I have two portfolios: a physical, lug around in binders, touch and feel portfolio and an online portfolio. The physical portfolio gets reviewed, things added and subtracted depending on where I am going (trade show? client visit?) and who I am seeing. I make sure I bring the art that might be appropriate, so as not to waste their time or strain my back.
My online portfolio is an area my clients and prospective clients can look through after entering their user name and password to keep things somewhat secure. This portfolio, I am sad to say, doesn’t get the freshening up the way the physical one does.
I’m making a few changes to my website so it is the perfect time to actually stop and think about what I am showing people. Having been licensing my art for 6 years, some of the art is just plain dated. And to be honest, some of it makes me just plain cringe. A sign of artistic improvement for sure but not one I need potential licensees seeing.
I think I just put a dozen collections into ‘cold storage’ – never to be seen again unless I take a walk down memory lane.
I just thought I’d share my day and ask you this: When is the last time you looked at what you were showing the world? Put your best art forward – less that is quality is better than more that may seem dated or inconsistent.
Here’s to your creative cleaning!
Tara
Is it possible my blog entry inspired this? I need to get some collections going so I’ll have something to clean!!
Your blog was more of a happy coincidence – the cleaning needed to be done in my portfolio! But I love the sentiment in yours… if anyone wants to see it, CLICK HERE (it’s cute!)
I love the look of the blog here, is this new as well? I forget which of your sites looks which way and but love them all! I don’t clean out my “portfolio” as much as I reorganize and feature new things. Sometimes my oldest are my daily favorites or inspire new directions. Often times I create new pieces that are in part a sequel to an oldie.. and I might be the only one that knows the connection.
Tara good morning from Quebec Canada. I’m basically a newbie when it comes to art. I’ve been a full time artists now only since 2000 when I decided to leave a very busy life in printing as a sales representative to start my own development in art. I must say I’m happy about the change. Sadly I was hit with major spine problem in 2002 so the goals I had set out to follow were put aside in order to deal with that problem. I’m slowly and happily getting back to my art and must say that your site and newsletters are a great source of inspiration for me. Although lost and turning in a circle at the moment I’m trying to find a way to discipline myself all over again and thanks to your site and information I’m remaining very positive about an art career. Tara thank you very much.
Christiane – Thank you so much for the reply – it really means a lot to me. Wishing you much success in your business and health in your spine!
Tara