Portfolio Review

Today I went to my first meeting of the Graphic Artists Guild as a member. I was so excited and nervous to go to the Portfolio Review. When I first entered the meeting I felt nervous because all of the people were professional artist with impressive portfolio cases. I had no idea what to expect of their artwork. But all of the people were really nice once I got over my shyness. It was very humbling to be in the presence of contemporary artist that I admire as their peer.

There was a recurrent theme from all the members about my portfolio: DEFINE MY STYLE. Considering that most of the pieces are student projects, there weren’t much of my own interests in them. Some said it looked like 4 different Illustrators. Although there was a lack of unity with the style there were common elements and artistic choices that were apparent to the different reviewers. Here are a few of the comments and criticism:

• Make pictures larger on Promo Card, make name smaller-doesn’t need to be as prominent
  

• Study typography and be aware of that when making a piece
  

• Tactile sensation can be felt, push that by doing printmaking and painting on top of that, take a screen-printing class, fine art printing class etc.
  

• Do at least 1 full painting a week- a style will emerge

• Color Palette is great- slowly lends to a style, warm color seem to be a signature quality in all pieces
  

• Bigger is Better- make all prints in portfolio large, even if they were smaller pieces- for easier viewing of detail

• Make 100 paintings by the year end/ graduation

• Do a one-woman show as a graduation party

• Do more conceptual art- prove that I am smart and good problem solver

• Editorial Illustration- Entice the viewer to want to know more about the subject but don’t give them all the answers, let the article, story, etc answer the questions I posed in the art
  

• Inspirational/Influential Artists- Know Contemporary Illustrators and Artists off the top of my head that I like and be prepared to discuss them and my influences
  

• Take a class at Learning Annex or Extension course

• Challenge my portrait skills

• Consider mood and emotion when conceiving initial conception

Well I think that’s about all I remember for now. I know that this will definitely be an extreme challenge and require severe discipline. But I really want to see where I can go and take my future. It really meant a lot to me that people saw the talent in me and could see a future in me as long as I push it.

Welcome

You have now entered the very first official grand spanking new look into my creative life!!! This will be a time of self discovery and search for my inner artistic voice and style. So sit back and enjoy the ride. Feel free to give me comments, I'm my own worst critic so try me. :)