Having high-quality images of your work on hand opens up a world of possibilities for your art career. Image courtesy of Crissy Arseneau.
Our free downloadable worksheet guides you through the steps of documenting your artwork like a pro.
In our online age, the photos of your pieces are how most people will experience your work, and they're also what you will keep on hand after the original piece has left your studio. That means that your art images are one of your most valuable assets, and they're an essential part of your artistic legacy.
But the truth is, too many artists neglect proper photo documentation of their work. Don't put yourself at a disadvantage with lackluster photos of your work.
With high-quality images of your pieces, you're be able to submit to juried shows and other applications, you're able to get press features of your work, you're able to create faithful reproductions of your originals, and you're able to build your portfolio with a clear understanding of where you're you've been on your artistic journey and where you're going. Professional images make communicating with collectors so much easier, and give you a leg up on grant applications and other art opportunities.
So it's time to take your artwork photography seriously, and in this step-by-step guide, we walk you through creating archival images of your work.
You don't need fancy equipment to get started, just a camera (your phone is fine), good lighting, and a neutral background. Let's get started!
Download the Artwork Photography Checklist
The most important part: Don't wait to document your artwork until you have professional equipment or advanced skills. Start now with the tools you have and refine your process over time!
Want to get more resources to build an archive of your artwork that will support your practice for the long-term? Sign up for the Active Archive Workshop, our free, week-long series of online lessons, so that you can get the full archiving workbook and daily tips right in your inbox.
