Content vs. Concept: An Introduction to Conceptual Art Making

In today’s art world, it’s not enough merely to produce strong imagery; you also need to provide viewers with insight into the concept behind it. But crafting a consistent portfolio that demonstrates your artistic abilities while also illuminating your work’s meaning is not as simple as it may seem.

In this workshop, Zach Taylor helps you conceptualize your artwork and create a more competitive portfolio. Each session begins with a lecture where he presents examples of conceptual pieces that embody different interpretations of the term. He then examines the ways that artists throughout history have used a conceptual framework to strengthen their own projects.

As we look at each participant’s creative output, we discuss ideas and possible directions for its evolution. Zach offers direct feedback and concrete suggestions for honing your focus and editing your portfolio. Each session ends with homework assignments and new points of reference that help you expand your thinking into a more conceptual space.

We never lose sight of the fact that the idea behind our work (the concept) is more important than the end product (the context). By understanding the relationship between these two elements and successfully applying them to your images, you can transform a good portfolio into an outstanding one.