A photo book allows you to share your artwork highlights for a university or job opportunity in the art field. It’s a collection of your best work shown in the most flattering way.

Every part of your portfolio matters, from the cover to the quality of the pages, as it all contributes to that crucial first impression.

Follow these seven tips to create an expert artwork portfolio that is sure to stun your audience.

1. Know Your Environment

Where are you going to share your artwork? Your environment and requirements will affect your photo book format.

If you’re handing it in as part of an application process, you might have strict rules you need to adhere to, especially regarding size or paper quality.

If you’re displaying it on a table at an event, you will need to consider the higher traffic. Then choose paper qualities that don’t show fingerprints and stand up to heavy use, like matte or lustre finishes.

2. Select Your Pieces

Each event you attend or application you send should have a customized portfolio with pieces specific to the audience. For example, if you’re applying to an art gallery, you’ll want to highlight artwork that aligns most with the style of the gallery.

The best portfolios will show various styles, subjects, and techniques to show your audience your wide breadth of talent. Be sure you also include many observational pieces where you captured objects in the real world.

Some employers or schools like to see sketches or work pages as these show your creative process. If that’s the case, you can create drawings just for your portfolio or touch up some of your best sketches.

3. Arrange Your Images to Showcase Your Talent

Even though your artwork is in a portfolio, it’s still a story. The way you arrange your pictures should take the viewer on a journey.

For example, you might lead your audience through a portrait series or use a collage to capture several pictures on a similar topic.

You can include images of the actual objects that you used in your paintings or places that inspired your art alongside your original artwork. This gives your audience another glimpse into your creative process.

The most important points in your photo book portfolio are the start, middle, and end. The first few pages should grab your audience’s attention and set the mood for the entire browsing experience. You will want to showcase some of your finest work to give a positive first impression.

Many admissions officers or employers look through dozens of portfolios. After a few pages, they might start skimming or lose interest. That’s where your middle pieces come into play. They recapture your audience’s attention with bright colors, full-page imagery, or fascinating facts.

The end of your book is your last chance to relay a message. What else do you want your audience to know about you? In addition, you want to leave them with a positive impression. Hold back one or two of your best pieces as the grand finale that ensures your portfolio is memorable.

4. Incorporate Text

As long as your requirements allow it, you should consider adding text to your portfolio. It gives the art context, background, and information the reader can’t gain from a photograph.

For example, a subtitle can tell them the meaning behind the artwork, what mediums you used, and the inspiration.

5. Add Other Achievements

Your artwork portfolio showcases your talent, not just your art. You can add other rewards and achievements to your portfolio. For example, if you won a notable art competition, you might add a photograph of that award to your portfolio. You can also include news articles that mention your work.

6. Ask a Third-Party’s Opinion

Your favorite pieces might not always be your best work. Getting an outside opinion when choosing and arranging your artwork will help you gain a better perspective on your work. It also will help you understand how the admission officer or employer will see your art.

7. Look at Other Portfolios for Inspiration

Research online to find pictures of layouts, sizes, and shapes of portfolios to find one that matches your needs. While you can use other portfolios as inspiration, find ways to give your portfolio your own unique twist, so it reflects you and doesn’t blend in with other portfolios.

Check out some of these artist’s Instagram pages to find inspiration for creative ways to display your art where it will stand out:

Create the Perfect Portfolio

Mixbook offers several sizes and paper types that meet most portfolio requirements. Just take pictures of your best artwork and upload them into a portfolio template to create a beautiful and unique album highlighting your talent.

Create your portfolio with Mixbook for an easy yet beautiful portfolio.