Guides

Guides for your work in the arts.

Write your CV, prepare an application or run an open call. Practical guides for artists, arts professionals and the organizations they work with.

What do these guides cover?

52 free guides from the Artsume team. For artists and arts professionals, they cover CVs, portfolios, applications and studio practice. For organizations, they cover clear open calls, selection processes and review rubrics. Follow the source links and check the update date when a guide discusses costs or requirements.

Featured guide11 min read

How to Build an Artist Portfolio: The Complete Guide

Build an artist portfolio from nothing. How to select and sequence the work, document it, write what sits alongside it, and produce the versions you send.

How to create an artist selection rubric

Build an artist selection rubric with clear criteria, anchored scores and weights. Includes a worked example and guidance for missing evidence and ties.

David Rozenfeld7 min

Guide

How to run a call for entries

Plan an artist call from publication to decision letters. Set responsibilities, brief reviewers, handle conflicts and keep a clear record of selection.

David Rozenfeld7 min

Guide

How to write an open call for artists

Write an open call with clear eligibility, dates, artist fees, selection criteria and application materials. Includes a reusable brief for arts organizations.

David Rozenfeld7 min

Guide

DIY Exhibitions and Pop-ups: Organize Your Own Art Shows

Organize your own exhibitions and pop-up shows. Venue finding, budgeting, promotion, installation, and making self-organized shows successful.

David Rozenfeld14 min

Guide

Art Insurance for Artists: Protecting Your Work and Studio

Insure your artwork and studio. Types of coverage, policy options, claims process, and what artists need to know about protecting their work.

David Rozenfeld11 min

Guide

Artist Collectives: How to Join or Start an Art Collective

Join or start an artist collective. Benefits of collaborative practice, finding the right group, organizational structures, and staying sustainable.

David Rozenfeld13 min

Guide

Teaching Art as Income: A Guide for Working Artists

Earn income teaching art. University positions, workshops, private lessons, online courses, and community education for artists at every career stage.

David Rozenfeld12 min

Guide

Working with Art Consultants: A Guide for Artists

Sell work through art consultants and advisors. How corporate and private consulting works, what consultants look for, and how the commission split lands.

David Rozenfeld12 min