Careers In Culture

Visual Arts and Crafts - What You Need to Do

Work Search Strategies

On this page:

Building a winning portfolio
Developing your submission
Cover letters
Résumés
Have a great interview

Building a winning portfolio

When you begin your career path in visual arts, crafts or design, you'll need strategies to help you get into arts programs, find markets for your work, and locate contracts or jobs in your chosen field.

Building a winning portfolio

Use high-quality photography
Your portfolio should be presented as printed full-colour reproductions or digital images on CD or DVD. It is better to include reproductions in your portfolio because original work can be lost or damaged, and possibly not returned. Clearly label the name of each work, the type of media used and its physical dimensions. Consider taking a course on how to document your work, or hire a professional photographer who has a good reputation with other professional artists or arts schools.

Target your portfolio
You can add to, subtract from, and rearrange the contents of your portfolio depending on your purpose. For example, you may be applying for school, or want to show your work at a gallery, or be seeking work at a web design company. Whatever your goal, select and organize your works in a way thr will best interest your intended audience. And it never hurts to ask a professional artist you admire to look at your portfolio and give you some feedback.

Display your versatility
Do you work in more than one medium? Show off the range of your talents by including a cross-section of examples in different media, but remember that it is important to show growth in your works, and some kind of consistency, such as subject matter, use of colour, etc.

Consider a digital version
Potential employers and clients have come to expect portfolios presented on CD, DVD or your personal website, so put your best foot forward and display your technical knowledge, especially if your field is animation, new media or web design.

Keep on learning
Your portfolio will be as unique as your talent, but that doesn't mean there is only one way to present your work. Check out the portfolios of your friends and acquaintances. Ask educators, gallery administrators or art directors what they look for in a portfolio that helps them judge creative work. And, if you're applying to a college, CÉGEP or university program, find out if the school has specific guidelines for portfolio development.

If you're a visual artist, craftsperson or graphic designer, then you'll need a portfolio and a specialized résumé to promote yourself. Your portfolio is especially important. Educators, gallery owners, graphic design firms and prospective clients want to see samples of your work that demonstrate your creativity and skills. Your portfolio and submission package will be important tools to help you find opportunities as an artist or craftsperson.

Perhaps you have a knack for administration and are looking for work in an artists' co-op, art gallery or museum. Maybe you're interested in writing about new media for an e-zine. Or perhaps you'd enjoy working in an art supplies store dealing with artists on a daily basis. Whatever your interest, if you're applying for contract work or a part- or full-time position, your work search package should include a well-written cover letter and résumé.

Developing your submission

As an artist, you will be looking for outlets for your work, be they artist-run centres or private galleries. It is important to learn where to send your work and how. For information about shows and other opportunities, check out the Canadian Artists Representation/Le front des artistes canadiens (CARFAC) website and websites of other regional or local organizations and funding bodies.

Submission Tips

Look for art shows that are endorsed by a reputable organization. Ask questions if you are not sure. Check unknown leads with the Better Business Bureau.
Beware of any group that requires you to pay to submit or contribute work.
For any gallery, especially a private one, visit the gallery or go online to see what kinds of work they represent. If your work doesn't fit with what they seem to show, don't waste your time, money and energy sending in a submission.
Follow submission guidelines carefully. Generally galleries and artist-run centres have submissions guidelines. Check out their website, or call them to get a copy of their guidelines. Submit reproductions, not original works, unless specifically requested.
Write a letter that explains who you are, includes an artist statement about your current work, and indicates what you are submitting. An artist statement is often difficult to write, so have an artist friend, an editor, or a writer review it to help you make it stronger.
Include a self addressed stamped envelope (SASE) with correct postage if you want your submission returned.
Use these presenting opportunities to build your résumé.

Cover letters

Make a Great First Impression

A great cover letter has two important functions. It introduces you to an employer and sparks his or her interest in your résumé. To make a great impression, your cover letter should be the best business letter you can write – clear, neat and free of spelling errors and typos.

Sample Cover Letter

Make sure your letter supplies information so you can be reached easily.

Your name
Street address
City, Province/territory, Postal code
Telephone: (Area code) Phone number
E-mail: e-mail@address

Date

Address your cover letter to the right person, spelled correctly, even if it means a phone call to the company. Employers are interested in candidates who show initiative.

Their name
Their job title
Their company name
Street address
City, Province/territory, Postal code

Indicate the specific position you're applying for, or the type of contract work or assignment you're seeking.

Dear name,
I am pleased to apply for the position of documentation specialist as advertised in the Monroe Sun on May 15, 2006. I am familiar with your products, particularly your web-based applications, and would greatly enjoy working for a company such as yours which has successfully developed and marketed products in the competitive Canadian marketplace.

Explain your interest in the position/work and in the organization.

As my attached resume demonstrates, I have a strong background in writing and an extensive knowledge of computers, internet research and web design. I am particularly Interested In making the Internet more accessible to the average user and believe that my communication skills and interests would make me a strong candidate for the position.

State briefly your qualifications and demonstrate that you're a strong candidate.

I would be pleased to review my qualification in more detail with you. If I haven't heard from you by May 25, I will call to follow up. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call me.

Request an interview and say that you will follow up with a phone call.

Yours truly,

(signature)
Your name

Cover Letter Tips:

Be brief — the cover letter shouldn’t be more than one page long.
Be business-like — your letter should be factual, precise and to the point.
Produce an error-free document — check for spelling and grammar mistakes.
If you’re writing a cover letter to a French editor, please consult the French document. The writing style and format is slightly different than the one done in English.

Résumés

Chances are you'll be submitting a résumé along with your portfolio if you're applying for work, trying to get an exhibition, or looking for a spot in an art school.

Paint a Picture of Yourself

Think of your résumé as a portrait of yourself – one that you have to re-paint each time you apply for a position. Put a Career Objective at the top of your résumé to target the art school, company, or organization and the studies or work that you are interested in. Then write your résumé in such a way that the information reinforces your Objective. It should be neat and brief – one page is usually sufficient. Make sure that it highlights your creative skills and achievements.

Target the position and use this space to state briefly your skills and goals.
Indicate any showings that you've had of your work and list any prizes or awards.
Highlight your work experiences, particularly those that relate to your interests. Include, in reverse chronological order, part-time work, summer jobs, internships, contracts and self-employment.
Put your best foot forward by listing your achievements and experiences – including volunteer work – that demonstrate your creative skills.
Emphasize those activities that relate to your Career Objective.
Demonstrate the range of your interests.
Get permission from your references ahead of time to make sure you can give out their names, addresses and phone numbers if requested.

Sample Résumé for Work as an Artist

Your name
Street Address
City, Province/territory, Postal code
Telephone: (Area code) Phone number
E-mail: e-mail@address

List your exhibitions in reverse chronological order.

List your work experiences, including part-time, summer jobs, internships and self-employment, in reverse chronological order.

Highlight volunteer experience and any other type of experience that demonstrates your creative skills and interests.

List your educational achievements in reverse chronological order.

Demonstrate the range of your interests.

Other Interests
Films, snowboarding, hockey

Get permission from your references ahead of time to make sure you can give out their names, addresses and phone numbers if requested.

References available upon request

Résumé Tips

Keep your résumé to one page, if possible.
Make sure there are no typos, spelling errors or grammatical mistakes.
Include any achievement or experience that demonstrates your special qualities.
Don’t send photos of yourself, or other personal information such as age or marital status.

Sample Résumé for Work as a Manager/Administrator

Your name
Street Address
City, Province/territory, Postal code
Telephone: (Area code) Phone number
E-mail: e-mail@address

Indicate your career interests and goals.

List experiences in your area of career interest.

Highlight volunteer experience and any other type of experience that demonstrates your creative skills and interests.

List your work experiences, including part-time, summer jobs, internships and self-employment, in reverse chronological order.

Highlight volunteer experience and any other type of experience that demonstrates your creative skills and interests

Demonstrate the range of your interests.

Other Interests
Films, snowboarding, hockey

Get permission from your references ahead of time to make sure you can give out their names, addresses and phone numbers if requested.

References available upon request

Have a great interview

When interviewing for a contract assignment or salaried position, you will improve your chances of success with thorough preparation. Before the interview, you should research three areas: the organization, the types of questions you'll have to answer, and the questions you should be ready to ask.

Have a great interview

What do I know about the organization?

What are its goals?
What kinds of products or services does it sell?
What kind of employees is it looking for?
How do my skills and interests ft into the organization?

How can you find out what you have to know? Call the organization and ask for its annual report or brochures to find out more about its goals, products and services. Surf the organization's website if it has one.

What questions should I prepare to answer?

Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes for a moment. What do you think he or she would want to know about you? Here are some typical interview questions. Write out your answers and practice them with a friend or member of your family.

Why are you interested in this position or contract?
Why did you choose to apply to our organization?
What kind of skills do you bring to the position?
What have been your most important work-related accomplishments?
What do you see yourself doing next year? In five years?

What questions should I ask at the end?

One of the last questions in an interview is often: "Is there anything you'd like to know about us?" Ifs a good idea to prepare a few questions to ask, such as:

What challenges is your organization facing at this time? In the future?
Do you offer on-the-job training or professional development?
Who would I be working with and reporting to?
How can your organization help me meet my career goals?

Research Tip

Don't be afraid to call up an organization and say, "I am curious about what you do and would like to learn more. Do you have any in-house publications or is there anyone who can help me? I only need a few minutes of someone's time."

Interview Tip

Remember to thank your interviewer(s). Follow up immediately afterwards with a brief thank-you note expressing your appreciation for the interview and re-stating your interest.

March 2006	City Gallery of Photography Juried group show
December 2005	Community Art lending Christmas group show
September 2005	Maison Laurier Solo exhbition
April 2005	CÉGEP St. Lambert Gallery Exhibition "Best Student Work of 2005" First prize, Photography section

May 2005 -	Present Studio Assistant Sylvie Charbonneau Photography
January - April 2004	Co-op work placement Photo desk, St. Lambert Daily
Summer 2003	Counter Clerk Poppin' Pizza

2005-06	Photo Editor, CÉGEP St. Lambert Weekly
2004-06	Special events photographer, CÉGEP St. Lambert

2004-06	Photography diploma, CÉGEP St. Lambert
2000-04	Grade 12, Notre Dame High School

2002-2006	Bachelor of Arts in Arts Administration, Minor in Art History, University of British Columbia
1998-2002	Fort Myers High School

May - August 2006	Summer intern, Assistant Co-ordinator, Volunteers Yukon Centre for the Visual Arts
July - August 2002	Secretary / Receptionist, Radio station CXYZ, Fort Myers
July - August 2001	Food and Beverage Server, Star Café, Fort Myers