Depending on your craft — whether you are trained in photography, graphic design, or another form of art — the details of constructing your personal portfolio might have some surface differences, but the overall principles remain the same. You want to construct a portfolio that is durable, easy to display and transport, and that reflects your own art style.
In this article, you will learn the benefits of tailoring your portfolio to your audience, how to choose the right portfolio for you, and some common pitfalls that can lead a great portfolio astray.
Creating your own portfolio can seem like a daunting task for some. Even after college, or years in the field, most artists are overwhelmed at choosing the right work for their portfolio. Some believe it is impossible to create a portfolio on their own, that the task is so large it requires the aid of a gallery or museum. While these are valid concerns, you should not let them stop you. Putting together your portfolio is not nearly as scary as it seems. With a few simple steps and a close analysis of what makes an art portfolio effective, you'll be ready to make your own eye-catching and dynamic portfolio.
What is the portfolio? The word portfolio comes from the French word ''porte folio'' which literally means ''page carrier.'' Basically, a portfolio is a visual display of your skills and talents. Your average print portfolio is about the same size as a sheet of newspaper, but that doesn't mean the items inside your portfolio have to fill an entire newspaper page. As for what's inside, there are no rules. You can have photographs, paintings, drawings, computer designed images, collages, or even architectural sketches.
Like a resume, because in a sense your portfolio is your artistic resume, it's not a bad idea to create different portfolios that highlight different aspects of your art skills. For example, you may want to create a black-and-white portfolio highlighting your black-and-white photography, another highlighting your color photographs, a graphic design portfolio, and even one to showcase your paintings.
When designing a portfolio, it is essential to think about your audience. Specifically, who will be viewing your portfolio? However large or small your audience, you need to think about who the portfolio is targeted to impress. Ask yourself: ''what images will interest my audience?'' ''Are there images that would be better to leave out?'' ''Is my work addressing a particular audience, or do some of my prints and photographs address more general audiences?'' ''What reaction do I want my audience have?'' Maybe you want to challenge them, or surprise them, or move them. Remember that your portfolio is being received by an audience and to keep that audience in mind as you select and arrange your art work.
As you select your images, be careful not to include too many images, as it can overwhelm your audience and make you appear indecisive. A good rule of thumb is to have between 12 and 25 images in your portfolio, especially if you are showing it to a gallery. Focus on including things that will speak directly to the position you are applying for (or the place where your work is most likely to be displayed).
To ensure your portfolio is professional looking, it should include: a case that stands out, a cover offering an image that represents what's inside, a title page listing the contents, an artist's statement (a personal statement that explains to the audience what influenced your work, etc.), and photograph thumbnails, as well as, of course, the actual work. You may even include a CD of selected music for your audience to listen to as they page through your work, to help them receive the message you are sending.
When it's done, it is done — don't fall into the temptation to go back and revise and revisit the same portfolio again and again. You can always make a new one, or many new ones, as you expand your skills. Remember that you are the only expert on your work, so be confident in your talents. By following the preceding suggestion, and by adding your own personal touch, you'll be ready to present your art portfolio to potential employers.
