Professional Practices with Melvin Nesbitt Jr.
Class | Registration opens 3/2/2026 12:00 AM EST
Equipping artists with practical knowledge and tools needed to sustain a professional artistic career, Professional Practices demystifies the business and administrative aspect of working as a visual artist while maintaining a focus on individual goals. Through guided instruction and hands-on exercises, students will learn how to present their work professionally, access funding and opportunities, navigate contracts, and make informed decisions about representation and independence.
By the end, students will be able to write clear, compelling artist statements and biographies tailored to different audiences, build and refine a professional art portfolio for grants, galleries and commission, understand the role of state arts commissions a and how to access their resources, understand basic construct language, and develop an personalized professional strategy aligned with their career goals.
Topics include Artist Statements, Artist Biographies, Art Portfolios, State Arts Commissions, Grants and Funding Opportunities, Commissions and Public Art, Artist Registries, Contracts for Artists, and Gallery representation versus independence.
Students will complete a revised artist statement and biography, grant or commission application and a personalized professional action plan.
This class is intended for visual artists. Suitable for students transitioning out of school, emerging and mid career artists, and artists looking to transition from amateur to professional artist.
- Your instructor has provided a list of materials required to participate fully in this class.
If you have any questions about specifics or what is needed week-to-week, please reach out to your instructor via the email in your confirmation letter.
- Computer or iPad & internet access
- Notebook and pencil