Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Artist's Catalog with Available Works
The Contemporary Art Issue has released a comprehensive guide aimed at artists for assembling a professional catalog of their available works, which is crucial for attracting interest from collectors, galleries, dealers, or advisors. This guide details a five-step approach: cover, biography and resume, selected works, annex, and final export and distribution. The cover should display the artist's name, the catalog title (for instance, 'Available Works, Autumn 2026'), and optional contact information. The biography and resume offer background information, while the selected works section showcases between 10 to 50 completed pieces with high-resolution images and metadata. Prices are listed for collectors but not for grants. The annex addresses copyright, taxes, and shipping matters. Emphasizing a straightforward design, this guide was last revised on September 8, 2026.
Key facts
- The guide is published by Contemporary Art Issue.
- A catalog with available works is also known as a commercial portfolio or PDF catalog.
- The catalog is used to respond to inquiries from collectors, galleries, dealers, and advisors.
- The guide recommends including 10 to 50 works in the catalog.
- Works should be ordered chronologically, most recent first.
- Prices are included for commercial inquiries but omitted for grant applications and residencies.
- The catalog should be exported as a PDF with a descriptive file name.
- The guide offers a template and integration with the CAI Artist Workspace.
- Last updated on September 8, 2026.
Entities
Institutions
- Contemporary Art Issue