How to Build a Free Artist Portfolio Online , Using ArtCall
No website budget? No problem. Here is how to get your work seen by curators, collectors, and open calls — for free.
One of the first things a curator does after receiving a submission is search for the artist online. If nothing comes up — or if what comes up is an old Instagram post — that first impression is already working against you.
You do not need to spend money on a website to fix this. ArtCall Portfolio (also known as EZZL) offers a free plan that gives you a clean, professional online presence in under ten minutes. This guide walks you through exactly how to set it up.
"A portfolio is not just a place to store your work. It is the version of you that exists when you are not in the room."
What is ArtCall Portfolio?
ArtCall.org is a platform built specifically for visual artists. Its portfolio feature — branded as EZZL — lets you create a dedicated artist page where you can display your work, list your inventory, manage contacts, and even run a blog. The free plan is genuinely useful, not a watered-down trial. It is designed for artists, not developers. You will not need to touch a single line of code.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Free Portfolio
1) Create Your Free Account
Go to artcall.org and sign up for a free account. Choose the free plan — you do not need to enter payment details. Your profile page is created instantly.
2) Write Your Artist Bio
Keep it under 150 words. Write in third person. Include your medium, where you are based, and what drives your practice. Avoid vague phrases like "I explore the human condition" — be specific about what makes your work yours.
3) Upload Your Best 8–12 Works
Quality over quantity. Choose works that represent your current practice, not everything you have ever made. Upload high-resolution images — at least 1500px on the longest side. For each work, add the title, medium, dimensions, and year.
4) Add a Professional Profile Photo
This does not need to be a studio headshot. A clear, well-lit photo of you — ideally in your workspace or with your work — builds trust and puts a face to the name. Avoid selfies or heavily filtered images.
5) Fill In Your Inventory
The free plan allows up to 50 inventory entries. Use this to list works that are available for sale or commission. Include dimensions, medium, and price if you are comfortable sharing it. This signals professionalism to collectors.
6) Add Your Contacts & Links
Link your Instagram, email, and any other relevant profiles. Make it easy for people to reach you. A curator who cannot find your contact details will simply move on.
7) Publish and Share Your Link
Once you are happy, publish your profile. Copy your portfolio link and add it to your Instagram bio, your email signature, and every open call application you submit — including EAS.
EAS Tip
When submitting to Emerging Artist Space open calls, always include your portfolio link. A complete, well-presented portfolio significantly strengthens your submission — even if your work is exceptional on its own.
Free Plan vs Pro+ — What You Actually Need
The free plan is enough to get started. Here is an honest comparison so you know what you are working with:
Features Free | Pro+ ($9/mo)Artworks displayed ✓ Unlimited ✓ UnlimitedInventory & Location Up to 50 ✓ UnlimitedContacts Up to 50 ✓ UnlimitedSite Web Blog ✓ Included ✓ IncludedEvents Management ✓ Included ✓ IncludedCustom Domain ✗ ✓ Free domainRemove ArtCall Branding ✗ ✓Point of Sale & Purchasing ✗ ✓Newsletter Subscribers ✗ ✓
For most emerging artists, the free plan is the right starting point. Get comfortable with the platform, build your portfolio properly, then consider upgrading if you want to sell directly or remove the branding.
Tips for a Portfolio That Actually Gets Noticed
1) Photograph your work properly
Even a phone camera can produce excellent images with good natural light. Shoot your work flat against a white or neutral wall, avoid shadows, and crop tightly. Blurry or dark images will undermine even the strongest work.
2) Write artwork descriptions that add context
Do not just list the title and medium. Add one or two sentences about what the work is exploring. This gives curators and collectors something to connect with beyond the visual.
3) Keep your portfolio current
Update it every time you complete a significant new work. A portfolio with a most recent upload from three years ago signals that your practice is inactive — even if it is not.
4) Use your portfolio link everywhere
Instagram bio. Email signature. Open call applications. Artist residency applications. Grant submissions. Every time your name appears somewhere, your portfolio link should be one tap away.
Now You Are Ready!
Submit to Saturate 2026
EAS is now accepting submissions for Saturate, our upcoming seasonal exhibition open to all mediums and artists worldwide. Free to apply.
(This is an independent guide produced by Emerging Artist Space. EAS is not affiliated with ArtCall.org or EZZL. Platform features and pricing are accurate as of June 2026 and may change — always verify on the ArtCall website directly.
© 2026 Emerging Artist Space · emergingartistspace.com Independent guide, not affiliated with ArtCall.org
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