the work you have created.

Who Needs a College Art Portfolio?

Art portfolios are often needed to apply to art school or to an art program at a traditional college. There are a number of programs that may require applicants to submit a portfolio, some of which include:

  • Apparel Design
  • Architecture
  • Art Education
  • Art History
  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Design
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Writing (usually for programs focused on poetry, fiction writing, screenwriting)

Not all students applying to these programs will need to submit a portfolio. If you apply to an art school, you will most likely be required to submit a portfolio, but traditional colleges sometimes do not require applicants to submit portfolios, depending on the program they apply to. Check the requirements of schools you may be interested in attending , and if one or more of them requires submitting a portfolio of your work, read on to learn how to create a strong portfolio.

What Do Art Programs Look for in a Portfolio?

Art programs want to admit students who create art in a skilled and memorable way. More specifically, art schools are looking for students with the following qualities:

Technical Mastery:

Perhaps the most obvious component colleges look for in your portfolio is how skilled an artist you are . Technical mastery includes being able to apply basic and advanced art principals to your work, create work that shows a high level of attention and detail, and complete projects that are free of sloppiness and mistakes.

Schools are also often particularly interested in your drawing skills because many art forms require the ability to draw well. Most art programs recommend applicants submit at least drawing in their portfolio, even if that is not their preferred art form, and some schools, such as the Rhode Island School of Design, require a drawing sample.

Variety and Versatility:

While it is expected for students to have an art form they create most frequently and are most comfortable with, art schools want applicants who are strong artists across a variety of media and art forms . One reason versatility is important is because the ability to create multiple art forms, from drawing, to painting, to graphic design , and more, is a sign of a talented artist and one who can apply their skills in multiple ways. It is also rare for an artist to stick exclusively to one art form. For example, artists who work with ceramics or in fashion design often need to be able to draw accurate designs before they begin their work.

Having a portfolio that shows variety also shows an ability to think creatively and a willingness to try new things. Montserrat College of Art states on its admissions page that "Media exploration and experimentation are integral parts of your experience... Include work in your college art portfolio that shows your area of interest as well as both realistic and abstract work using a variety of materials."

Unique Style and Personality:

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) states on its admissions page that the most important thing they look for in an art portfolio is "[W]ork that will give us a sense of you, your interests, and your willingness to explore, experiment, and think beyond technical art and design skills."

Your art portfolio should show your personality and your own way of looking at the world. You want to show art schools that there is a reason they should admit you specifically, and one of the best ways to do this is by creating art that you are passionate about and that is different from what other people are creating . Technical skill is not enough if you can only copy what others have already created.

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Let's start creating!

How to Create Your Art Portfolio

Getting started.

First of all, you want to make sure that you give yourself enough time to put your art portfolio together. Many art students take at least a year to create the pieces they use in their portfolio , so start thinking about your portfolio and preparing pieces well in advance of the deadlines.

If you know what schools you want to apply to, research their portfolio requirements carefully and early . If you don’t properly follow each school’s instructions, you risk getting automatically rejected, and at the very least it won’t help your application. This is the most important piece of advice in this article! While researching the portfolio requirements of each school, pay particular attention to the following information:

Application and portfolio deadlines

How you need to submit your portfolio (online, snail mail, or in-person)

If there are open days or portfolio days when you can present your portfolio in person

Number of pieces you should submit

Any size requirements for the pieces

  • If there are any special required pieces you must submit (for example, the Rhode Island School of Design requires all applicants to submit a drawing of a bicycle)

You should also look at examples of previously submitted art portfolios. Especially when you are just starting to create a portfolio, looking at the portfolios other students have created can be very helpful in developing your own portfolio . If you are currently in an art class, either at school or outside of it, your class probably has photos of portfolios previous students have submitted, and you can also ask your classmates about their portfolios.

You can also search online. Search “art portfolio example” or “[school you are interested in] art portfolio example”. This will bring up a lot of examples, often including portfolios of students who were accepted into particular schools , such as Yale University's art program or the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Remember to use these examples only as a guide; it’s important your portfolio reflects your own talents and interests.

body_oilpaints

Choosing the Pieces

You will need about a dozen pieces of work for your portfolio. The number varies by school, but most request 10-20 examples of your work. These can be pieces you created for a class or outside of school. You should aim to create more pieces than you need , so that when it comes time to create your portfolio, you can choose your strongest pieces to include.

The pieces you include in your portfolio should also have been created fairly recently. Most schools request that your submissions be work you recently completed , and some require the pieces to have been completed within the past year or past few years. Hopefully your most recent work will be your best anyway, since you have been learning more and improving.

The strongest art portfolios will have the following qualities:

Show the Breadth of Your Skills

Different schools have different rules in terms of the number of art forms you should submit . Some want you to focus on the art form you plan to study in college, while others want to see your work in a variety of art forms (such as including some drawings and paintings, even if you are applying for a graphic design program). If you are submitting multiple art forms, unless otherwise specified, the most common art form(s) in your portfolio should be the one(s) you plan on studying in college.

However, even if you are only submitting work from one art form, you can show a great deal of variety within it, both in technique and subject matter . An example of variety in subject matter is if you are submitting 15 photographs for your portfolio, those pieces can include photos of people, landscapes, still life, interiors, etc... You can make sure your portfolio shows variety in technique by using multiple mediums within one art form. For example, if you are only submitting drawings, you can include color as well as black and white work, as well as drawings made with different tools, such as graphite, pastel and charcoal.

As mentioned earlier, having a portfolio that contains a lot of variety shows that you possess multiple skill sets and will be more likely to succeed in the different classes you will be taking in art school.

Include Pieces From Direct Observation

Many art programs require or highly recommend including pieces created from direct observation. These are pieces created by observing real things around you. Direct observation work can include portraits, self-portraits, landscapes, still life, rooms in your house, really anything you can see. Direct observation does not include work you created by looking a photograph or a copy of another artist's work. Direct observation is more challenging and requires more skill , so art schools are more interested in it. They also want to see how you depict the world around you.

Many students don’t include direct observation pieces in their portfolio, so doing this can really help you stand out . Clara Lieu , a professor at RISD says that including pieces from direct observation "[W]ill distinguish your work from the crowd, and put you light years ahead of other students."

Unless the submission requirements state otherwise, you should try to include at least several examples of direct observation in your portfolio . Most of these pieces are done as drawings, but other art forms can be used as well. Try to make these pieces as true to life as possible.

Show Your Originality

The art you produce should not just be copies of another artist’s work. It should reflect your interests and talents. You want your portfolio to show what makes you special and to convince schools that they should accept you over other applicants. Producing original work is a great way to stand out from the many portfolios art schools receive.

There are multiple ways to show your personality and uniqueness in your portfolio. One way is to have your work showcase a theme or technique that you are passionate about. Hopefully by now you have completed enough pieces that you know whether you prefer creating abstract sculptures, collages that depict landscapes, portrait photography, or something entirely different. Not every piece you submit has to follow that theme, but having a particular style will help your portfolio be memorable .

You should also try to think outside the box while you create your portfolio. As a creative type, this is probably something you are used to, but remember to continually push your boundaries when you are creating your portfolio. Taking a common subject and portraying it in a unique way is a great way to show your originality. Below are some examples of creative interpretations of the drawing of a bike all students applying to the Rhode Island School of Design must submit.

body_bike2

Source: Anna Maria

body_bike1

Source: abussard

body_bike3

Source: james303

Final Steps

Before you submit your portfolio, you want to be sure that all your pieces are finished. Each piece should appear neat with no smudges, rips, or wrinkles. The piece should also go all the way to the border of the canvas or paper it is on. You generally do not want to include a lot of white background unless you are submitting a rough sketch. Also be sure to include your name, school, date of completion, and title of the piece on the back , as well as any other information the school requests, such as a short description of each piece.

Once all the pieces are ready, prepare them for presentation. Most art schools require you to submit images or videos of your work online , but some schools require applicants to mail slides with images of the pieces or present their work in-person.

If submitting your portfolio online:

If you are submitting online, this will likely involve taking photos or videos of your work, unless you are submitting work created on the computer, such as graphic design pieces, or are submitting pdfs of written work like poetry. Spending time to take quality pictures and videos of your work is almost as important as creating quality art itself. These pictures or videos will often be the only images admissions committees have of your work, and if they are poor quality, they may assume the work itself is poor quality as well . If the piece is a stationary work of art, a photo, as opposed to a video, is usually sufficient.

Follow these guidelines to take high-quality pictures of your work:

Use a high-quality camera and natural lighting to ensure your photos resemble the original pieces as much as possible. It’s not necessary to hire a professional photographer to do this, but you shouldn’t be taking the photos from your phone either. If you don’t own a high-quality camera, ask your art teacher if they have one you can borrow.

Make sure the lighting is even ( there should be no shadows in the background).

The picture should be cropped appropriately, so that it shows the entire piece, but without a lot of extra background space. Some schools require you to show the edges of each piece in photographs, so again, read requirements carefully.

The background should be a neutral color, such as black, white, or gray.

The picture should be in focus, and the detail of the work should be visible. (Some schools allow a few additional detail shots to be included if there is a detail you particularly want to highlight.)

No glare should be visible (remove works from frames if necessary).

The colors in the picture should look like the colors of the original piece.

If presenting your portfolio in-person:

  • Make sure the work can be transported without being damaged.
  • Make sure paintings are completely dry before transporting them.
  • Remove any frames so the artwork can be viewed more easily.
  • Use clear covers to protect artwork, if needed.

If mailing artwork or slides

  • Mailing original work is a less common option, and is generally only used if the school requires you to create a piece specifically for them (such as RISD's bicycle drawing requirement).
  • If the school requests this, follow the above guidelines for ensuring pieces can be transported without damage, and make sure you understand if and how the pieces will be returned to you.
  • If mailing slides, always leave yourself a master set that you can duplicate later if you need to, and follow the above guidelines for submitting work online for tips on how to take the best pictures of your work.

body_artfeedback

Asking for Feedback

Your portfolio can benefit greatly when you ask others for their opinions on your work and the pieces you have selected for your portfolio. You should ask for feedback throughout your portfolio-making process. Two of the best sources for getting feedback are listed below.

Your Art Teacher

One of the first people you should ask for their opinion on the pieces you should include in your portfolio is your art teacher. They often have a lot of experience developing portfolios, and they can help you choose the pieces that will best impress admissions committees. The questions you ask can range from having them look over the pieces you’ve chosen for your portfolio to having them make suggestions on the type of work you should create in order to finish your portfolio.

National Portfolio Days

National Portfolio Days are events held around the country where art students can learn about different art programs as well as bring their work to receive feedback on it from representatives of top art schools and colleges. No admissions decisions are offered on National Portfolio Days; instead, they are a way for schools to look at your portfolio-in-progress and give advice. They are an excellent opportunity to get feedback from schools you are considering applying to and to ask them specific questions about their portfolio requirements.

It is a good idea to attend first as a junior and get some early feedback on your work, then attend again as a senior when you have made more progress on your portfolio. You should definitely stop by the tables of schools you want to apply to, but consider stopping by the tables of other schools as well, as a review from any school gives you valuable feedback.

Points to Remember

Read application requirements carefully for each school you plan on applying to.

Ideally, give yourself at least a year to develop pieces for your portfolio.

Make sure your artwork is original and represents your skills and personality well.

Try to attend a National Portfolio Day to get valuable feedback on your work.

  • Take time to produce high-quality photos or videos of your work if submitting your portfolio online.

What's Next?

How's your contour line drawing skill? Learn the basics of how to draw without shading with this guide .

Now that you know how to create a portfolio, are you wondering what art programs you should apply to? Check out our guide on the best art schools in the United States!

For a complete overview of the college search process , read our comprehensive guide on how to choose a college .

Worried about paying for college? Read our step-by-step guide to getting a student loan .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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How to Make an Art Portfolio

Last Updated: November 1, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Heather Gallagher . 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). wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 18 testimonials and 87% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 668,731 times.

Heather Gallagher

Compiling Pieces

Step 1 Look up the requirements for your portfolio.

  • For example, if you are applying to a film school or animation school, your portfolio will likely be digital and consist mostly of work that you have done within that field. On the other hand, if you are applying to an architecture school or to an art gallery you may have more sketches and drawings.
  • Some institutions suggest only using about 10 to 20 pieces in your portfolio. If you have really strong pieces, fewer is better because the more pieces you have the more likely it is that the quality of the pieces will drop. [3] X Research source
  • Always check what the organization expects before you begin piecing together your portfolio. You don't want to waste time creating a portfolio one way, and then have to redo it because it's not in the right format.

Step 2 Choose finished or unfinished pieces, based on the requirements for your portfolio.

  • Check the requirements for your portfolio before you do one or the other. If you are allowed to use unfinished pieces, do so. This reveals your skills, commitment, and depth of knowledge as well as gives context to the creation and thought process behind your work. A piece of art is often more than just the finished product, but greatly depends upon the process and experimentation of the piece. [4] X Research source
  • Make sure all pieces, both finished and unfinished, are perfected. Remove any smudges, fingerprints, or defects that have been left on the piece.

Step 3 Include observational drawings.

  • The purpose of these drawings is to show those looking at your portfolio that you are able to record shape and form, detail, perspective, proportion, and surface qualities. [5] X Research source
  • When drawing something from observation, aim for a sense of realism, without creating a rigid, mechanical copy of it. It may help to select a subject that's important to you, because you'll begin to think about the themes and motifs behind the drawings, rather than what's right in front of you.

Step 4 Highlight your best pieces.

  • Be selective with your work and don't choose pieces just for the sake of variety. It's better to have solid pieces of art that vary less in medium or style than it is to have a lot of different mediums and styles but mediocre art. [7] X Research source
  • If it's difficult to be unbiased or edit your own work, ask a friend or two what pieces are your best pieces. It could also be helpful to find a mentor in your own field. Look for someone with artistic talent who has been in your shoes before who can help you make difficult decisions like these. And, the good thing is you know you can trust their judgement because they have experience in artistry as well.
  • Never choose art that is an imitation of someone else's art. Admissions offices and employers have seen thousands of portfolios and will likely be able to recognize if you have created artwork from a photograph or another piece of art. This also reveals your lack of creativity and inability to create art from real life. [8] X Research source

Step 5 Ask a friend to look over your art.

  • Some of your art may need to be redone or improved, so give yourself enough time before the portfolio needs to be submitted to improve your artwork.
  • Build in time after you've chosen your pieces to reflect and come back to those pieces once you've been able to process. It's important to give yourself this time because you will be able to better evaluate your work and will come back to it with less bias.
  • Sometimes friends can be biased towards your work as well, so it may be more beneficial to bring in someone that doesn't have a personal relationship with you. It may be easier to receive constructive criticism from them as well.
  • Learn to take constructive criticism well and know that it's not an insult or derogatory comment, but given so that you can improve as an artist.

Step 6 Include supplemental articles, publications or awards.

Assembling the Portfolio

Step 1 Use other portfolios as examples.

  • Note how the artist organized his or her pieces. Pay attention to the style and design of the portfolio. Are your eyes drawn more to the design of the portfolio or are you drawn to the art? [9] X Research source
  • If it feels intimidating or daunting to look at other portfolios, remember that only the best work is what is displayed. Art is made up of technical skill as well as creativity, so even if your technical skill isn't as advanced as those you see, your creativity can make up for it.

Step 2 Tailor your portfolio to the institution.

  • For example, if submitting your work to an art gallery, visit the gallery and make sure your work will fit in well in the gallery. Choose pieces, design, and organization of your portfolio that show you are familiar with the gallery and are aware of the art they carry.
  • If applying to a university or job, always look up the requirements for the portfolio, but tailor your portfolio to the type of institution as well. You may be applying to a more prestigious art university that values technique and style, or maybe you are applying to a school that places a higher emphasis and creativity and experimentation. Keep these things in mind as you design and organize your portfolio.

Step 3 Organize your portfolio.

  • Group by medium. It's valuable to use different types of mediums in your portfolio to show you are well rounded and capable of doing different art forms. It can be helpful to group these mediums together so that your portfolio clearly shows your different abilities and how you've used each medium in your art. For example, you might group pastel art together, and then group charcoal drawings and pencil drawings together, and then you might group paintings together.
  • Group by subject. Another way to group your artwork is by subject, which will likely combine different mediums, but will show your ability to accurately depict different things. For example, you may group by figure drawings, drawings of landscape, abstract art, etc.
  • Group by technique. This is similar to grouping by medium, but instead you are focusing on your range of abilities to use not just paper, but digital media, photography, web design, animation, etc.
  • Use a scrapbook or portfolio binder found at any art or craft store to organize and present your artwork.

Step 4 Keep it simple.

  • The purpose of this is because you don't want a very busy portfolio to distract your viewer from the artwork. You want the focus to be on your artwork, because that's what you are really trying to showcase.
  • Space out your portfolio. Don't have too many pieces on one page and don't go overboard with the information you include.

Step 5 Stand out, but don't be overzealous.

  • Be careful about overdoing it, though. If your attempts to stand out lead you to creating something corny, or trying to be humorous but failing, you may go unnoticed, or be noticed but in a negative way.
  • The benefit of a portfolio is that you aren't just a name on a piece of paper like a resume. Your work really speaks to who you are and it is easier for an employer to grow attached to the creative impressions in your portfolio than a written set of job skills.
  • Don't overthink your portfolio. Once you have completed it, have a mentor give you feedback, go over it a few times to make sure it is organized well, and clear of any mistakes, and then leave it. By continually trying to edit and improve your portfolio, you run the risk of changing it to "make it stand out" that may lead to a decrease in the professionalism of your portfolio.

Step 6 Create a virtual portfolio.

  • Photograph or scan your artwork. After you have chosen the pieces for your portfolio, use a good quality camera to take pictures of your art, or ask a professional to take the pictures. Make sure the pictures are clear and high quality so that when viewed online the resolution is good. Choose a setting with excellent lighting and no glare, and never use a flash. When scanning artwork, make sure there are no wrinkles on the page and that it lies flat on the scanner so the picture comes out exactly like the hard copy.
  • Input these pictures into Indesign or another program that allows you to create a clean cut portfolio that is easy to continually edit.
  • This not only provides you with a digital copy to use online, but also serves as a backup in case your hard copy is lost or destroyed.

Preparing to Show Your Portfolio

Step 1 Practice presenting your portfolio.

  • Once you've practiced it on your own a few times, present it to a friend or mentor who can give you feedback on your presentation and how you are communicating your art.
  • Once again, your art should speak for itself. When presenting a portfolio you shouldn't have to go in depth on every piece to explain it, it should explain itself for the most part. However, there may be pieces that were inspired by an event in your life or mean something to you. Use those as an opportunity to show your creativity and passion behind your work.

Step 2 Gain feedback once you have completed your portfolio.

  • You can also attend a portfolio review. There are National Portfolio days in which college admissions counselors will come to high schools and college campus events to review students' artwork. Seek feedback on how you can improve your portfolio, and use this as a trial run to prepare you for officially presenting your portfolio.
  • Little details matter too. If you have text in your portfolio, always check for grammar mistakes. It can be easy to focus on just the art, but employers and admissions counselors want to see that you have reviewed all of your work and that you take this submission seriously. You don't want to spend all your time making a fantastic portfolio that an employer or admissions counselor loves, and then lose all chance of being chosen because you misspelled the name of the institution or used incorrect grammar.

Step 3 Update your portfolio on a regular basis.

  • This will keep your work relevant, and up to date with your abilities and awards.
  • Continually ask yourself, "Am I in this?" Your art should reflect yourself and your passions so as you update and revise your portfolio make sure it still conveys the story you hope to communicate.

Expert Q&A

Heather Gallagher

Video . By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.

  • The art industry is competitive and so it may take multiple exposures to your work to get a lead. Don't get discouraged! Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
  • When comparing your work with others, remember that your goal is not for your work to look exactly like theirs, but it is to constantly improve your talent and skills as an artist. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • Don't just create art in class. Draw, paint, and create in your everyday life! These are the pieces that reviewers are really interested in seeing because they highlight your interests, passions, and creativity outside of an instructor's requirements or classroom setting. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

how to make a pdf art portfolio

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  • ↑ Heather Gallagher. Professional Photojournalist & Photographer. Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.
  • ↑ http://www.studentartguide.com/articles/how-to-make-an-art-portfolio-for-college-or-university

About This Article

Heather Gallagher

To make a digital art portfolio, start by taking high-resolution photos of all of your artwork, making sure there aren't any glares or shadows. You can also scan your artwork depending on the medium you work with. Then, upload the images of your artwork onto a computer, and assemble them in a digital portfolio using Indesign or another program. Or, you can upload your artwork onto your own website and use that as your portfolio. To learn how to make a hard copy portfolio, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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About PDF Portfolios

A PDF Portfolio contains multiple files assembled into an integrated PDF unit. The files in a PDF Portfolio can be in a wide range of file types created in different applications. For example, a PDF Portfolio can include text documents, e-mail messages, spreadsheets, CAD drawings, and PowerPoint presentations. The original files retain their individual identities but are assembled into one PDF Portfolio file. You can open, read, edit, and format each component file independently of the other files in the PDF Portfolio .

PDF Portfolios has the following advantages over merging multiple files into a single PDF:

  • Easily add and delete  files without having to find and select all the pages that originated in that file.
  • Drag and drop the files  to rearrange. You can move files to different folders, or move folders to another folder at the same level in the navigation pane of the PDF Portfolio.
  • Quickly preview component files without having to open them in their native applications.
  • Change individual files within the PDF Portfolio without affecting the other files. For example, you can renumber pages in one document without renumbering other documents in the PDF Portfolio. You can also edit non-PDF files in their native applications from within a PDF Portfolio. Any changes you make are saved to the file within the PDF Portfolio.
  • Share a PDF Portfolio with others and be sure that they are getting all the component parts. Publish a PDF Portfolio on a website for others to view.
  • Sort component files by categories that you can add to, delete, hide, and customize. Simply click a column name to sort the list.
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  • Search one or all files in a PDF Portfolio. You can even search non-PDF component files.
  • Add non-PDF files to an existing PDF Portfolio without converting them to PDF.
  • Independence from source files: The source files of a PDF Portfolio—even existing files you add to the PDF Portfolio—are not changed when you create a PDF Portfolio. Changes you make to the component files within a PDF Portfolio don't change the original files from which you created the PDF Portfolio. You can move a PDF Portfolio anywhere on your computer or network without any risk of losing or disconnecting its components.
  • Reuse files. You can i nclude the same file in multiple PDF Portfolios.

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How to Make an Art Portfolio: Guide with Tips & Examples (2023)

How to Make an Art Portfolio: Guide with Tips & Examples (2023)

An art portfolio is a collection of work that showcases your skills, personality and creative potential.

In the selection process for entry to art and design schools, it is more important than the number of GCSEs and A-levels you have, or the grades you achieved (or equivalent qualifications if you completed high school outside the UK).

Your artist portfolio will open the door to excellent art schools if you can show:

  • high quality original work
  • the thought process that took you to the final work
  • versatility in your use of different art media and techniques

Below, we look more closely at what an art portfolio consists of, what makes a good one, and why it is so important to have.

Table of Contents

What is an art portfolio, why does having an art portfolio matter.

4 tips for creating a great art portfolio

4 examples of successful art portfolios

How to make an art portfolio in 5 simple steps

An art portfolio is a collection of projects which best represent an artist’s work.

Depending on the media used, a portfolio can include actual artwork, web links to artwork or a photographic documentation of the artwork. So, hardcopies of 2D work like original fine art could be included as well as sketchbooks, pencil drawings, small sculptures, prototypes of clothes in fashion design, links to game designs, links to online hosted digital media like web design, animations and film.

Like a Curriculum Vitae, which can be changed depending on the job you are applying for, an art portfolio can showcase original artwork relevant to the specifics of an art school application, an art commission or potential clients.

An art portfolio is a showcase of your body of work and shows your artistic skills, technical ability, and overall, what kind of artist you are. Below are some of the reasons why it's so important to have one.

Reason #1: An art portfolio is a historical checklist of your work as an artist

A good art portfolio will show work over a period of time, not just recent work.

This will highlight your evolution as an artist, the formation of an individual style through experimentation.

Reason #2: It helps you demonstrate your identity as an artist

Your artistic identity is the sum of all the influences, your thought processes, likes and dislikes, and the original way you decide to express all of this.

To make sure your portfolio shows your identity as an artist, you should showcase not just the final work but the process that took you to it: studies, mood boards and textual explanations should accompany the final pieces.

Reason #3: It helps you stand out from the crowd

More than high school qualifications, curating a well documented and varied art portfolio will be key when you need to stand out from the crowd and showcase your best work.

Art schools will look at academic background but the portfolio is the most important part of your application.

This is not just true of an educational application. When applying for an art commission or in applying for a job, your portfolio will be what will determine you as a winning candidate, showcasing your creativity and innovation as an artist.

Reason #4: It’s essential if you want to apply for an arts programme

No art school admissions officers will even consider your application if you can’t show a portfolio.

Depending on the art program you want to apply for, you might want to showcase more of a type of media/art form but generally, an art school portfolio showing versatility, knowledge of your influences and thought process is the strongest.

Reason #5: It’s essential if you want to participate in exhibitions

If you want to take part in an exhibition, you will need to send a comprehensive portfolio of your own work to the organisers.

If you use different media and the exhibition focusses on a particular subject matter and media, it might be good to create a specific portfolio for the application that highlights your strengths in the areas explored by the exhibition, with links to other work that don’t go in as much detail.

4 Tips for a great art portfolio

Here we explore some of the practical tips to get your portfolio in perfect shape.

Tip #1: Go through the art portfolio criteria

Make sure you read through any specific requirements for the portfolio to apply for a university or art school. Portfolio needs and requirements do vary from place to place.

Visit their website to find portfolio requirements and make sure you tick all the boxes: what size, what format they accept, what types of supporting documentation they need.

Tip #2: Tell engaging visual stories

In Art there are infinite ways to develop and represent ideas and problems and there is no right or wrong way, but there are certainly more successful ways of representing your concepts.

Bear in mind too that it can also be good to show the unsuccessful ideas; the ideas you decided to discard in favour of the final idea. Showing experimentation within portfolio pieces, as well as the final work will make you stand out.

Tip #3: Choose your work examples wisely

Choose the best examples of your work. Showcase knowledge of different media, technical skill and indicate useful influences and sources.

It’s worth noting that most art and design courses require applicants to have a certain level of observational drawing skill. This is essential not just for Fine Art specialities, but for many others, such as Architecture and Fashion Design. Even degrees that do not seem to obviously focus upon drawing usually welcome the inclusion of this within an application portfolio.

Tip #4: Get feedback

Once you are happy with the portfolio, check with your art teacher, artists or even friends whose opinion you trust. They are your first audience and they might spot something missing or something you might be better off omitting.

At Kings, tutors at the School of Art + Design will make sure you have the best portfolio to apply for the art and design degree you want to progress to, for example graphic design, interior design, digital media, visual arts, printmaking - there are so many different specialisms. We also run portfolio workshops with university faculty once or twice a year.

4 Examples of successful art portfolios

A successful portfolio is a collection of your artwork that presents a full picture of you as an artist and gives the audience an idea of your skill set, and the breadth of ideas, creativity, techniques which define you.

Below are some portfolios which we think are really successful in presenting an artist’s past work, current projects and the type of work they excel in.

Example #1: Leta Sobierajski

An example of a very advanced online portfolio, Leta uses Cargo to showcase her multifaceted artistic output.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

https://letasobierajski.com/

Example #2: Batec Animacion

This Barcelona-based studio showcase their production through the Carbonmade portfolio platform.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

https://batecanimation.carbonmade.com/

Example #3: Kim Heejae

Heejae is an illustrator, design and art director based in Los Angeles. His website displays the projects he has worked on, with a short introduction before displaying lots of photos of the work.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

https://heejaekim.com/

Example #4: Ang-Chi

Ang-Chi is an art student at the Kings School of Art + Design London and we are proud to showcase her portfolio.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

https://ang-chitan_911.artstation.com/projects/zDQ94Q

Now let’s break down the process of making an art portfolio in 5 simple steps.

Step #1: Make a list of the art portfolio requirements for all schools you want to apply to

Make sure you know precisely what the art portfolio requirements are and make sure you know how to satisfy them.

Step #2: Get inspiration from recent art portfolio examples

Ask your tutor if they can show you some examples of successful art portfolios. You can also visit the main digital art portfolio portals and have a good browse through the top portfolios they host:

Step #3: Organise your work examples effectively

Make sure the display of your work follows an evolution or that you prioritise the work you are closest to and that you want to highlight.

Step #4: Make sure all your work is properly labelled

Each piece of work must be labelled clearly with a name (even if the name is Untitled!), a date, the materials used and possibly a short paragraph about the influences, origin and process that got you to the final version. Use small, clear writing to label work in a way that doesn’t detract from the artwork.

It's also important to proof for spelling errors and inaccuracies, and to make sure any digital links work.

Step #5: Revisit and improve your portfolio

Make sure your portfolio is always current, even if it includes work from a few years earlier. You need to make sure the older work fits into the overall presentation of the portfolio, so for example, keep the label and introduction copy updated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. what size should an art portfolio be.

The size of a portfolio will depend on the breadth of your work and the audience you are addressing. The fuller a portfolio and the more pieces of art within it, though, the better as - even if you are applying for a degree in animation for example - it will be useful to showcase your work on media that might not be directly related to that.

Q2. How do I create an online art portfolio for free?

There are lots of online platforms which specialise in creating artist portfolio websites. Most of them provide good free plans and double up as talent recruitment platforms. Behance is the most popular one, followed by Dribbble . Coroflot and Cargo are excellent platforms too.

Q3. What should be included in an art portfolio?

An art portfolio should include as many examples as possible of work you are happy with, and ideally different forms of art. You should as much as possible show the research and influences and the thought process behind the final work, so sketches, studies, photos, some textual explanation.

At the Kings School of Art + Design we offer a range of courses that will give you an opportunity to experiment with a wide range of art specialisms and techniques to understand what specific path your art education will take. We will also support you extensively in creating an art portfolio to apply for places at the best Art Schools in the UK.

Find out more about the Kings School of Art + Design programmes:

  • UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
  • Art & Design Foundation
  • A-level Art & Design
  • Fast-track Art and Design Pathway

If you would like more detailed information about the Kings and our programmes, please get in touch with us at [email protected] .

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how to make a pdf art portfolio

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12 mins read

What is a PDF Portfolio? 10 Portfolio PDF Examples to Inspire Your Own

10 PDF portfolio samples that will give you great ideas for showcasing your work, whether you're a designer, writer, illustrator, marketer or more.

Image of Shreya Bose

Shreya Bose

Written by Shreya Bose , edited by Protim Bhaumik , reviewed by Eric Hauch .

22. Nov 2022 , updated 30. Jun 2023

Preview image of What is a PDF Portfolio? 10 Portfolio PDF Examples to Inspire Your Own

You know how sometimes you send across a few writing samples to a potential client, and they revert saying “We prefer documents in PDF” or something to that effect? Or, how about when certain websites allow you to upload documents only in PDF format?

Turns out, there are good reasons for that.

In this piece, I’ll take you through 101 on all things PDF portfolio. We’ll dive into definitions, benefits, pdf portfolio examples, and a quick method to create your own PDF portfolio quickly yet reliably.

What is a portfolio?

Succinctly put, a portfolio showcases your work to prospective employers or clients. At one glance, it displays your expertise, experience, and consistency of output. Needless to say, portfolios are essential when you’re looking for a job, whether you are a full-timer or a freelancer.

Portfolios can be physical or digital, though, in an internet-first world, digital files reign supreme. Most jobs require the submission of an online portfolio, especially if you’re a writer, designer, photographer, content marketer, or thought leader.

The portfolio conveys your skills, your professional outlook, and what you bring to your work. Naturally, it’s imperative to put your best foot forward in your portfolio online..

Elements of a great portfolio

Your portfolio distinctly driver potential clients’ opinions of you as a professional. It must convey what you’re good at in some detail (but always through real-world results), and get them a sense of who you are as a person (human connection counts, even in professional situations).

So, here are a few elements that should necessarily be present in a good portfolio:

  • Career summary: A couple of lines to sum up what you do, and the industries you primarily work in. If you have particularly outstanding achievements (like you’ve won an award, or you beat a Grandmaster at chess at age 15), ensure that you’ll include those right in the summary.
  • Work samples: If you’re a writer or journalist, include links to your publications. Ensure that you include both recent and older work, so as to demonstrate frequency of output. If you’ve produced output across different content formats — say, articles, video, podcasts, website design — include all of them, as it depicts multiple skills and versatility.
  • Results : This is the meat of the matter. Whatever the job, your prospective clients want to see what results you’ve driven in the past. This is especially important if you’ve been working for more than a couple of years.
  • Contact Information : Don’t forget to add contact details. Even if you’re sending your portfolio to someone via email, they may send your profile across their network, if your work resonates with them. In case another client comes across your portfolio, they should be able to reach out to you easily.

Highlight real numbers — have you written 50 articles in a year, perhaps? Have these articles driven organic traffic up 34% during that year? As a content marketer, have your skills driven greater engagement with a site, or an even higher number of signups or purchases?

This section of your portfolio should have the most clarity. While this information generally shows up on a resume, adding it to your portfolio will attract the employer’s eye, and your portfolio will inevitably stand out.

What is a PDF portfolio?

A PDF portfolio is a collection of all your work, but it is compressed and combined into a single PDF file for easy reading and navigation. With the advent and popularity of the PDF file format (created by Adobe), as well as the Adobe Acrobat file reader, PDF portfolios became quite the rage post-1992.

Before that, portfolios were mostly physical documents painstakingly collated by anyone applying for a job. PDF portfolios took these documents to the digital realm, and you no longer had to lug around a heavy binder to every interview (back when we didn’t have Zoom interviews). It also made life easier for recruitment folks, since they no longer needed to make space for stacks of documents on their desks.

Why use PDF portfolios?

PDF is a super handy format. If you’re sending, say, word documents created and formatted on a Windows PC to someone using a Mac, there will be information loss. To view the documents, the recipient’s device needs to have the same tools you used to create the.

For example, if you send (as I often did) a Word document with writing in the Arial font, they’d have to have the same font installed on their machine. If not, they would probably see some garbled form of what you sent. There’s also a chance that the document might not open at all. PDFs, however, open exactly as you send them on all computers — Windows, MacOS, and even Linux.

There’re more. You can combine multiple different files into a single PDF file, including images and even videos. Everything can be in different formats, across different platforms. You can still combine them into a single PDF file, or create a portfolio comprising just PDFs. So, if you do have a portfolio, or are planning to make one, I suggest trying a portfolio PDF.

So, now that you know how useful PDF portfolios can be, let’s look at a few samples for great ideas to make your own.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

10 portfolio PDF examples to inspire you to make your own!

Pdf portfolio example 1 - dan rosenbaum.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Dan carries years of experience as an expert editor in content marketing and consumer publishing circles. On top of that, he’s a content strategist, copywriter, and edits half a dozen magazines and/or online assets. His skills involve ideating, implementing, and reorienting magazines and websites. Furthermore, his advocacy writing has won awards and procured significant media experience.

That’s a lot to fit into a single portfolio, isn’t it? Thankfully, he does it as well as he does everything else in the above list.

Here’s his PDF portfolio .

PDF portfolio Example 2 - Urvashi Aneja

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Urvashi has a long list of accolades. This social science researcher and policy analyst delves into how data-driven decision-making systems impact social dynamics in India and the global south. She studies the ethical and larger impact of AI, big tech, platform governance, and labor welfare in digital economies.

She has been the Founder and Director of Tandem Research, studying technology, society, and sustainability. She set up Digital Futures Lab, a multidisciplinary research network studying technology and society transitions in the global south. She is also an Associate Fellow at Chatham House and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai.

Her teaching experience spans 8 years at prestigious institutions, and she carries an MPhil and Ph.D. from the University of Oxford, UK, and a BA from Utrecht University in The Netherlands.

These wildly impressive credentials have been succinctly showcased via her pdf portfolio.

Here’s her PDF portfolio .

PDF portfolio Example 3 - Jeff De Cagna

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Jeff is a true veteran in his field. You’ll notice that his introduction is simply his position and his company name. This might seem too succinct for a web-based portfolio meant to introduce you to new clients, but it’s also a great example of letting your work do the talking.

In 2017, after 15 years as Chief Strategist and Founder of Principled Innovation LLC, he reinvented his consulting practice to Foresight First LLC, a firm seeking to improve the performance of association boards by “setting a new standard of stewardship, governing, and foresight”. (from his LinkedIn ). Notice the interesting categories he has split his portfolio into Boards, Foresight, Orthodoxy, and even eBooks.

PDF portfolio Example 4 - Nala Rogers

how to make a pdf art portfolio

This award-winning freelance science journalist and editor describes her beats as “all things living and the environments they live in” (got a ring to it, right?). Her work has been published in Science, Nature, Scientific American, and Discover Magazine. She has also held the position of staff writer and editor at Inside Science, where she edited stories and covered the “Earth” and “Creature” beats.

She also writes cover stories and news items for The Wildlife Society's professional magazine, The Wildlife Professional. Don’t forget the article she also wrote each week for the TWS website.

PDF portfolio Example 5 - Gabriel Swain

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Gabriel calls himself “one part data nerd, one part growth strategist, and two parts storyteller”, and he’s quite right. He has more than 12 years of experience leading content and growth marketing. He’s also been writing professionally for more tan 15 years.

Along with driving evolution in marketing strategy and worldwide commerce, he also stands for environmental and social governance as well as it’s usefulness in improving customer loyalty, stakeholder value, employee morale, stakeholder value, and sustainable business growth.

He has traveled to over 30 countries, and has degrees in diplomacy, anthropology, and international commerce — so, it’s safe to say he knows what he is talking about.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

PDF portfolio Example 6 - Leslie Schniers

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Honestly, I don’t know much about Leslie. I came across their profile when looking for interesting pdf portfolio templates to help with some upcoming projects. Nonetheless, I really enjoy the simplicity and straightforward nature of this portfolio, which isn’t always easy for a graphic designer to pull off — given the heavily visual nature of their work.

Scroll through, and you’ll see that Leslie hasn’t included any extraneous text, except for what’s been included in their designs. This is a great move, in my opinion, as it lets you focus on what actually matters and will get you the job — the actual work. In graphic design, if it looks good, it’s a slam dunk. You don’t need extra words to drive home the point.

Here’s Leslie’s PDF portfolio .

PDF portfolio Example 7 - Kate Margolis

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Like Leslie, I found Kate’s portfolio on a random Google search. I’m including it in this list because I loved the layout. Unlike Leslie’s page, this one actually carries quite a bit of text. Kate has spoken about her skills, the positions she has held, the awards she has won, and her outlook on work — more than enough information for any employer to acquaint themselves with this clearly talented graphic design whiz.

Outside of that, you also get a list of her clients and work samples. All in all, there is nothing significant this portfolio doesn’t cover.

PDF portfolio Example 8 - Joan McMillan

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Joan is a writer whose creative work has been published across multiple literary magazines — Poetry, Catamaran, Paterson Literary Review, The Chattahoochee Review, Connotation Press, Santa Clara Review, Santa Fe Literary Review, and more. She is currently writing a romantic comedy, set in her hometown Santa Cruz.

Her blog also states that she is working on a non-fiction book about the murder of a young woman and her unborn child.

Here’s her PDF portfolio.

PDF portfolio Example 9 - Fabrizio Tonelli

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Academic Fabrizio Tonelli is a veteran academic, and a professor of political science at the University of Padua. He has an exceptionally long list of achievements, some of which are:

  • Co-director, seminar “Fake Concepts”, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris, 2018.
  • Fulbright Professor, Department of History, University of Pittsburgh (PA), 2011.
  • Visiting Professor, Media Studies, University of Bologna, 2000-2004.
  • Visiting Fellow, Italian Academy for Advanced Studies in America at Columbia University 1997-98.

He has also written an impressive number of articles and books, denoting a clear mastery over his research topic and area of interest.

PDF portfolio Example 10 - Carter Hammett

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Carter is a social worker, writer, and trainer who describes himself as “late-blooming” and “java-fueled”. He is presently the editor of Auto and Trucking Atlantic Magazine and also contributes to multiple publications — Convenience and Carwash Canada, Career Wise, Canadian Immigrant Magazine, and others. He has also authored three books.

His day job is managing employment services with Epilepsy Toronto, an organization that helps people living with epilepsy and related disabilities with their job searches.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

How to create a PDF portfolio

There are multiple tools for creating pdf portfolios, and we’ll use Authory for the following tutorial.

Step 1: Sign Up for Authory (for free)

Create an account on Authory, for free, using this signup link .

Step 2: Import and add your PDF publications

  • Once you get to the dashboard, you’ll get the option to enter a source (publication website). Authory will automatically import all content with your byline ever published on that site — past and future.
  • You can also add PDFs manually. Navigate to the "Content" tab in your Authory account, click the "+ Add Content" button at the bottom left, and upload a PDF file, as seen below.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

  • You can edit the title & description, create a new source, or add the file to an existing source. For this tutorial, I’ve named the source "Halloween Town”.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

  • You can keep adding PDF files, as seen below:

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Step 3: Create a PDF portfolio collection

  • Go back to the "Content" tab. Select the "PDFs" checkbox at the bottom left. (I’ve blurred out the source names).
  • Once the PDFs are selected, use the "+ Create automated collection" button on the top right to create a collection of your PDF uploads.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

  • Name your collection and add a description if you want.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

  • After uploading all the PDFs to this collection, go to the "Collections" tab to see how it looks.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Step 3: Connect the collection to your portfolio & display it

  • Next, click on the "Portfolio" tab and go to the "Content" tab on the left. From there, you can add your "PDF Portfolio" collection to the portfolio.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

  • And this is how it will finally look on your portfolio.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

But why Authory?

I actually started using Authory a while ago, and when I say it’s a great tool, I say it with experience.

This portfolio builder won’t just help you collate your publications in one place. It’ll do so much more:

  • Automatically import all bylined content from any digital source you enter — past and future publications
  • Downloading all imported content to your device, if you so choose
  • Manually include non-bylined content
  • Permanent backup of all imported content
  • Content backed up in its original format rather than as screenshots
  • Analytics support for your content; see how your pieces are doing on social media
  • Ability to customize portfolio appearance (cover page, content placement, etc.) without any knowledge of web design. Create an eye catching portfolio with a couple of clicks.
  • All Authory portfolios are SEO (search engine optimization) optimized.

Don’t take my word for it. Just sign up and try it for a free 14-day trial period . All you have to do is enter your sources, and the tool will do the rest.

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Seasoned writer & editor working with B2B & B2C content since 2017. Writes about music on weekends. Trying to overcome caffeine addiction.

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Crafting a Professional Artist Portfolio for Galleries: An Ultimate Guide 

In this ultimate guide, we will cover everything you need to know from the benefits of digital portfolios to what gallery owners are searching for. Whether you’re an expert or a novice looking to take your career to new heights, we’ll guide you through creating a portfolio that highlights your unique talent and style.

Single Post - Guide

As a fine artist, creating stunning artwork is only one part of the equation for success in the art business industry.

In order to get your work noticed by galleries and potential clients, you need to craft a concise and captivating artist portfolio. Your portfolio is your chance to showcase your artistic skills and creativity, and it’s essential to make sure it’s well-crafted and visually appealing.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Welcome to the ultimate guide on crafting a professional artist portfolio that will help you stand out in the highly competitive art industry. We will cover everything you need to know, from the benefits of digital portfolios to what gallery owners are searching for.

Whether you’re an expert or a novice looking to take your career to new heights, we’ll guide you through creating a portfolio that highlights your unique talent and style.

So, let’s get started!

The Artist Portfolio and Why You Need It

Your creative vision deserves to be showcased in the best possible way. This is where the power of an artist portfolio comes in.

It’s a carefully curated collection of your best works featuring various forms of art, such as paintings, sculptures, photographs, illustrations, or digital designs. When presented in a cohesive and visually appealing manner, it becomes a powerful tool to impress potential clients, galleries, or employers and sets you apart in a highly competitive industry.

With an exceptional artist portfolio, you can showcase your unique style and artistic voice while highlighting your versatility and technical abilities.

So, if you’re ready to take your art career to the next level, it’s time to invest time and effort into creating an outstanding artist portfolio that accurately represents your talents and aspirations.

From Paper to Pixels: Why Digital Portfolios are Taking Over

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Showcasing your work to galleries can be a challenge. In today’s digital age, creating a digital artist portfolio is key.

You can easily create an effective digital portfolio by using a program like PowerPoint or Apple Keynote to showcase your images, titles, sizes, and prices.

Once you’ve created your portfolio, output it as a PDF and attach it to an email, upload it to an iPad, or print it as a booklet using an online printer.

Using a digital portfolio gives you flexibility in terms of updating and sharing your work .

Even if a gallery is not accepting submissions, sending your digital portfolio can’t hurt and may lead to future opportunities. Be sure to include a separate PDF with your bio, artist statement, and resume to make it easy for gallery owners to review your work.

Digital Portfolio vs Website Portfolio

A website portfolio is a collection of an artist’s work that is displayed on their personal website, providing a comprehensive look at their body of work and artistic style to a broad online audience. It often includes a variety of artwork, artist statements, bios, and contact information.

While a digital portfolio is designed specifically for submitting to galleries with a focused selection of an artist’s best work, a website portfolio can serve as a valuable marketing tool for artists looking to reach potential buyers and collectors online.

A website portfolio can also be a great tool for reaching a broad audience, but it’s important to note that a digital portfolio should be created as a separate entity . The best format for a digital portfolio is ( you guessed it! ) PDF, which provides better control over the viewing experience and allows for easy sharing with galleries.

By creating a well-curated digital portfolio, artists can increase their chances of getting their work displayed in galleries and reaching a wider audience.

What Gallery Owners Want to See in Your Portfolio

how to make a pdf art portfolio

If you’ve landed on this section, you might be wondering how galleries go about selecting the artists they want to represent.

Based on Professional Artist Institute’s very own gallery representation expert, when gallery owners review an artist portfolio, they look for an emotional response to the work. If it’s interesting, engaging, and unique, they’ll start analyzing its appeal to their clientele.

Owners typically consider factors like the work’s similarity in aesthetic to other pieces, its price point, and whether it has a viable business model for showing the artist’s work.

In addition to evaluating the work, gallery owners consider if there’s a consistent body of work and if the artist can supply replacement artwork. They need to be confident they can market and build brand recognition for the artist.

While the owner evaluates an artist’s work quickly, they take some time to make decisions and consult with others before deciding to pursue representation.

Building Your Professional Artist Portfolio

Now that you have an idea of what gallery owners typically look for in an artist portfolio, you may be asking yourself, “So, how do I build a professional-looking portfolio?”

You can use Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Keynote. Choose the one that you are most comfortable with, and that allows you to create a professional-looking portfolio.

You may create your own template that includes sections for images of your artwork, a brief description of each piece, and your contact information. Make sure the template is easy to navigate and presents your work in a cohesive way.

Choose a selection of your artwork that represents your style and skills. Make sure the images are high-quality and showcase your work in the best possible light. You want to make a strong impression on potential galleries or clients.

Make sure your portfolio includes your name, email address, phone number, and website or social media handles. You want potential galleries or clients to be able to easily contact you if they are interested in your work.

Once you have created your portfolio, take the time to review and refine it. Make sure the images are properly aligned and the text is error-free. Consider having a friend or mentor review it as well.

Your portfolio should be a living document that you update regularly as you create new artwork. Keep it up-to-date and relevant to showcase your growth and progress as an artist.

Should You Include Sold Works in Your Portfolio?

This might be another valid question you’re asking yourself, so here is the answer:

Including sold works in an artist portfolio is generally acceptable, but it is important to limit the percentage of sold works to 10-15%. This is to prevent overwhelming the gallery with too much work or giving the impression that there is no available work.

If some of the work is already displayed in other galleries, another 10-15%, or even 20%, can be included, but it is important to strike a balance so that the gallery doesn’t become frustrated with a limited selection.

When it comes to the pricing of sold works, it is recommended not to include prices for older pieces that would be priced higher if sold today. Instead, simply mark the piece as “sold” to avoid confusing the gallery with different price points.

Exploring the Format of Your Digital Artist Portfolio

Having a well-organized and visually appealing format is essential when creating an artist portfolio. It helps to draw the viewer’s attention to the artwork and allows for a better examination of the pieces.

A clean format with appropriate font size, image-to-text ratio, and color scheme can make a big difference in the presentation of the artwork and increase the chances of gaining representation in galleries.

Tips on Keeping Your Portfolio Clean and Simple

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Creating an Effective Digital Portfolio

Let’s dive into some expert tips that will make your artwork shine and leave a lasting impression on anyone who views it. With these simple but effective tips, your portfolio is sure to stand out:

A well-designed cover image can set the tone for the entire portfolio and create a visual identity for you as an artist.

By increasing the size of the artwork images, you can maximize the use of white space and create a more visually appealing portfolio.

This can help create a personal connection between you and the viewer and showcase your process and personality.

Balancing the text with the visuals is important, so the font size should be small enough to fit all the necessary information but not so large that it detracts from the artwork.

Being selective and including only the best work that is relevant to the gallery or exhibition can help showcase your strengths.

Including titles, dimensions, and any relevant information about the materials or techniques used can help the viewer understand your vision and appreciate your work.

Landscape Vs Portrait Mode

Choosing between landscape or portrait mode for a digital portfolio comes down to optimizing the presentation of your work.

If the majority of your pieces are vertical, then portrait mode is ideal, but mixing the two is an option. The key is to keep it simple and choose the layout that best showcases your art.

At the end of the day, it’s important to consider the presentation circumstances and choose a format that optimizes the presentation of your artwork, whether it be portrait, landscape, or a combination of the two.

Multiple Portfolios for Different Bodies of Work: Necessary or Optional?

how to make a pdf art portfolio

If you have a diverse range of work, separating it into different portfolios may be necessary to appeal to different audiences.

First off, it’s important to consider the specific type of gallery you’re targeting and cater the presentation to that audience.

However, if you have a distinctive look by virtue of your medium and technique, separating portfolios may not be necessary. Instead, consider using a divider page to separate different types of work within the same portfolio.

A well-designed portfolio can showcase a range of work while maintaining a cohesive brand. So, the decision to have different portfolios for different bodies of work ultimately depends on the degree of cohesiveness – do these portfolios belong together or not?

Creating an artist portfolio is a crucial aspect of the success of any fine artist. It’s a chance to showcase your creative vision, style, and technical abilities to potential clients, galleries, and employers.

With a well-crafted and visually appealing portfolio, you can make a lasting impression and stand out in a highly competitive industry.

Whether you opt for a printed, website, or digital portfolio, make sure it’s easy to navigate and presents your work in a cohesive and professional way.

If you would like to have access to portfolio templates and your own artist portfolio reviewed by a gallery owner, consider applying to our flagship program – the Professional Artist Accelerator .

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I am a seasoned artist and a humanitarian with the United Nations. I want to exhibit and share my struggle as a woman in muslim world and my journey of success. and need to sell my art to produce more. Please guide. I will be very interested in gallery representation. Thanks

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Create a free online portfolio.

Build an online portfolio with ease & showcase your best work using Adobe Express. No experience required.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Build an impressive portfolio with Adobe Express.

Whether you work in a creative industry or corporate field, having an online portfolio is an excellent personal resource. Think of your portfolio as a visual archive of your accomplishments to supplement your resume or CV. An online portfolio offers nearly endless digital real estate, so you can share as much of your work as you’d like without having to worry about running out of pages in a physical binder. Find out how best to model your portfolio using Adobe Express with our guide below.

Icon: blank

Template IDs

(To pull in manually curated templates if needed)

Orientation

(Horizontal/Vertical)

( Full, Std, sixcols )

(number of templates to load each pagination. Min. 5)

Most Viewed

Rare & Original

Newest to Oldest

Oldest to Newest

(true, false, all) true or false will limit to premium only or free only.

Photography Portfolio Instagram Square with Collage Online Portoflio

Discover even more.

TikTok Video

Business Card

Video Slideshow

Photo Collage

How to use the online portfolio creator.

Tons of free online portfolio templates to choose from..

With the Adobe Express online portfolio maker on your side, you’ll have a professional display of your most impressive pieces ready to be sent out in minutes. Start with inspiration at your fingertips with tons of free online portfolio templates at your side. Drag and drop icons, graphics, text, and so much more to your portfolio to get the exact look and feel you’re going for. Tailor the finer details of your portfolio to best fit the requirements of the job or potential employer in mind, then attach it with the rest of the application materials you’ll be sending out.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Stand out with your personal brand.

Showcase yourself in a memorable way with personally branded assets that represent who you are as you showcase your best work. Use the Brand Kit to apply your logo, color themes, and fonts in one click across your portfolio and other application materials. Create and attach your own logo with initials if you’d like, too, with the free Adobe Express logo maker . When you're done, resize instantly so you can post to your blog, website, or LinkedIn.

How to structure your online portfolio.

Before getting started, take some time to think about the story your portfolio will tell. Draft a paragraph or two that provides insight into you as a person and your career goals or ambitions. Then compile your best photos, videos, graphics, and links to include on your site to give your audience a full understanding of your accomplishments and capabilities. Don’t forget to include contact info in easy-to-find places so that your readers know how to reach you once they get inspired by your work.

Different types of online portfolios.

Online portfolios are a necessity for careers such as photographers, visual artists, architects, or designers. With Adobe Express, you can also include videos. For writers, you can provide snippets of your writing samples and links to published work. If you work in business, use your portfolio to showcase your projects and detail some of your most significant workplace accomplishments. An online portfolio can work for anyone, so let your creativity flow as you craft the site that perfectly suits you.

Tell your professional story in print.

Adobe Express is here to help put your best self forward. To captivate potential employers and clients, your portfolio should reflect your unique and creative self at the very start. As you choose your best pieces, think about the way that you’ll order them in your online portfolio and if additional text is needed to help guide your viewers. If you’re going to an in-person networking event, interview, or even mailing out your portfolio, it’s your chance to deliver an impactful impression with a creative portfolio printed on high-quality paper.

Frequently asked questions.

Creating Portfolio PDFs

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The below instructions are intended to assist with creating PDFs of portfolio work for uploading to the Art Department Online Application for Graduate School.

Adobe Acrobat Pro (Mac)

  • Assemble your images into a single location, ideally as JPG files.
  • Open Adobe Acrobat Pro.
  • Go to File > Combine > Merge Files into a Single PDF…
  • Click Add Files…
  • Navigate to where your images are located.
  • Select all of your images (you can click on the first image, hold shift, and click on the last image to select everything in between).
  • Click Add Files
  • You can select individual files and re-order them with the Up and Down arrows.
  • Click the smallest Page Icon next to File Size.
  • Click Combine Files
  • Acrobat will process the files briefly, then open the combined file in a new window.
  • Save the file with an appropriate name, such as jsmith_images_2011.pdf
  • Check this new file’s size by selecting it in Finder, and going to File > Get Info. The size should be below 10MB.
  • If you need to reduce the file size, follow these steps:
  • Open the new file in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
  • Go to Advanced > PDF Optimizer…
  • From Settings, choose Standard
  • Click OK and save the new PDF with an appropriate name.

Adobe Acrobat Pro (Win)

  • Check this new file’s size by right-clicking on it in your file browser, and going to Properties. The size should be below 10MB.

With Free Software (Mac)

  • Download and run CombinePDFs .
  • Click and drag your images into the main window of CombinePDFs.
  • You can go to Quartz Filter > Reduce File Size to reduce (this may reduce quality drastically, so it may be preferable to split your images up into multiple files).
  • Click Merge PDFs…
  • Give your file an appropriate name and click Save.

With Free Software (Win)

  • Download and install CutePDF Writer (the free version).
  • You can uncheck the Ask Toolbar, this is not a required software.
  • When the installer finishes, it may ask you if you wish to download and install a plugin to convert PDFs. Say Yes (or OK).
  • Select all of your images that you wish to include in this file.
  • Right-click on the images (while they are still all selected) and choose Print
  • For Printer, choose CutePDF Writer
  • For Paper Size, choose Letter
  • For Quality, 144dpi should be acceptable.
  • Click Print
  • When it finishes processing, it will ask you where to save your file. Give it an appropriate name, such as jsmith_imags_2011.pdf.

If your file is too large, you can try repeating these steps with a lower quality (dpi) or by splitting your images into multiple files.

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9+ Art Portfolio Examples in PSD | AI | EPS Vector

Art Portfolio Examples

There are different ways on how a portfolio can be used depending on the needs of the person who will develop the specific tool. One of the realistic and possible ways on how a person can benefit from the usage of a model portfolio is by using it as a tool that can compile artworks and different samples related to creative processes and artistic undertakings.

A  professional career portfolio  can help an aspiring or professional artist be known by more people as using this tool can give his/her target market the chance to view his/her actual outputs. Take inspiration from the list of art portfolio samples that we have put together in this article so you can have a faster and easier time to develop your art portfolio.

Pop Art Portfolio Brochure

09

Daedra Creative Portfolio Template

collage 3

What Can Be Placed in an Art Portfolio?

When creating an art portfolio, an artist should fully understand the weight of putting together strong samples that can showcase himself/herself the best way possible. Deciding on what to put in a portfolio is a very tedious task as one should be careful and meticulous enough to select work samples that can be helpful to his/her current application or presentation. An art portfolio’s content may depend on the following factors:

  • The specific kind of art that an artist practices
  • The reason why the art portfolio is needed to be made
  • The personal style of the artist
  • The requirements that are needed to be considered when finalizing the actual compilation

With the variety of art forms that can be created by an artist, there are also different kinds of art portfolios that can be developed. All art portfolios must contain specific artworks that are either a combination of different styles and art forms or a strict samples compilation of one artistic discipline. The content that you may place in an art  portfolio layout  can be any of the following:

  • Paintings, drawing and other items that are visual products of fine arts
  • Graphic design, may it be physical or digital
  • Interior and outdoor space design
  • Poetry, essays, and other kinds of writings
  • Apparel design
  • Architecture, engineering and construction design or blueprints
  • Images of sample sculptures, ceramic, and pottery products
  • Film discussion
  • Photography outputs
  • Printmaking end products
  • Art education and history; and
  • Other kinds of art forms

Having a well-defined art portfolio can help you present yourself in an organized and impressive manner. Make sure that you will consider the organization of your art portfolio based on the content that you will place in it.

Simple Artist Portfolio

simple artist portfolio

Studio Portfolio

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Where Can You Use an Art Portfolio?

An art portfolio is a versatile tool that can be used in different ways and manners within the fields of creative works and the arts. You can use attractive portfolio examples  that specifically contain your artworks in these circumstances, events and activities:

  • Client Presentation. One of the main usages of an art portfolio is to present the artworks either as a freelancer or a professional artist. A client first needs to see some of the works of an artist so that they can entrust a project to him/her. A comprehensive display of your artworks can make you more marketable and desirable as an artist.
  • Personal skill showcase. Your art portfolio can serve as your own reference. This can help you browse through your previous works so you can spot the developments when it comes to your personal style and artistic preference. You can also identify the skills that you have learned through the years if you will look at the changes that have occurred the way you create your craft. Listing your artistic skills and experiences from time to time can help you update your art portfolio accordingly.
  •  Application for an art program. Academic institutions that focus on art programs mostly have a number of slots for enrollment, or even just for admissions. If you want to be considered by your dream school or university, you have to make sure that your art portfolio can present quality works that can showcase your value as a prospective student.
  • Application for a job. Aside from presenting your art portfolio to possible clients, you can also show it to employers. There are already a lot of job positions that are looking for highly-skilled and artistic individuals who can do professional work functions in the field of graphic design, theater, film, and arts.

Artiste Multipurpose Minimal Portfolio

screenshot from 2017 11 08 11 42 12

Photo Art Portfolio

photo art portfolio

Factors to Consider in Developing an Art Portfolio

Within the development processes of a  minimalist paper portfolio  or a  digital portfolio , you have to be aware of the things that you should put in mind to assure the maximum effectiveness of your output. The factors that you always need to consider when creating and updating your art portfolio are listed below.

  • Your mastery of the craft.  May it be a client, a business, an employer or an academic institution; the entity who will review your art portfolio will always look on the technical aspect of your compilation. Your technical skills, abilities,  and knowledge areas are the most important things to be reflected in your art portfolio as these can eventually contribute to the operations or functions of your possible employer or prospective customers.
  • The quality of your art samples.  As an artist, you are expected to have a high level of attention to detail. If you are already aware of the of basic and advanced art principles relevant to the field where you are currently practicing your competencies, then your art portfolio should be able to present that to your audience.
  • The relevance of the art samples to the objective of the art portfolio.  Putting art samples together is something that you should carefully plan, do, and review. The relevance of the samples to the purpose of the art portfolio creation is essential as a sensible and usable content can give you higher chances of being remembered by the people who will look at your art portfolio.
  • The number of art samples that you will put together. Aside from quality, the quantity of your art samples must also be well thought of. Provide enough samples that can showcase both your versatility and style. It is recommended to present five to fifteen samples of artworks. However, there are some institutions that may ask you to provide them with a specific number of work samples. Always review the requirements of your application or presentation so you can add the specified number of samples that are expected to be seen in your portfolio.
  • Your showcase of versatility. Clients and employers always seek for an artist who can show variety. May it be a variety of art skills or a variety of media and platforms that an artist is aware of using, it is essential for customers and businesses to be aware of the capacity of an artist through the compilation of his/her artworks. Versatility is one of the major signs of a talented and resilient artist. If a person can apply artistic skills in different ways and manners, it will be easy for people to ensure that he/she can work for or collaborate with them with ease.
  • Uniqueness.  Your style and personality shall be observed in your art portfolio. These things can set you apart from other artists. Most of the successful artists have strong individual characters which make them memorable and appealing. Let your art portfolio be your way to display how unique you are as an artist.

Modern Artist Portfolio

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One Page Art Portfolio in HTML

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Steps in Making an Art Portfolio

Aside from learning the basic  tips for creating a portfolio , you should also have a standard step-by-step reference that can help you create, develop and update your art portfolio. An easy guide that you may follow when making your own art portfolio is as follows:

  • Have a precise idea about the kind of portfolio that you need to create based on your application or presentation
  • Identify the medium or platform that you will use in making your art portfolio. Do you need to develop an online art portfolio or are you required to come up with a hardbound portfolio?
  • Decide on the number of samples that you will compile.
  • Browse through and review art portfolio samples so you can have an idea on how to properly create one.
  • You can select a template that can guide you in making the format, structure, and/or content of your art portfolio.
  • Gather your samples and arrange them properly.
  • Present your samples within the layout of your art portfolio and make sure that you will incorporate all the items and design materials that you need to help your art portfolio look appealing, put together, and impressive.
  • Look at the final art portfolio and decide whether it is already your desired output or if you would like to further improve it.

Vintage Art CV and Portfolio

vintage art cv and portfolio

Guidelines for Art Portfolio Creation and Development

Your art portfolio should be one of your strengths and not one of your downfalls. Make the most out of your art portfolio’s usage by creating a document that is complete, properly designed, informational and polished. Some of the guidelines that you may incorporate in the creation and development of your own art portfolio include the following:

  • Be organized and professional with regards your presentation as it can affect the overall appeal and appearance of your art portfolio.
  • Consider the needs, wants and demands of the client, business, and/or academic institution who will look at your art portfolio. Your work compilation can only be effective if it can fulfill the smart goals of its creation. Hence, be guided by the requirements of the entities who asked you to present an art portfolio.
  • Take time to gather all your art samples unless there is a deadline that you need to consider. Being able to put together artworks from different phases of your artistic journey can make your art portfolio more versatile.

An art portfolio is big factor big factor considered during a client presentation or a work application. Having an impressive art portfolio can be one of the ways on how an artist can stand out from competitors as it can significantly provide details about a person’s style, deliverable and skills through the display of actual work samples. Follow the tips and guidelines that we have listed in this post so you can have a more efficient time in making your art portfolio.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

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Create an online portfolio to spotlight your best work. Upload your PDF and enhance it through interactions like videos, external links and captions to turn a static portfolio into an unforgettable one. Alternatively, choose a portfolio template to customize. Share it with your audience and bring exciting opportunities to your door.

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Whether a designer, artist, or corporate creative, you can share digital portfolios on your website with no coding skills. Simply embed with copy and paste.

How to make a digital portfolio

1. upload your pdf or pick a template.

Upload your portfolio PDF or choose a template from our gallery to populate with your work, and watch as it becomes a flippable online portfolio in no time.

2. Customize your digital portfolio

Add interactive elements to enhance your online portfolio. Videos, links, the spotlight effect, or others can offer backstage access through your creative process.

3. Share it with your target audience

Tailor Flipsnack’s sharing options to your needs. Share your digital portfolio far and wide in multiple formats. Public, private, or password protected.

4. Track your digital portfolio’s reach

Once your online portfolio is out there, you’ll want to know how people react to it. See if they opened it or which page they engaged with the most.

Pick a professional portfolio template

Flipsnack’s template gallery allows you to make your own portfolio from customizable portfolio layouts. Companies can choose different portfolio templates to showcase their projects like interior design portfolio templates, architecture portfolio templates, art portfolio templates, and many others.

When it came to showcasing my work I knew I wanted to use Flipsnack to present my online portfolio! With just a few clicks to download a PDF file, then a few more clicks later you are left with a fluent and very efficient flip book!

Easily share your online portfolio with your audience

Promote your work through a link.

Reach your audience through direct links or fullscreen sharing. Simply copy the link, send and update it when needed. No downloads or attachments required.

Embed portfolios on your website

Post your portfolio on social media.

Use your social media accounts to bring new opportunities your way. Grow your audience by sharing attention-grabbing portfolios online on multiple platforms.

Track portfolio statistics

Through Flipsnack statistics, you can see how your audience interacts with your online portfolio. Check out how much time they spend on a page or what other visuals they engage with and how. Aside from the confidence boost, this can help you optimize your digital portfolio for a wider audience.

Enhance credibility through branding

Whether you’re a starting creative that wants their work to be recognized or a big company focused on brand consistency, you want people to know whose work they’re seeing. With Flipsnack, you can create your brand kit with brand colors, logos, and fonts. Use it to create customizable branded templates. Stand out with on-brand digital portfolios.

how to make a pdf art portfolio

Get inspired by these portfolio examples

Our intuitive online portfolio maker makes it easy to customize, enhance and personalize a photography portfolio. Showcase your work through a simple drag-and-drop. Use your best work for your professional portfolio and update it with new projects through the same link. Your audience won’t get spammed as the link doesn’t change; only portfolio content does.

Frequently asked questions

1. why make a digital portfolio.

A digital portfolio is incredibly useful for both freelancers and corporate creatives alike. We live in the digital world, which means access to tools that can digitize our portfolios. Artists, designers, photographers, or other creative professionals must showcase their work. Making an online portfolio allows you to leave your bulky case at home and still show your work in a professional setting. With a digital portfolio, whenever someone wants to see your work, they can simply open a link on a phone, tablet, laptop, or PC. Additionally, in an online portfolio, you can list your skills in a more engaging way than a resume.

2. What to include in a digital portfolio?

For those working in the visual arts, a business portfolio is your fingerprint. As this will be a portfolio to showcase your work, your online portfolio represents you as well, and it’s the first thing people will see connected to your work. Make it unique, so it stands out and grabs people’s attention, but also accurately. Include a curated but generous body of your work to showcase your skills and abilities. Provide your audience with testimonials, recommendations, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse at your creative process through descriptions, videos, or slideshows. Finally, give people a way to get in touch with you. While your contact information is necessary, if you have any work exposed in a gallery, you can embed a map for its location so people can stop by for a visit.

3. Where can I post my online portfolio?

Considering the multiple sharing options, your digital portfolio can be posted on any communication platform. A website, a tweet, or a social media platform can be your launch pad. Website embedding allows you to post your online portfolio on your website and any other websites that want to promote your work so there are virtually no limits.

What else to try:

Flipsnack empowers you to create a variety of on-brand digital publications, from magazines to online catalogs, and more. Try it today!

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    How to make a digital art portfolio. No matter how experienced you are in creating digital art, having a portfolio to display your work is essential. A digital art portfolio is a way to present your best pieces, demonstrate the range of your abilities and keep a record of your achievements. Read on to learn how to make an art portfolio.

  2. Create and customize PDF Portfolios

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    How to Create an Art Portfolio PDF — Jackie Partridge Art Click here to Sign up for a FREE Guide of 10 Tips to Create an Art Portfolio for School Applications that stands out! I have written an art portfolio pdf all about how to create a successful art portfolio application for high school students applying to colleges and university art programs.

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    Guides Applications for creative roles will commonly require you to have one portfolio are sorts; and today, that can take many forms - out social media profiles to printed drop. In this guide, we'll be focusing on the trusty PDF portfolio - a condensed and curated interpretation you'll need available job applying.

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    Apr, 6 2021 • 10 min read 13 Inspiring Art Portfolio Examples That'll Help You Create Your Own Check out example art portfolios for inspiration for your own for college or for your career. No matter what your creative dreams are, there's one thing that every aspiring artist should have—an art portfolio.

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    Creating Portfolio PDFs The below instructions are intended to assist with creating PDFs of portfolio work for uploading to the Art Department Online Application for Graduate School. Adobe Acrobat Pro (Mac) Assemble your images into a single location, ideally as JPG files. Open Adobe Acrobat Pro.

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    In there, click on the three dots on the right from your file to open the menu. Now, click on convert to PDF. After finishing the conversion, you'll now have two files: the original PowerPoint file and a new editable PDF file. Step 2. Add your images following your layout.

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  23. Online Portfolio Maker. Create a Digital Portfolio. Try for free

    1. Upload your PDF or pick a template. Upload your portfolio PDF or choose a template from our gallery to populate with your work, and watch as it becomes a flippable online portfolio in no time. 2. Customize your digital portfolio. Add interactive elements to enhance your online portfolio.

  24. Create PDF Portfolio from Outlook email

    Starting within Outlook, I choose "Search" to generate a list of emails I want in the Portfolio. I then highlight/select all the emails in that batch. I right click within that list, then choose "Convert to PDF" to convert this batch of emails to an Acrobat PDF Portfolio. A pop-up window "Save Adobe PDF As" appears (see below).

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