How to Label Your Portfolio Images
Harriete Estel Berman 
When you're submitting an application, an unlabeled CD may become useless without the artist's name. It may not be shown, it may not be returned. It might be thrown away.
Always label your images EXACTLY according to the instructions specified in the prospectus. Follow the instructions for labeling your digital images. Some programmers prefer all lower case letters or an application might specify an entry number as the file name. Use only periods(.) or underscore(_).
If not specified differently, digital Images should be titled with last name, first initial and a short description. If all your images start with the same letters, they will automatically organize themselves as a group every time they are loaded or reloaded on a computer or disc. For example:
BermanHredbrace.jpgBermanHbluebrace.jpgBermanHbluebr.close.jpgBermanHblue_br.jpgAvoid sticking labels on your CD that can jam, get stuck, or throw the disc off balance. Write with a Sharpie in the clear center of your disc, or use one of those special pens for writing on CDs.
IMAGE LABELING INFORMATION FOR SLIDES:
Slide mounts should look neat, conforming to the prospectus instructions. The slide film can be removed from your slide mount and inserted into a new slide mount for new labeling according to the instructions. Fine point Sharpie works the best on plastic mounts. If the instructions do not require your name on the front (for example, some shows use a number system) try to put your name in some other area that does not require information (like on the back.)
Information to appear on your slide label may include:
- TITLE of the artwork
- Date of artwork
- Dimensions: height, width, depth
- Materials/Media (example: Type of print, acrylic, wood with decoupage, glitter)
- Sometimes "media" simply means your craft-jewelry, ceramics, etc. Better check to make sure you know how much information they want.
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