FROM ONE ARTIST TO ANOTHER: YOUR “PROMO GO” KIT

Hey, creative friends! Makayla Binter here.

In my creative career, I’ve learned—mostly through trial and error—how to share my work and present myself in a way that feels authentic. Everyone markets themselves differently, but the best way to stand out is by finding a method that speaks to you, your brand and your business.

In this Biscuit, I’m talking about Your “PROMO Go’ Kit—the materials you should always have ready to share when it’s time to promote yourself or, better yet, help someone else promote you. That way, you’re prepared to make the most of it.

MAKE IT EASY

Opportunities to find work, share your story or tap into calls for new work arrive when you least expect it. When someone wants to know more about you … or you meet someone YOU WANT to know more about you, be ready. Don’t make the person or organization you want to impress have to work or wait to learn more about you. Put your “PROMO GO” Kit together now … before you need it.

As you prepare to build it, keep these three rules top of mind:

RULE ONE: Make it easy to promote yourself.
RULE TWO: Make it easy for others to promote you.
RULE THREE: Don’t make it hard to be promoted.

You get it.

KEY ITEMS FOR YOUR KIT

There are four essential assets to have ready, updated and packaged at all times when building your creative reputation. (And you need them accessible on all your devices, as you never know when you’ll need them or who will ask for them.)

• A current headshot
• A short bio (You may need more than one if you’re a multi-disciplinary artist)
• A cultivated gallery of images and examples of your work
• Links to your work, social platforms, and website

Having these items prepared in advance makes them easy to share. Store them in a Google Drive folder, on your phone, in a Canva slideshow, or even as a one-page document—whatever works for you.

Need examples? Check these out:

• Google Drive Folder: Example
• Slideshow Deck: Example
• One-Page Document: Example

Brand it with your personality and style, but keep it clear, objective, and professional.

ONE: CURRENT HEADSHOT

Pictured: Jazzi Goode, Christine McLennan, Tiana Tiara and Frank Expression
PHOTO CREDIT: Dionna Bright

This seems simple, but a high-quality headshot goes a long way. Many applications—grants, gigs, features—will ask for a photo of you. And they’ll likely use what you send to promote you when they select you. Make it a good one that speaks to your spirit and your professionalism.

A professional shoot is great, but if that’s not in the budget, no worries! Here are some quick tips:

• Setting: Choose a neutral or simple background that won’t distract from you. It should also say something about your personality, your passion and your experiences.
• Perspective: Take multiple shots from the waist up, straight on—no dramatic Instagram angles. Yes, be yourself and don’t be afraid to smile, but also have options to pick from and use for various opportunities.
• Use what you have: If all you have is your mom and an iPhone, run with it. Ask a trusted friend or family member if you have to, but most times, a good picture from your phone will do just fine.
• Lighting: You don’t need professional lighting (but, if you can get it …), but make sure your photos are well-lit and not murky. You want your photo to show up well online or in print.
• Captions: If there is something significant about the setting or time of your headshot, make sure to indicate that.
• Credit: And, please don’t forget to credit your photographer if you had a professional shoot.

📌 Pro Tip: Keep multiple file sizes of your headshot ready (Instagram size: 1080×1080 px, original size, etc.) for different uses.

TWO: ARTIST BIO

Pictured: Natalie Daratony

The artist bio is important for many reasons and can be used to give a high-level overview of who you are and your career. You want it to quickly establish your skill level and experience.

REMEMBER: Your bio is not your artist statement—it’s a factual introduction to who you are and what you do. It should answer:

• Where are you from? Where did you grow up?
• Did you go to school? Are you self-taught?
• What mediums, surfaces, tools, media and materials do you work with?
• If you’re a performer, what are your instruments and genre?
• Who are your audiences?
• Who are some clients or collaborators you’ve worked with?
• What are you doing now or what’s next for you?
• What awards or destinations have you earned?
• What do you want to do?

📌 Pro Tip: Have multiple versions (short, medium, long) ready. Some applications have word limits, so plan ahead! And, if you are just getting started, it’s okay. Just share who you are now.

THREE: IMAGES & EXAMPLES OF YOUR WORK

Great images and examples of previous works can give future clients, supporters and funders an idea of what you are capable of and your creative prowess. These images can range from events you hosted or participated in, or pieces of work you made, were commissioned, or were featured in galleries or exhibitions.

Be selective and pick images that showcase your best work.

• Past projects (events, commissions, exhibitions)
• Your best work (be selective!)
• You in action (creating, performing, installing, etc.)

📸 Photography Tips:

• Respect your work: Get it off the floor or bed. Tape it to a wall if needed. (Just don’t show the tape. :) )
• Lighting matters: Avoid direct sunlight. Overcast days give the best natural light.
• Show consistency: Choose images that reflect your unique creative voice. How does your style move from one piece to the next?

📌 Pro Tip: If you host events or curate exhibitions, include image descriptions—event name, location, number of works, number of people, photo credit and any attention you generated with your work. All help showcase your experience. Show them what you bring to the table.

FOUR: HELPFUL LINKS

This is going to come off as blunt, but I say it with love. Show. Your. SH!T.

If it takes too many clicks to reach your portfolio, social media, or features, people might give up and nope out. The average attention span is 7 seconds—make those seconds count. Make it easy.

• Use LinkTree or a similar tool to organize your links.
• Instagram allows up to five links in your bio—use them!
• Check your links regularly to make sure they work.

📌 Pro Tip: Keep an updated backup of your portfolio. If your website goes down, a Google Drive folder or Canva deck can save you in a pinch.

📌 Pro Tip Two: If you’re using your personal Instagram or TikTok feed as your online portfolio, be mindful of what’s posted around your works of art. You may be okay with a potential client seeing what you were up to last Friday night … but then, again, maybe not. It’s your call. But, think about it before you share it.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

Now that I have shared my thoughts on what should be in your “PROMO “GO” Kit, I challenge you to go make one. Or, send this article to someone who needs one. Not to call them out, of course, but just as a kind reminder that you care about their success as a creative and you want them to be ready when an opportunity comes knocking.

Use the links above to get inspired and get started! Share your final kits with us at hello@charlotteiscreative.com. We would love to see them.