Guides
Guides for a working art career.
Articles, templates and working practice, from writing a CV that gets read to building a portfolio that travels.
What do these guides cover?
49 free guides for working artists, written by the Artsume team. They cover the documents you send out, the money you apply for and the business behind a studio practice: your CV and artist statement, your portfolio, finding and applying to programs, grants and fellowships, showing with galleries, pricing and selling work, and taxes, contracts and shipping. Each one is practical, and each one names real formats, real costs and real deadlines.
Browse the guides by topic
Every guide, grouped by what you are trying to do.
Write your CV and artist statement
- Artist CV Guide: CAA Format, Templates & Examples
- Artist CV for Residency Applications: What Programs Want
- Preparing an Arts and Cultural CV or Resume
- Free Artist CV Maker: Create a Professional CV in Minutes
- How to Write an Artist Statement: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Write an Artist Bio: Examples, Templates, and Tips
Build and photograph your portfolio
- How to Build an Artist Portfolio: The Complete Guide
- Artist Portfolio Best Practices: How to Present Work
- How to Organize Your Artist Portfolio
- Artist Portfolio for Galleries: What Curators Want to See
- Artist Portfolio for Grants: Application-Ready Materials
- Digital vs Physical Portfolios: When to Use Each
- Artist Portfolio Website: How to Build Your Online Presence
- Free Artist Website Alternative: Why Artists Use Artsume
- Documenting Your Artwork: Photography Tips for Artists
Find opportunities and apply
- How to Find Art Opportunities: A Complete Guide
- How to Apply to Art Opportunities: Best Practices
- Open Calls for Artists: How to Find and Apply Successfully
- How to Apply for Artist Residencies: A Complete Guide
- Juried Art Shows: How to Get Selected
- Art Competitions and Prizes: How to Enter and Win
- Opportunities for Emerging Artists: Grants & Residencies
- International Opportunities for Artists: Working Abroad
- SlideRoom vs Submittable vs Artsume: Application Platforms
Fund your work
Exhibit and work with galleries
- How to Get Into Art Exhibitions: A Complete Guide
- How to Approach an Art Gallery: An Artist's Guide
- Art Fairs for Artists: How to Exhibit, Sell, and Network
- DIY Exhibitions and Pop-ups: Organize Your Own Art Shows
- Public Art Commissions: How Artists Get Projects
- Artist Collectives: How to Join or Start an Art Collective
Price and sell your art
Run the business side
- Artist Taxes and Business Structure: A Practical Guide
- Artist Contracts: Consignment, Commissions, Licensing
- Art Insurance for Artists: Protecting Your Work and Studio
- O-1 Artist Visa Guide: How to Work Legally in the US
- How to Ship Artwork Safely: Packing, Carriers, and Insurance
- Framing Artwork: Options, Costs, and Presentation
- Studio Practice and Productivity for Working Artists
- Teaching Art as Income: A Guide for Working Artists