Embrace the risks to reap the rewards.

You’ve been working very hard, and your persistent exploration is paying off. Your portfolio now includes a collection of paintings you're proud of, and your creative voice rings clearer with each work. This is your moment to emerge—to share your unique vision with the world.

As an Emerging Artist, you'll develop the resilience to embrace constructive feedback while filtering out unhelpful criticism. With your supportive community of fellow Cultivators cheering you on, you're ready to take this exciting step into the public eye. The rewards of sharing your work await!

MILESTONES

When these milestones are accomplished, Emerging Artists are ready to move on to the next stage.

• Portfolio Development: Creating and organizing a portfolio of your work, either online or in person.
• Artistic Vision: Crafting an Artist Statement that effectively communicates your unique perspective.
• Community Engagement: Active participation in art associations and juried exhibitions.
• Professional Presentation: Mastering the technical aspects of framing and displaying your work.
• Public Exhibition: Showing your work in galleries, community spaces, or commercial venues. 

ACTIONS

Vision & Statement

• Watch the Writing Your Artist Statement with Bethany Fields .
• Watch What Makes Great Art to understand key themes for artistic evaluation and reflection. 
• Watch Artist Spotlight with Jeanne Rosier Smith for inspiration on artist statement and series development. 

Portfolio Development

• Watch the Presenting Your Work Growth Strategy.
• Crate a portfolio of at least 12 pieces of your best original art.
• Watch Developing Your Artist Website for online presence guidance. 
• Watch the Artist Spotlight with Desmond O'Hagan for inspiration on developing a consistent body of work. 

Professional Presentation

• Watch Framing Your Work Growth Strategy.
• Explore the Framing Resources Section.
• Watch the Framing and Shipping Your Work Growth Strategy for affordable solutions.
• Watch Growth Strategy Hosting Your First Art Show.

Exhibition & Community

• Watch Juried Shows Growth Strategy competition guidelines.
• Join art associations and enter juried exhibitions and build connections with the art community.
• Get feedback on your work from diverse audiences so you can gain insight into the unique impact of your work. 

Mindset & Growth

• Watch “Resistance, Imposters, and Muses, Oh My!” for dealing with comparison and imposter syndrome.

• Develop resilience in receiving and processing feedback.
• Cultivate professional relationships with fellow artists and venues.