Quick Start Guide

Quick Start Guide#

Create your account, add your first portfolio work, and submit an application. This takes about 10 minutes.

Create your account#

1. Go to the Artsumé homepage and click Sign Up
2. Choose how to sign up: email/password, Google, or another provider
3. Verify your email by clicking the link in your inbox
4. Select your role (Artist or Organization)

Set up your profile#

After signing up, you'll create your artist profile.

Choose your handle#

Your handle is your unique username (like @jane-artist). It must be lowercase letters, numbers, hyphens, or periods. You can change it later, but there's a 30-day wait between changes.

Add your disciplines#

Select the disciplines that match your practice: Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Digital Art, and so on. You can pick multiple.

Write your artist statement#

This is a short description of your work that appears on your public profile. Two to three paragraphs works well. Need help? See our guide to writing artist statements.

Set visibility#

Choose who sees your profile:

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

→ Full guide: Creating Your Profile

Add your first portfolio work#

1. Go to Portfolio from your dashboard
2. Click Add New Work
3. Upload your main image (JPG, PNG, or WebP, max 10MB, at least 1200px wide)
4. Fill in the details: title, year, medium, dimensions, and description
5. Add up to 2 more images if needed
6. Click Save Work

For best results, use high-quality images with good lighting. Include multiple angles for sculpture or 3D work.

→ Full guide: Building Your Portfolio

Find opportunities#

1. Click Explore in the navigation
2. Filter by type (grants, residencies, exhibitions), discipline, location, or deadline
3. Click an opportunity to see eligibility, required materials, and deadlines

Submit an application#

1. From the opportunity page, click Apply Now
2. Fill out all required fields: personal info, application questions, and portfolio selections
3. Select which portfolio works to include

4. Review everything, then click Submit Application
5. You'll get a confirmation email

→ Full guide: Applying to Opportunities

Track your applications#

Go to My Applications from your dashboard. Each application shows its status:

• Draft — Not yet submitted
• Submitted — Successfully sent
• Under Review — Being evaluated
• Shortlisted — Selected for further consideration
• Accepted — You got in
• Not Selected — This one didn't work out

Click any application to see details and updates.

→ Full guide: Managing Applications

Your dashboard#

Your dashboard shows your stats (applications, portfolio works), recent activity, upcoming deadlines, and quick actions like adding new work.

Next steps#

Now that you're set up, explore these guides to get more from Artsumé:

• Creating Your Profile — Add more details, a banner image, and social links
• Building Your Portfolio — Add more works and organize by series
• Creating Your CV — Build a professional artist CV
• Best Practices — Tips for stronger applications

Ready to find opportunities? Browse open calls, grants, and residencies →