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Visual Arts Student Tips and Resources

Exhibiting Your Work

You are an artist, not just a student. Take every opportunity to display your work. Getting your art shown (not only on your social media) is essential for making connections that can lead to constructive feedback, collaborations, commissions, even job opportunities. Your professors know this, and will help you find places to submit your work. Challenge yourself and submit to contests whenever you can.

Students in the main art gallery among the artwork

Don’t miss the yearly student show in the Fine Arts Center’s main gallery, and the class displays in the Kinetic Gallery. Community members visit these, and works are showcased on the BRCC website. Make sure to submit a piece you are proud of, and start building a public record of your work! Schools and employers love to hear that you have participated in a curated exhibition.

Digitizing Artwork for Your Portfolio

That photo of your art may not be as striking as the physical piece, but it is usually how your piece will be selected or judged. Make sure the photo is accurate, clear, and well lit. When submitting to a show or contest, check any requirements for format, size, and setting.

Photographing Art

Please look through Brightpoint Community College’s tips on Digitizing Your Artwork, covering planning, placing, lighting, and camera issues.

Trilobite plate by Kris Blackthorn, photographed in the BRCC lightbox using an iPhone

Ask your professor about BRCC resources you can use to digitize your art. For example, the ceramics lab has a lightbox and a gray screen which make a huge difference when photographing pottery.

If you have access to a DSLR camera and professional equipment, check out How To Photograph Your 2D & 3D Art – artprof.org

If you need to use your phone or consumer camera, take some time to understand the camera settings and do it well. Here are some videos that can get you started:

Photo Editing

The best photograph will need editing; cropping if nothing else. Industry-standard Adobe Photoshop has a student discount or may be free to use in your class. Free editors such as Photopea (online photo editor) or Snapseed (app) can:

  • straighten images.
  • correct white balance.
  • adjust brightness and contrast.
  • remove distracting background issues.
  • export in a clean, high-quality format.

Academics and Advising

Succeeding Academically

In addition to your professor, academic support resources abound at BRCC. While you have the opportunity, take advantage of free tutoring to improve your writing and academic skills in ways that will help you for the rest of your career.

If you run into life situations that impact your ability to succeed in class, please contact the Student Support Center and SOAR so that we can help.

Take the Right Courses

If you plan on transferring, now or later, taking the right courses is crucial. Stay in touch with BRCC’s advising team. They can help you stay on the right track academically, choose the right courses, and plan for your goals. They’re here to support you and want to see you succeed.

Artist and students setting up a sculpture for a gallery exhibition
Artist Zeke Trainum placing a sculpture with the help of BRCC students

Getting References

Strong references can make a big difference when applying to schools, internships, or jobs. Planning ahead and communicating clearly with your references helps them represent your work and character in the best possible way.

  • Ask first, always. Never list someone as a reference without getting their permission ahead of time.
  • Choose the right people. Pick instructors, supervisors, or mentors who know your work and can speak specifically about your skills and reliability.
  • Give them context. Let your reference know what you’re applying for (school, internship, job), and why you’re interested.
  • Share your materials. Send your resume, portfolio, artist statement, or project examples with the request. Even if they know you well, a quick reminder of what you’ve accomplished helps them write or speak more effectively and emphasize what you need them to.
  • Give plenty of notice. At least 2–3 weeks is ideal, especially for letters of recommendation.
  • Make it easy. Provide deadlines, submission instructions, and any forms they need to complete.
  • Follow up politely. A gentle reminder a week before the deadline is appropriate if needed.
  • Say thank you. Always follow up with a thank-you email (or even a handwritten note).
  • Keep them updated. Let your references know the outcome—it helps maintain the relationship and shows appreciation.