Consider the following points:

• Have you sold artwork to someone outside your family or friends? A sale is a clear indication that your art has market value.

• Is your artwork well-constructed and professionally presented? High-quality, archival materials and craftsmanship are essential.

• Do you have a consistent body of work? Aim for a cohesive collection of 15-20 pieces that clearly showcase your distinct style and vision.

• Are you prepared to run your art business? This includes consistent pricing and market research on pricing trends, a professional website and Instagram presence, and an inventory system to track your pieces.

• Do you have a professional digital portfolio? High-quality images, detailed descriptions (price, dimensions, media, date), and an artist statement/biography are key for presenting your work online.

If you feel confident in these areas, you are well-prepared to submit your work! We’re looking for artists who are ready to present their art with professionalism, consistency, and a clear business structure. A strong portfolio and thoughtful presentation are key to making a lasting impression, and we look forward to reviewing your submission.

An artist statement is one of the most important tools for connecting your work with curators, collectors, and viewers. It provides insight into your creative process, motivations, and the deeper meaning behind your work. An artist statement is often written after the completion of a body of work. Here’s how to write an impactful statement:

Key Elements to Include:

• Who You Are: Briefly introduce yourself, your background, and your artistic practice. You can mention where you’re from or where you studied, but keep it concise.

• Your Medium: Explain the materials or mediums you use (e.g., painting, sculpture, digital art). How do these materials influence your process?

• Concept and Themes: Discuss the themes or concepts you explore in your work. What do you aim to convey? Why is it important to you? What social, cultural, or personal issues inform your art?

• Creative Process: Share how you create your work—whether it’s a detailed step-by-step process or a more intuitive approach.

• Conclusion: Wrap it up by offering a short reflection on your goals as an artist or what you hope viewers take away from your work.

• First Person: An artist statement is typically written from a first-person point of view.

Tips for Writing:

• Keep it concise—ideally, between 150-300 words.

• Avoid jargon or overly complex language. Make it approachable and engaging.

• Be genuine and creative. This is your opportunity to connect with the viewer.

Partial Statement Example:

• “Through my exploration of color and abstraction, I aim to evoke emotional responses from the viewer, creating a space where they can reflect on their personal and the collective experiences of life.”

An artist biography (or artist bio) is a crucial component for curators, galleries, and collectors to understand who you are as an artist. It gives insight into your artistic journey, achievements, and professional background. A strong bio should be clear, concise, and engaging.

Key Elements of an Artist Bio:

• Introduction: Begin with your name and a brief overview of your art practice. This may include the medium(s) you work with or the central themes in your work.

• Education: Briefly mention any formal training (art school, workshops, mentorships), as well as any experiences that have shaped your artistic career. This could also include residencies you’ve participated in.

• Exhibitions and Recognition: Highlight any important exhibitions you’ve been a part of, awards you’ve received, or publications that have featured your work.

• Partial Artist’s Statement: This is optional, but including a sentence or two from your statement that summarizes the message behind your work can help connect your bio to your larger creative vision. This should be brief, as your larger artist statement should be your main tool for educating your audience on the process and meaning behind your work. 

• Third Person: Artist Bios should be written from a third person point of view. 

Tips for Writing:

• Keep it short (1-2 paragraphs) and to the point. A bio should be professional, not too lengthy.

• Make it personal, but not overly detailed. Focus on your professional milestones and artistic focus, not your life story.

• If you’re early in your career, focus on what you are doing and why it matters. If you have a history of exhibitions, awards, or recognition, mention that to build credibility.

Example Bio:

• “Jane Doe is a mixed-media artist based in Meridian, ID. Her work explores the intersection of technology and nature, using materials such as recycled plastics, found objects, and organic fibers. She holds a BFA in Sculpture from Boise State University and has exhibited her work in solo and group shows throughout the U.S. Jane is the recipient of the 2023 Emerging Artist Award from the Contemporary Art Foundation.”

A well-crafted CV is one of the most essential tools an artist can have when navigating the professional art world. A strong CV highlights your skills, achievements, and experiences, demonstrating your commitment to your craft and your career.

Key Components of a Successful Artist CV

1. Contact Information: Include your name, address, phone number, email, and website or portfolio links.

2. Education: List your relevant degrees, certifications, and art school training. If you’ve participated in significant workshops or mentorships, include these as well.

3. Exhibitions: Start with your most recent exhibitions and work backward. This should include solo and group shows, public installations, or other professional showings. Always label the gallery, location, and date.

4. Awards and Grants: Include any notable awards, fellowships, or grants that demonstrate recognition of your talent and hard work.

5. Collections: If your work is part of private or public collections, list these to highlight your work’s market value and importance.

6. Publications and Press: Include any articles, interviews, or other media coverage that have featured your work. This shows external validation and can be especially important for artists looking to expand their audience.

7. Professional Experience: List any teaching experience, residencies, or other related experiences. 

Tips for Success

• Tailor Your CV: Adjust your CV for each opportunity. Highlight the aspects of your experience that are most relevant to the specific gallery, exhibition, or project you’re applying for.

• Be Concise: Keep your CV to 1-2 pages. Galleries and curators often review many submissions, so clarity and brevity are essential.

• Stay Updated: Regularly update your CV to reflect new exhibitions, awards, and accomplishments. 

• Use a Professional Format: Choose a clean, readable design, with categorized sections. Avoid clutter and use bullet points to make information easy to digest. 

Thoughtfully presenting your artwork is an important step to submitting to galleries. A professional presentation shows that you take your work, and the process of sharing it, seriously.

Key Aspects of Professional Presentation:

• Photographing Your Artwork:

  • For digital submissions, make sure your photos are high quality (300DPI). Use natural lighting. The images should be an accurate depiction of how the art looks in real life, with no glare, reflections, or over-editing.

  • The images should have a tight crop, with no excess background outside of the image, and none of the art cut off from the crop. 

  • For 3D works, take several angles and include close-ups if necessary.

• Framing and Hanging:

  • Each piece should be ready to hang. This means ensuring the edges are finished or the piece should be framed. Additionally, if applicable, the stretcher bars should be stable at right angles, and the canvas must be taut.

  • Make sure your artwork is mounted properly. Each 2D piece should be wired correctly with D rings and hanging wire. 

  • When submitting sculpture or installation works, provide clear dimensions and photos of how the piece is displayed in space.

• Art Labeling:

  • Every work submitted should be labeled on the back with the following information: Title, Medium, Dimensions, Price, Year of Creation, and Artist’s Name.

Helpful Tips:

• Always double-check file formats and image resolution requirements.

• If submitting a series, present the pieces in a cohesive way, making sure that they align stylistically or thematically.

• Always check for typos and ensure all necessary requirements of the submission have been met.