It brings me much joy having the opportunity to peruse fellow artists’ portfolios that provide a window into the way one expresses themselves. I too have been in this position and know how it feels to put care and passion into our pieces and the vulnerability it takes to then have to put it all out there, to be judged. So, thank you to all those who submitted!

I thought I’d share a few takeaways from my own personal experience, reviewing and submitting portfolios over the years and hope that this will be helpful in some way. So here goes!

Curate your best work – quality over quantity always! You don’t have to include everything you can draw, or every software/medium that you have experimented with. Rather, choose to include what you have a strong grasp of, that which you see yourself doing in the long term (and hopefully enjoying!). Don’t get me wrong, it’s good to show range in what you draw, be it characters, animals, environments, etc., however it is important that you show a more nuanced, deeper understanding in this diversity. Take the time to enhance these skills.

Get comfortable drawing what you’re not so comfortable with – that is always a great way to broaden your skill set, regardless of whether you choose to hone a single style or enjoy experimenting with different styles. Everyone has a different approach, so this is just one artist’s opinion; tailor your path to what works for you!

Keep building and strengthening your foundation in the basics – time and again, I will go back to drawing and strengthening things I believe I can get better at. This is a constant journey; it doesn’t stop. But that’s the best part! Having an objective view of your work allows you to critique and evolve. That to me is such an important aspect of improving and articulating the way we express ourselves.

Live life! – While we are all on our individual journeys of improving skills and mastering our craft, I cannot stress enough how important it is to live life and experience things that nourish and fulfil you, whatever that may be. In this age where technology infiltrates our day to day, and we are consumed by screens, emails, work schedules, and deadlines, it’s an even more important reminder that human experience informs SO much of our craft, its identity, and authenticity. Find ways, even if small, to take care of yourself.

I wish all the artists who submitted their work this year the very best ahead and to keep working on what you love to do! Congratulations to all those who have been selected, I thoroughly enjoyed going through your wonderful pieces!