What Is An Artist Catalogue?

I remember the first time someone asked if I had an artist catalogue. I sort of froze. I had a website, a few PDF portfolios, and some scattered press clippings, but no formal catalogue. At the time, I didn’t even know exactly what that meant beyond something you’d see at a fancy museum show. If you're in the same boat and wondering what is an artist catalogue, you're not alone. I’ve come to see it as one of the most underrated tools an artist can create—not just for exhibitions, but for building your legacy, connecting with collectors, and looking professional in any art business setting.

Creating my own catalogue was one of those moments where everything started to click. I realized I could take control of the narrative around my work—explain why I make what I make, how it fits together, and where it’s going. I wasn’t waiting around for a gallery to frame my story. I was doing it myself, and that shift made a huge difference in how seriously people took me.

What is an Artist Catalogue, Really?

An artist catalogue is a thoughtfully curated publication (digital or print) that showcases your artwork in a cohesive, editorial-style format. It typically includes high-quality images of your work, descriptions, titles, dates, medium info, and often, personal essays or statements that put the work in context. Think of it as part magazine, part portfolio, part archive. It can be exhibition-specific or a broader representation of your body of work.

Some artists use a catalogue to present their work to galleries. Others include it in grant applications or use it as a takeaway for collectors. If you’re selling art online or building an artist website, it can also serve as a downloadable press kit or content-rich promotional piece.

For me, it filled a gap that neither my Instagram nor website could fully cover. It told a story. It felt more permanent. It made conversations with galleries and collectors easier. It also gave me something impressive to bring to open studios, art fairs, or even casual coffee meetings with potential collaborators.

Key Points

• Use your artist catalogue to shape the narrative of your work—it’s more than a portfolio.
• Don’t wait for a gallery show to make one. A self-made catalogue can open doors.
• Pair it with other professional tools like an artist bio or artist statement to round out your materials.

When and Why to Create an Artist Catalogue

You don’t need to wait until you’re invited to a museum show or major gallery exhibition. Artist catalogues are versatile and can serve many purposes even early in your career.

• Before or after a solo show: A catalogue can act as a takeaway for collectors or press. I’ve seen artists include them as part of the ticketed entry—smart move.
• During a studio refresh: I used my catalogue project as a reason to clean up how I stored digital files, retake better photos, and rewrite descriptions. It was like spring cleaning for my portfolio.
• For grant or residency applications: Many opportunities ask for cohesive documentation. A catalogue helps you stand out as someone who has thought through their work and presentation.
• When launching a new collection: Especially if you're exploring selling your art online or through a platform like ArtPal, a downloadable catalogue adds depth.

What to Include in an Artist Catalogue

Start with a simple structure. Here’s what I included in mine and what I recommend:

• Cover with your name and title of the collection
• Introduction or artist statement (linking to a more robust statement example if you like)
• Image spreads: Full-color pages of your artwork with captions (title, size, medium, year)
• Context pages: A short essay or quote about your process or the theme
• Bio page: Something along the lines of these bios
• Contact and website info: You can also include your business card design and artist signature

If you’ve never made one before, consider doing a short PDF version. I did mine in Canva at first. Later I hired a designer for the print version. Don’t feel like you need to get it perfect from the start. Just start.

I also recommend writing your artwork captions in a way that feels personal and informative, not like a gallery label. Mention where you made the piece, what inspired it, or how it connects to the others in the series. Talking about your art gets easier when you’ve already written it down this way.

How Artist Catalogues Help You Grow Professionally

Beyond looking polished, catalogues help clarify your direction and value. When you lay out your work over time, themes start to emerge. You start to see patterns, gaps, and strengths.

I use mine as a checkpoint. Every year or two, I update it—not just to add new work, but to look back and evaluate where I’m heading. It helps me notice when I’m repeating myself, or when something new is emerging that deserves more attention.

Collectors and curators also see the difference. I once handed a small printed catalogue to someone I met at an event, and weeks later they reached out to buy one of the pieces. That never happened when I just gave them a card.

Having a catalogue also made me feel more confident walking into a gallery. Instead of a loose stack of prints or pointing them to a website, I had a bound, intentional object. It instantly set the tone.

If you’re thinking about how to make money from your artwork or grow a real art business, this kind of tool builds trust. And it also positions you better for things like art grants, valuation of artwork, and even selling high-priced pieces.

Related Resources That Pair Well With a Catalogue

• Examples of Artist Proposals — Learn how to write strong proposals that help you land exhibitions, grants, and residencies. These samples helped me understand what curators actually want to see.
• Artist Resumes — Not sure how to format an artist resume? These examples show you how to document your shows, education, and exhibitions in a clear, professional way.
• Marketing for Artists — A guide to promoting your work without feeling gross. I return to this whenever I need ideas that feel authentic and aligned with my values.
• Artwork Provenance and Valuation + Valuing Your Artwork — These articles helped me track the history of sold pieces and price my work with more confidence.
• Certificate of Authenticity Templates — I include one of these with every sale now. It makes a big difference in how professional your package feels.
• How to Sell Expensive Art — Selling high-ticket pieces requires a slightly different approach. This guide breaks it down with practical tips.
• Business Plans for Artists — Whether you're full-time or just starting out, having a simple plan helps you stay focused. This helped me think long-term about my goals.