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Matters
of Interest
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The overall appearance of your portfolio affects your professional
presentation. It need not be made of high-grade leather to leave a good
impression. Neatness and careful organization are essential whether you
are using a three-ring binder or a leather case, The most popular portfolios
are simulated leather with puncture-proof sides that allow the inclusion of
loose samples. Chose a size that can be handled easily. Avoid the
large "student" size books which are too big to fit easily on an
art director's desk. Most artists choose 11x14 or 18x24. If you are a fine
artist and your work is too large for a portfolio, bring your slides
and a few small samples.
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Don't include everything you've done in your portfolio.
Select only your best work and choose pieces germane to the
company or gallery you are approaching, If you're showing your book to an ad
agency, for example, don't include greeting card illustrations.
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In reviewing portfolios, art directors look for
consistency of style and skill. They sometimes like to see work in different
stages (roughs, comps and finished pieces) to see the progress of ideas and
how you handle certain problems.
- When presenting your portfolio, allow your work to
speak for itself. It's best to keep explanations to a minimum and be
available for questions if asked, take the opportunity to talk a little bit
about the piece in question. Mention the budget, time frame and any problems
you faced and solved, If you are a fine artist, talk about how the piece fits
into the evolution of a concept, and how it relates to other pieces you've
shown.
- Don't ever walk out of a portfolio review without
leaving the buyer a business card or sample to remember you by. A few weeks
after your review, follow up by sending a small promo postcard or other
sample as a reminder.
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