5 Signs Your Artist Portfolio Isn’t Working (and How to Fix It)

You’ve spent months (maybe years) curating your artwork, uploading it to your portfolio, and sharing it on every social media channel. Yet… crickets. No inquiries, no collaborations, just tumbleweeds rolling across your website. 😬

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many artists think “If I build it, they will come”, but sadly, portfolios don’t work that way. Let’s break down the five tell-tale signs your portfolio isn’t doing its job—and how to fix them so you can finally get noticed.

So let's get to it...

NUMBER 1: Your Photos Are Bad

Yes, even if your art is incredible. A blurry image or bad lighting can make even a masterpiece look like a fridge magnet from the dollar store.

Quick Fix:

• Invest in decent photos or scans. (meaning: yes, DO use Photoshop for minor imperfections and lighting fixes/ angle fixes)

• Use natural light or a lightbox for 2D work.

• Consider a minimal, consistent background.

  
  

Tip: Your portfolio is the first impression—don’t let it scream “I rushed this.”

NUMBER 2: No Videos or Interactive Content

Static images only? That’s so 2010. Potential clients love seeing the process.

Quick Fix:

• Create short time-lapses of your work.

• Add video walkthroughs of 3D or large-scale projects.

• Even 30-second clips can dramatically boost engagement.

  
  

Tip: Videos make you human. People connect with people, not PDFs.

NUMBER 3: You Haven’t Updated Your Portfolio in Months (or Years)

An outdated portfolio is like a ghost town. How come you did not update it? Too complicated and too little time, right? I get you, but that's no the way to go.

Quick Fix:

• Schedule quarterly updates.

• Remove work that no longer represents your style, you don't have to include everything you did, especially when it's years and years down the line. KEEP IT LEAN!

• Add fresh projects or collaborations.

  
  

Reminder: If your portfolio screams 2015, clients might think you stopped creating - and especially: evolving.

NUMBER 4: Too Many Links / Too Much Clutter

Linking to every social media platform, personal blog, or Etsy shop? Overkill. Confuses visitors.

Quick Fix:

• Focus on the essentials: Portfolio, About, Contact.

• Maybe - but only maybe and if it's really meaningful - connect to your Instagram.

• Use a clean layout—simplicity wins. Bookers have to be able to scan your portfolio within seconds. Keep that in mind.

  
  

Remember: Less is more. Your art should shine, not the chaos.

NUMBER 5: Your Portfolio Isn’t “Pending-Ready”

Meaning: it’s not designed to help you get representation or serious gigs. You still have to do all the work, when it should be the other way around - your portfolio should work for you and land you gigs over gigs.

Quick Fix:

• Work with The Pending Portfolio to craft a portfolio that gets attention and WORKS for you within the booker tool "The Pending Agency". You can land gigs without having to go through the struggle of an application process.

• Highlight your strongest work first.

• Tailor your portfolio to your audience (festival bookers, gallery owners, art directors, etc.).

  
  

Tip: A great portfolio is your silent sales agent—make sure it’s doing its job.

If your portfolio is making you feel more “meh” than “wow,” the best you can do is breathe and reboot (see my SATC refernece here haha) - no kidding, but seriously it’s time to rethink, refresh, and reboot.

With the right approach (and a little help from The Pending Portfolio & Agency), you can finally turn your portfolio into the client-magnet it’s meant to be.

Want a portfolio that actually works? Check out The Pending Portfolio and start getting noticed today.