How to Make a Portfolio Presentation on a CD

Your portfolio CD should have professional packaging.

To be successful in today's world, most independent contractors need websites that serve as portfolios of their work. In addition to websites, though, CD portfolio presentations allow you to make unique portfolio presentations for specific clients or as an addition to your online portfolio. Whether you are in graphic design, photography or education, a CD portfolio is less expensive to mail, less cumbersome to carry in your purse or briefcase for that chance encounter and shows off your technological skills.

Instructions

1. Create a folder on your desktop; label it "portfolio files." Review your work and move anything you are considering for inclusion in your portfolio into the folder. Include only pieces that represent your best work. Although you will want to create a general portfolio, as well as a new portfolio for each employment/client opportunity, this file will make finding pieces to populate these portfolios easier.

2. Brainstorm about the needs of your audience. For example, an employer looking for an advertising graphic designer will require different pieces than a client seeking logos for a faith-based organization. Review the items in your "portfolio files" folder, and choose the ones you want to display in this portfolio.

3. Use a program like Power Point or Dreamweaver to create a presentation for your portfolio. There are many ways that you can approach a CD portfolio presentation. You can create a PDF document that includes hyperlinks to text, graphic and Power Point slides. You can also create a local webpage that can only be opened on the CD. While the type of portfolio you are creating -- graphic design, writing educator -- and the artifacts you have to display will determine what program you will use, so will your audience. Find out what type of operating system they are likely to be running and their attitudes toward technology before you create your portfolio. Format your portfolio to run well on your audience's computer and to reflect their views on technology. For example, you may want to use a minimalist approach, or you may want to display that you know how to use more sophisticated techniques, like Flash.

4. Make your CD portfolio easy to open. Set your portfolio to run automatically when the CD is inserted if possible. If not, clearly label what the viewer should click on when she opens the portfolio.

5. Package the CD professionally. Options for packaging range from simple, protective paper covers to jewel cases with a custom printed insert and labels. Use an option that fits with your budget and purpose for the portfolio. It is not necessary for portfolios to be fancy, but they should be printed professionally. Do not hand label or use obviously home made labels to package your CD portfolio.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a copy of your general portfolio with you on CD at all times. This way, you will be prepared to market yourself in any situation, and CDs are harder to throw away or lose than slips of paper bearing yours website.

• Remember that CD portfolios make it easier for people to steal your materials. Consider decreasing the size of your pictures or copyrighting your writing before you create a CD portfolio.

References

• Shutter Bug: Putting Your Portfolio on CD ROM
• Electronic Portfolios; Helen Barrett: Create Your Own Electronic Portfolio
• Landscape Leadership: Put Your Portfolio on CD