Is your art portfolio holding you back? It may not seem like it, but a few common blunders can actually make the difference between looking like an amateur and a professional artist. And, you probably already know that a professional artist is bound to get more business from their art.

To see how your portfolio fares, we’ve highlighted some small yet significant mistakes that could be turning away art buyers. Go from innocent amateur to polished professional by fixing these five portfolio blunders.

1. You Include Work That’s Not Your Best

You’re only as good as your worst piece. At least, that is how it will feel to those looking at your portfolio. Displaying work with new mediums or styles you are dabbling in—but haven’t mastered quite yet—doesn't set a good tone. Instead, build credibility as an artist by showcasing that you are a master at your craft with your very best pieces.

2. You Have Poor-Quality Photos

What’s the point of spending hours creating something amazing if the photo doesn't convey that? Approving of a fuzzy, dimly lit photo of your art in your portfolio underhandedly admits to the world that you don’t take your artwork seriously—yikes!

That’s why having excellent images is an absolute must for art marketing. Honor your work and your career by investing in good photography or use these tips to photograph your art like a professional.

3. You Have Too Many Images

More isn't always better. Letting potential buyers sift through every single piece you’ve created will inevitably uncover work that’s not your absolute best (bringing us back to point number one). Plus, they don’t all need to be viewed to establish that you are an expert, especially if you have lots of similar artwork.

It’s important to get your message across quickly and hook collectors with a few of your finest pieces. Then, if certain art sparks a buyer’s interest, you can always show them similar pieces later.

4. You Lack Details

The more put together your portfolio looks, the more professional you appear as an artist. That’s where detail comes in. Recording things like dimensions, mediums, and the story behind your art shows how seriously you take your work—and it gives collectors some extra information that may persuade them to buy.

5. You Haven’t Updated It

You are bound to look like an amateur artist if you fall victim to this common portfolio blunder. What if a potential buyer asks about your most recent work and you have nothing to show? Don’t miss out on any opportunities by keeping your portfolio stocked with your latest and greatest pieces.

So, how can you keep up with all of this?

Putting together a pristine portfolio may seem like a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be painful. With a site like Artwork Archive, you can build your portfolio online while managing your entire inventory of artwork. And, it makes avoiding these art portfolio mistakes a cinch. Choose which work can be viewed publicly, save all kinds of details for your pieces, and easily add new art so you’re always up-to-date. Impress potential clients with a polished portfolio and collectors will go wild for your work.

Want more portfolio tips for your art career? Check out How to Use Portfolio Pages to Impress Art Buyers and Galleries.