Quick Start Guide#

Welcome to Artsumé! This guide will help you get started with your account, set up your profile, and submit your first application.

Introduction#

Artsumé is a platform designed to help artists showcase their work and apply to opportunities, while enabling organizations to manage applications efficiently. This quick start guide covers the essential steps to get you up and running.

Prerequisites#

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• A valid email address
• Basic information about your artistic practice
• At least one image of your work (for portfolio setup)
• Your CV information (optional but recommended)

Step 1: Create Your Account#

1. Navigate to the Artsumé homepage
2. Click the "Sign Up" button in the top right corner
3. Choose your sign-up method:
   • Email and password
   • Google account
   • Other available providers

4. Verify your email address by clicking the link sent to your inbox
5. Complete the initial onboarding questions about your role (Artist or Organization)

Step 2: Complete Your Profile#

After creating your account, you'll be prompted to set up your artist profile.

Basic Information#

1. Choose Your Handle: This is your unique username on Artsumé (e.g., @jane-artist)

   • Must be lowercase letters, numbers, hyphens, or periods
   • Cannot be changed for 30 days after creation
   • Choose something professional and memorable

2. Add Your Disciplines: Select all that apply to your practice

   • Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Digital Art, etc.
   • You can add multiple disciplines

3. Write Your Artist Statement: A brief description of your artistic practice

   • Keep it concise but informative
   • Aim for 2-3 paragraphs
   • This appears on your public profile

Profile Visibility#

Choose who can see your profile:

• Public: Anyone can view your profile
• Private: Only you can see it
• Unlisted: Only people with the direct link can view it

Step 3: Add Your First Portfolio Work#

Your portfolio showcases your artistic work to potential opportunities.

1. Navigate to Portfolio from your dashboard

2. Click "Add New Work"

3. Upload your main image

   • Supported formats: JPG, PNG, WebP
   • Recommended size: 1200px minimum width
   • Maximum file size: 10MB

4. Fill in the work details:

   • Title: Name of the work
   • Year: Year created
   • Medium: Materials and techniques used
   • Dimensions: Size of the work (if applicable)
   • Description: Additional context about the work

5. Add additional images if needed (up to 2 more images per work)

6. Click "Save Work"

Step 4: Explore Opportunities#

Now that your profile is set up, you can browse available opportunities.

1. Click "Explore" in the main navigation

2. Use filters to find relevant opportunities:

   • Type: Grants, Residencies, Exhibitions, Jobs, etc.
   • Discipline: Filter by your artistic discipline
   • Location: Geographic scope
   • Deadline: Upcoming deadlines

3. Click on an opportunity to view details

4. Review the requirements carefully:

   • Eligibility criteria
   • Application materials needed
   • Deadline information
   • Compensation details (if applicable)

Step 5: Submit Your First Application#

Ready to apply? Here's how:

1. From the opportunity page, click "Apply Now"
2. Review the application form requirements
3. Complete all required fields:
   • Personal information
   • Application questions
   • Portfolio work selection
   • CV information (if required)

4. Select portfolio works to include:

   • Click "Add Portfolio Work"
   • Choose works from your portfolio
   • Add notes about each work if requested

5. Review your application before submitting

6. Click "Submit Application"

7. You'll receive a confirmation email

Step 6: Manage Your Applications#

After submitting, you can track your applications:

1. Go to "My Applications" from your dashboard

2. View all your applications and their status:

   • Draft: Not yet submitted
   • Submitted: Successfully submitted
   • Under Review: Being reviewed by the organization
   • Shortlisted: Selected for further consideration
   • Accepted: Congratulations!
   • Not Selected: Application not successful

3. Click on any application to view details and updates

Dashboard Overview#

Your dashboard is your command center. Here's what you'll find:

• Quick Stats: Number of applications, portfolio works, etc.
• Recent Activity: Latest updates on your applications
• Upcoming Deadlines: Opportunities closing soon
• Quick Actions: Common tasks like adding portfolio work

Examples#

Example: Complete Artist Profile#

Handle: @maria-sculptor

Disciplines: Sculpture, Installation Art

Statement: "My work explores the relationship between natural and constructed environments, using found materials to create site-specific installations that challenge our perception of space."

Portfolio: 12 works spanning 2018-2024

Applications: 5 submitted, 2 under review, 1 accepted

Example: First Application#

Opportunity: "Emerging Artist Grant 2024"

Materials Submitted:

• 3 portfolio works
• Artist statement
• CV sections: Education, Exhibitions, Awards
• Responses to 2 application questions

Status: Submitted on January 15, 2024

Troubleshooting#

Next Steps#

Now that you've completed the quick start:

1. Complete Your Profile: Add more details, upload a banner image, and link your social media
2. Build Your Portfolio: Add more works to showcase your practice
3. Create Your CV: Use our CV builder to create a professional artist CV
4. Explore More: Browse opportunities and find ones that match your practice
5. Read Advanced Guides: Check out our detailed guides for:
   • Creating Your Profile
   • Building Your Portfolio
   • Creating Your CV
   • Applying to Opportunities

Congratulations! You're now ready to start using Artsumé. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to our support team or check out our other documentation pages.