Jo McLaughlin on Portfolios, Websites and Open Calls: CLASS CONVOS x THE SECOND ACT
- Seren Seren
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
What this session covers (quick overview)
This talk with Jo McLaughlin focuses on practical tools for artists navigating the early stages of their career.
Key points:
Building and refining your portfolio
Creating a clear and effective artist website
Approaching open calls and applications
Presenting your work with confidence
Understanding how to make your work visible to institutions and opportunities
This is a practical session, focused on tools rather than theory.
Why we’re sharing this
In our 2023 WCCD members survey, a consistent theme came up: many artists feel unsure about how to put together portfolios, websites, and applications in a way that feels clear and confident.
This session responds directly to that.
It breaks down the practical side of applying for opportunities and presenting your work, without unnecessary complexity or gatekeeping language.
Key takeaways
Jo’s approach is straightforward and practical. Some of the main ideas from the conversation include:
Your portfolio does not need to be perfect, it needs to be clear
A simple website is better than an unfinished or overly complex one
Open calls are about clarity, not over explaining
Your work should be easy to understand at first glance
Professional presentation is about consistency, not polish
This session is about reducing pressure and making the process feel more manageable.
About CLASS CONVOS x THE SECOND ACT
CLASS CONVOS is a series of conversations exploring art, access and class, curated by Working Class Creatives Database in collaboration with The Second Act.
It brings together artists and cultural workers to share honest, practical experiences of working in the arts.
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