Learn How to... Create Digital Archives
Today there are many options and factors to consider when creating a digital archive for permanent storage. It is recommended to choose more than one method in case one fails for whatever reason. Computer hard drives can break and information stored on servers can be out of one's control – not to mention discontinued without warning. Standard CDs and DVDs although great options for storage have a higher failure rate and shorter life expectancy than new forms of technology can provide.
Discover a Tip: Preparing a Portfolio
One of the most exhilarating moments in an artist's life is when they are able to present to the public the works that they have spent their time and talent on. However, getting to that point may require as much industry savvy and technical know-how as it does talent and determination. When called upon to present their works for review, many artists use a portfolio to organize, protect and showcase their best pieces.
Quality portfolios made from archival materials often help to ensure that an artist's chances of being selected for an opportunity within the field will not be hindered by damages that may occur during transport.
Editing a portfolio
Most standard portfolios can contain about 20 photographs, sketches or other media. When organizing a portfolio, some artists may find it difficult to pick and choose 20 pieces to represent a much broader body of work, but many art experts have suggested that 20 is an ideal number for aspiring artists to assemble.
Pieces in a portfolio should be organized by style, idea or medium so that someone viewing a portfolio has a chance to understand each piece in the context of those surrounding it.
Aim to get the opinion of a good friend, teacher or fellow artist before submitting the portfolio for official review.
Each portfolio should represent one theme within an artist's repertoire. If an artist has more than one style or series of works, they should be broken into more than one portfolio.
Artists should only show their strongest portfolio unless a gallery or competition explicitly states that more than one submission is acceptable.
The works in a portfolio should be subtly but clearly labeled. A reviewer or jury may wish to make reference to a work later in an interview or during the selection process. Other vital information such as the date on which a piece was created, or the materials used in the creation process, will help critics understand each piece and the significance it has within a collection of other pieces.
Selecting archival materials
A portfolio can itself be an artistic statement, although simplicity is usually preferred. If an artist is able to personally travel with their portfolio to an interview, then it is possible to select a portfolio that has an alternative or artistic design.
An accent gray portfolio is designed to appear to be a box, though it opens much like a regular album or binder.
Portfolios are available in various sizes and styles. It may be a good idea to place prints in side loading print sleeves or standard print sleeves for easy viewing without the risk of fingerprints or other elements causing damage.
Brafton written article for www.archivalmethods.com 08/09/11
Expand your Vocabulary: Neutral Ph
Neutral Ph occurs when neither acid nor base (alkaline) qualities are exhibited, a 7.0 on the pH scale. Paper and board stock with a neutral pH are recommended as a storage material for photographic materials.
Questions & Answers:
Q: Any tips for restoring photos that weren't well-preserved?
A: If the photos are not in very good condition it is best store them flat in archival sleeves (side loading sleeves) within an acid-free box. If the photos are attached to a page of a scrapbook or older photo album you can try and remove the print but it resists (begins to tear or damage further) leave it as. You may be able to cut it out if it is one sided. You can also scan the photos and make copies to place in a new album or binder. The originals should then be stored for safe keeping. For photos of value or special meaning it might be best to contact a professional conservator. An excellent resource is www.art-care.com for finding a conservator.
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