How to Create an Art Portfolio
Here is a step-by-step guide to creating your very own artistic portfolio, which, in many ways, is your professional calling card. Being able to "wow" a potential employer or client with a collection of your best, previous work is absolutely critical if you ever hope to book a job as a professional artist.
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Instructions
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Create. You won't be hired to create anything if you have nothing to show for yourself. No one is simply gonna take you on your word that you have the creative skills for the job for which you are applying. You have to prove it to them. So, go out and take some pictures--a lot of pictures. Get as much variety as you possibly can. This applies to any art form that you are going to eventually compile into a professional presentation. You need to shoot, draw, paint, film and sculpt as much as possible so that later you can go back and pick out the very best examples for your professional portfolio.
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Figure out if you have the talent. It takes a big person to step up, and have courage to ask the question, "Am I really cut out for this profession?" A lot of aspiring artists skip this step all together, which is their choice. Sadly, they will struggling for years to get their foot in the door, and ultimately never achieve their dreams. So why waste all that time, when they could have easily spent it pursuing something else. They never bothered to take this step. Don't make that mistake. If you're not able to judge for yourself whether or not you have talent (and few can), ask for the opinion of those that you trust. Someone you know will "give it to you straight." Tell them that you really need their honest evaluation of your work. Here's a tip though, if your work is, in fact, exceptionally good, you won't have to ask. Everyone will say so. If no one is saying so, it is probably not worth pursuing.
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Buy the portfolio binder. Selecting the right size, and style will have a lot to do with the type of work that you are looking to show. For someone just starting out, there is nothing wrong with selecting a portfolio binder that is a little more on the modest side. This, of course, doesn't mean that it shouldn't look professional. It just doesn't have to be as "flashy." Flashy portfolios are for flashy artists. Artists who have already built up a reputation for themselves, and who's clients generally know what they're getting into when they sit down for a meeting with them. These artists can afford to be cocky. You can't. Not yet anyway. So purchase a portfolio binder that's classy, sleek and professional. You can usually find a wide variety of portfolio binders at your local art supply store.
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Print your work. It is wise to have this professionally done, but not completely out of the question for you to do it yourself at home. If you choose to go the professional route it's gonna cost you, but it will be worth it since those looking to potentially hire you will be able to spot the difference in quality, even if it's a subtle one. If you have connections in the printing business, now is the time to use them. Call around. Get some quotes. Get the best deal for your money. Always have them print you a sample first, so that you know what you are getting for your money. If you choose to print your work at home, be sure to get the highest quality that you possibly can. Spare no expense. Buy the highest quality photo paper. Make sure that your printer's ink cartridges are full. Make sure that you size your photos correctly. You are going to be competing with artists who have had their portfolios printed by the pros, so yours had better look just as good.
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Fill in the pages. Put your portfolio together. You are going to want as much variety as possible, while keeping certain "themes" consistent throughout. Group certain "styles" together for a few pages. Don't be sporadic with your layouts. The pages ought to flow into each other. Themes ought to blend seamlessly. Just when they are getting used to one set of photos, they turn the page and are taken in a different direction entirely. Think carefully about your selections, and always put your very best work in the first few pages.
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Tips & Warnings
Do some online research of professional portfolios. Many artists have web pages that show off their work. Look them up, and see how they package it all together.
Resources
- Photo Credit copyright 2003, Nathan Boehme
