Get expert feedback on your art – book a free one-on-one portfolio review in our Portfolio Surgery afternoon sessions.

In our free Artist Portfolio Surgery, an established artist and industry expert will provide constructive feedback, professional guidance and practical tips on how to strengthen your presentation, technique, and overall artistic vision.

They’ll help you identify areas for improvement and discuss ways to refine your work. You’ll also receive tailored feedback while engaging in thought-provoking discussions about the creative process, career development, and the challenges of being an artist in today’s dynamic art world.

This is a rare opportunity to gain valuable insights, refine your practice, and take your work to the next level.

Sessions are only available for individual artists and not groups.

What to Expect at a Portfolio Surgery

• Personalised one-on-one feedback from an established artist or creative industry professional.
• Constructive guidance to help refine your artistic voice, creative direction, and presentation of work.
• Practical career advice on opportunities, networking, and next steps in your artistic journey.
• Support with portfolio presentation, including layout, documentation, and how to talk about your work confidently.

What to Bring With You

• A selection of your artwork. This could be either physical pieces, sketchbooks, or digital images on a tablet or laptop.
• An up-to-date artist CV or short bio, including exhibitions, education, or relevant experience.
• A portfolio or digital folder that best represents your style and range of skills.
• A statement or short summary describing your practice and what inspires your work.
• Questions or goals you’d like to discuss, such as applying for residencies, approaching galleries, or developing a specific project.
• A notebook or device for jotting down feedback and recommendations.

How to prepare for a portfolio review

Artist and researcher Larain Briggs shares practical guidance on selecting and presenting work, reflecting on process, and approaching review as a space for dialogue and discovery.

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything listed – just bring what you can! The sessions are designed to support artists at all stages, whether you’re developing your first body of work or refining an established portfolio.

Our Portfolio Surgeries are simply a creative conversation. It’s your chance to get honest, professional feedback, explore new perspectives, and build confidence in presenting your art.

Portfolio Experts:

Simon Carter

Justin Moss 

Justin Moss is an artist, educator and collector of wonderful things. She use drawing and watercolour to make sensitive, detailed or implicative studies of subjects including clothes, nature and the figure. She is currently completing a PhD on drawing garments in film. She runs a thriving life-drawing group and lead community art workshops for adults.

She has lived in East Anglia for fifteen years and worked in art education across the region, from Southend to Great Yarmouth.

This Portfolio Surgery – Afternoon Session is held as part of The Firstsite Art Fair!