You’re a new artist trying to break into the music industry. How do you build a strong portfolio?

1 Define your goals

Before you start building your portfolio, you need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Do you want to be a singer, songwriter, producer, or something else? What genre do you specialize in? Who are your target audience and potential collaborators? How do you want to present yourself as an artist? Having a specific and realistic goal will help you focus your portfolio on the most relevant and impressive aspects of your work.

2 Create your samples

Your portfolio should include samples of your best and most recent work. Depending on your goal, you may need different types of samples, such as audio recordings, videos, lyrics, or beats. You should aim for quality over quantity, and choose samples that demonstrate your range, creativity, and originality. You should also make sure that your samples are well-produced, edited, and formatted, and that you have the rights to use them.

3 Build your online presence

One of the most effective ways to showcase your portfolio is to create an online presence. You can use platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, Bandcamp, or Spotify to upload your samples and reach a wider audience. You can also create a website or a blog to display your bio, contact information, press coverage, and testimonials. You should also use social media to promote your work, engage with your fans, and network with other artists and industry professionals.

4 Update your portfolio regularly

Your portfolio is not a static document. It’s a dynamic reflection of your growth and development as an artist. You should update your portfolio regularly with new samples, achievements, feedback, and opportunities. You should also review your portfolio periodically and remove any outdated or irrelevant samples. Updating your portfolio will help you keep track of your progress, showcase your current skills and style, and attract more attention and interest.

5 Seek feedback and improvement

Your portfolio is not only a tool to showcase your work, but also a tool to improve your work. You should seek feedback and constructive criticism from your peers, mentors, fans, and industry experts. You should also be open to learning new skills, techniques, and trends that can enhance your portfolio. You should also compare your portfolio with other artists in your niche and see how you can differentiate yourself and stand out.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?