Building Your Website

Your website is one of the most powerful tools for showcasing your creative practice. It offers you complete control over how your work is presented and provides an easy way for curators, collaborators, clients, or employers to learn more about you. Think of it as your public-facing, searchable digital studio, available 24/7.

A strong website displays your work while also helping people understand what you do, how you think, and what you care about. It can support applications for internships, jobs, exhibitions, residencies, graduate programs, freelance opportunities, and more.

While platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn offer useful visibility, a personal website is essential for any creative professional. It allows you to:

• Present your work with clarity and focus
• Share your story in your own words
• Offer consistent access to your materials (no login or algorithm required)
• Reinforce your personal brand
   

If you are submitting to residencies, grants, galleries, or jobs, many applications will ask for a website link. Make sure yours reflects who you are, what you are working on, or your most recent projects. For guidance on selecting and organizing your work, read our resource on portfolios.

Think of your site as a carefully curated environment. You do not need every single piece of work; just what tells your story most effectively. At a minimum, your site should include:

• About/bio: Introduce yourself in a short paragraph or two. Focus on your creative interests, values, or approach. Avoid jargon.
• Portfolio/work section: Showcase high-quality images or videos of your work, organized by project or category. Include clear titles, mediums, sizes, and dates.
• Artist Statement (or Creative Statement): A short explanation of your process, themes, and questions guiding your work. See our resource on statements for support.
• Contact information: Make it easy to reach you. Include a professional email address or a working contact form. We do not recommend putting your phone number on any public pages or materials.
• Resume or CV: Add a downloadable PDF or a link to a separate page that includes experience, education, awards, and exhibitions.
• Optional extras: Press mentions, blog or news section, shop links, upcoming shows, documentation of your process, or collaborations.

Building a website is one step; getting it in front of the right eyes is step two. Once your site is live, make it easy for people to find it by embedding your link wherever it makes sense. Consider these placements:

• Email signature: Every email you send is a small networking opportunity. Include your site in your signature to encourage ongoing discovery of your work.
• Social media profiles: Add your website to your Instagram bio, LinkedIn profile, and any other platform you use professionally. Tools like Linktree can help you bundle links if needed.
• Artist registries: Many cities, non-profits, and arts councils maintain online directories for local artists. 
• Applications and proposals: Residencies, grants, and exhibitions often ask for a website link. Make sure your URL leads to an updated, well-organized page.
• Business cards and printed materials: A card with your name and URL can still make a lasting impression, especially at in-person events.

A well-constructed website is an intentional extension of your creative practice, and should be more than just a digital portfolio. It offers others a curated entry point into your work while preparing applications and building visibility. As with any aspect of your professional materials, your website will evolve alongside your practice. Explore platforms that align with your goals, study how others present their work, and approach your site as a long-term asset.

For support developing or refining your website, schedule an appointment on Handshake with a CAPX advisor.