Best Practices#

This comprehensive guide covers best practices for using Artsumé effectively, whether you're an artist building your career or an organization managing opportunities and applications.

Introduction#

Following best practices helps you get the most out of Artsumé. This guide compiles proven strategies and tips for artists and organizations to succeed on the platform.

For Artists#

Profile Best Practices#

Complete Your Profile#

• Fill All Sections: Complete every relevant section
• Professional Photos: Use high-quality profile and banner images
• Clear Statement: Write a compelling, specific artist statement
• Accurate Information: Keep all information current and accurate

Profile Optimization#

• SEO-Friendly: Use relevant keywords in your statement
• Regular Updates: Update your profile as your practice evolves
• Consistent Branding: Maintain consistent visual identity
• Public Visibility: Consider public profile for discoverability

Portfolio Best Practices#

Quality Over Quantity#

• Curate Carefully: Include only your best work
• Show Range: Demonstrate variety while maintaining coherence
• Recent Work: Include recent work to show current practice
• Representative: Choose works that represent your overall practice

Image Quality#

• High Resolution: Use high-resolution images (1200px+ width)
• Good Lighting: Ensure even, professional lighting
• Neutral Backgrounds: Use appropriate backgrounds
• Consistent Style: Maintain consistent presentation style

Organization#

• Logical Order: Organize works chronologically or thematically
• Clear Information: Include complete, accurate details
• Regular Updates: Add new work regularly
• Link to CV: Connect portfolio works to CV entries

CV Best Practices#

Completeness#

• All Sections: Include all relevant sections
• Accurate Dates: Double-check all dates
• Complete Information: Fill in all fields thoroughly
• Regular Updates: Keep CV current

Formatting#

• Consistent Style: Use consistent formatting throughout
• Reverse Chronological: List entries newest first
• Clear Structure: Organize sections logically
• Professional Language: Use professional, clear language

Content Quality#

• Specific Details: Include specific, relevant information
• Relevant Entries: Only include relevant professional activities
• Accurate Descriptions: Write accurate, clear descriptions
• Proofread: Check for errors and typos

Application Best Practices#

Preparation#

• Research: Research opportunities thoroughly
• Eligibility: Only apply to eligible opportunities
• Materials Ready: Prepare materials in advance
• Timeline: Submit well before deadlines

Application Quality#

• Tailored Responses: Customize responses for each opportunity
• Clear Writing: Write clearly and professionally
• Specific Examples: Use concrete examples from your work
• Proofread: Check for errors before submitting

Portfolio Selection#

• Relevant Works: Choose works relevant to the opportunity
• Best Quality: Select your strongest pieces
• Cohesive Group: Works should work well together
• Appropriate Number: Follow opportunity requirements

Application Strategy#

Volume and Quality#

• Balance: Apply to multiple opportunities, but focus on quality
• Selectivity: Be selective - focus on good fits
• Persistence: Don't get discouraged by rejections
• Learning: Learn from each application experience

Timing#

• Early Submission: Submit well before deadlines
• Not Too Early: Don't rush - take time for quality
• Deadline Awareness: Be aware of timezones
• Follow Up: Follow up appropriately if needed

For Organizations#

Opportunity Creation Best Practices#

Clear Communication#

• Specific Titles: Use clear, descriptive titles
• Detailed Descriptions: Provide comprehensive information
• Clear Requirements: State requirements explicitly
• Transparent Process: Explain review and selection process

Fair and Inclusive#

• Accessible Language: Use clear, accessible language
• Inclusive Eligibility: Consider diverse eligibility criteria
• Reasonable Requirements: Don't overburden applicants
• Transparent Compensation: Be clear about compensation

Professional Presentation#

• Complete Information: Fill in all relevant fields
• Accurate Details: Ensure all information is accurate
• Professional Tone: Maintain professional, welcoming tone
• Brand Consistency: Use consistent branding

Application Review Best Practices#

Preparation#

• Clear Criteria: Establish clear review criteria
• Calibration: Calibrate reviewers before starting
• Timeline: Set realistic review timelines
• Resources: Ensure reviewers have needed resources

Fair Review Process#

• Consistent Standards: Apply criteria consistently
• Blind Review: Use blind review when appropriate
• Multiple Reviewers: Use multiple reviewers per application
• Documentation: Document scores and reasoning

Communication#

• Prompt Responses: Respond to applicants promptly
• Clear Decisions: Communicate decisions clearly
• Constructive Feedback: Provide feedback when possible
• Professional Tone: Maintain professional, respectful tone

Team Collaboration Best Practices#

Team Management#

• Clear Roles: Define roles and responsibilities clearly
• Appropriate Permissions: Assign appropriate role levels
• Regular Communication: Maintain regular team communication
• Support: Support team members as needed

Workflow Efficiency#

• Established Processes: Define clear workflows
• Tools Usage: Use collaboration tools effectively
• Workload Balance: Distribute work fairly
• Documentation: Document processes and decisions

Form Design Best Practices#

User-Friendly Forms#

• Clear Questions: Write clear, specific questions
• Reasonable Length: Keep forms concise but comprehensive
• Logical Order: Organize questions logically
• Helpful Instructions: Provide clear instructions

Effective Questions#

• Relevant: Ask only what you need
• Specific: Be specific about what you're asking
• Appropriate Length: Set appropriate word limits
• Optional Fields: Make some fields optional when possible

General Best Practices#

Communication#

Professionalism#

• Respectful Tone: Always communicate respectfully
• Clear Language: Use clear, professional language
• Prompt Responses: Respond in a timely manner
• Appropriate Channels: Use appropriate communication channels

Clarity#

• Be Specific: Provide specific, actionable information
• Avoid Jargon: Use accessible language when possible
• Provide Context: Give necessary context for understanding
• Confirm Understanding: Confirm important communications

Organization and Management#

Artist Organization Tips#

• Track Applications: Keep records of applications
• Update Materials: Keep portfolio and CV current
• Set Reminders: Set reminders for deadlines
• Stay Organized: Maintain organized application records

Organization Management Tips#

• Systematic Processes: Establish systematic processes
• Documentation: Document important decisions and processes
• Regular Reviews: Review and improve processes regularly
• Team Coordination: Coordinate team effectively

Continuous Improvement#

Learning and Adaptation#

• Reflect: Reflect on experiences and outcomes
• Gather Feedback: Seek feedback from users
• Improve: Continuously improve your approach
• Stay Current: Keep up with platform updates and features

Best Practice Updates#

• Stay Informed: Keep up with best practice updates
• Community: Learn from community experiences
• Resources: Use available resources and guides
• Experimentation: Experiment with new approaches

Common Mistakes to Avoid#

Common Artist Mistakes#

• Incomplete Profiles: Don't leave profile sections empty
• Poor Image Quality: Don't use low-quality images
• Generic Applications: Don't send generic applications
• Missing Deadlines: Don't wait until the last minute
• Ignoring Requirements: Don't ignore eligibility requirements

Common Organization Mistakes#

• Unclear Requirements: Don't be vague about requirements
• Unrealistic Deadlines: Don't set unrealistic review timelines
• Poor Communication: Don't neglect applicant communication
• Inconsistent Review: Don't apply criteria inconsistently
• Overcomplicated Forms: Don't create overly complex forms

Examples#

Example: Excellent Artist Profile#

Complete: All sections filled Professional: High-quality images, clear statement Current: Recent work, updated information Organized: Well-organized portfolio and CV Public: Public visibility for discoverability

Example: Well-Designed Opportunity#

Clear Title: "Emerging Artist Grant 2024" Detailed Description: Comprehensive information Specific Requirements: Clear eligibility and requirements Fair Process: Transparent review process Professional Presentation: Consistent branding, clear formatting

Example: Effective Application#

Tailored: Customized for specific opportunity Complete: All required materials included Quality: High-quality portfolio works Professional: Well-written, error-free Timely: Submitted well before deadline

Resources and Further Reading#

Artist Resources#

• Creating Your Profile
• Building Your Portfolio
• Creating Your CV
• Applying to Opportunities

Organization Resources#

• Setting Up Your Organization
• Creating Opportunities
• Reviewing Applications
• Team Collaboration

Troubleshooting#

Conclusion#

Following best practices helps you succeed on Artsumé, whether you're an artist building your career or an organization supporting artists. Focus on quality, clarity, professionalism, and continuous improvement. These practices will serve you well throughout your Artsumé journey.

Remember: Best practices evolve. Stay informed, learn from experience, and adapt your approach. The Artsumé community and support team are here to help you succeed!