Best Practices

Best Practices#

Strategies for artists and organizations to get the most from Artsumé.

For artists#

Profile#

Complete everything — Fill in all profile sections. Incomplete profiles signal lack of professionalism.

Be specific — "I make large-scale installations using found objects" tells more than "I am a multidisciplinary artist."

Update regularly — Keep your statement, disciplines, and location current.

Professional photo — Use a clear headshot or a photo of you in your studio. Skip the vacation pics.

Portfolio#

Quality over quantity — Ten strong works beat twenty mediocre ones.

Recent work first — Unless you have a reason for different ordering, lead with recent pieces.

Good documentation — Sharp images with even lighting. For 3D work, include multiple angles.

Complete details — Title, year, medium, dimensions for every work. Don't leave fields blank.

Descriptions that add value — Explain concept or context when it helps. Skip descriptions for self-explanatory work.

CV#

Reverse chronological — Most recent first in every section.

Accurate details — Double-check dates, venue names, locations.

Link to portfolio — Connect CV entries to relevant portfolio works.

Keep it updated — Add new exhibitions, awards, and activities as they happen.

Applications#

Read requirements carefully — Don't apply if you're not eligible.

Tailor each application — Generic responses are obvious. Connect your work to the specific opportunity.

Answer what's asked — If they ask about your process, describe your process. Don't pivot to something else.

Submit early — Technical issues happen. Don't wait until the deadline.

Follow up appropriately — If you don't hear back, one polite inquiry is fine. Don't badger.

Building your career#

Apply consistently — Rejections are normal. Most artists apply to many opportunities for each acceptance.

Track what works — Note which applications succeed and look for patterns.

Target strategically — Apply to opportunities that genuinely fit your practice, not everything you see.

Build relationships — Engage with organizations whose missions align with your work.

For organizations#

Creating opportunities#

Clear eligibility — Be specific about who can apply. Vague requirements waste everyone's time.

Realistic requirements — Only ask for what you'll actually use in evaluation.

Adequate time — Give artists enough time to prepare strong applications.

Accurate compensation — Be upfront about what you're offering and what you expect.

Application forms#

Focused questions — Each question should give you information you need for decisions.

Reasonable length — Long applications discourage strong applicants. Ask only what matters.

Clear instructions — Tell applicants exactly what you want in each response.

Review process#

Consistent criteria — Align your team on evaluation standards before reviewing.

Calibration sessions — Review a few applications together early to ensure consistency.

Documented decisions — Use notes to record reasoning. You'll forget why later.

Timely responses — Notify applicants as soon as decisions are made. Waiting helps no one.

Communication#

Set expectations — Tell applicants when they'll hear back.

Provide useful feedback — Even brief feedback helps rejected applicants improve.

Be accessible — Answer questions from potential applicants promptly.

Building your applicant pool#

Clear organization profile — Explain what you do and what you're looking for.

Consistent programming — Regular opportunities build an audience.

Fair processes — Transparent review processes attract better applicants.

What's next#

• Creating Your Profile — Build a strong profile
• Building Your Portfolio — Present your work well
• Applying to Opportunities — Submit strong applications