The easiest way is simply to trim each piece in your book to a uniform size. If that's not possible, trim all your full-page ads to one size, all your two-page spreads (they're known as double trucks in the trade) to another size, all your storyboards to still another size, and so on. Then put them in order, according to which piece you like best. (If your stuff is as good as it should be, this will be one of the toughest parts about putting your book together.) Start with the best one first, because when your interviewer sees how good the first thing in your book is, he won't be able to wait to see the one underneath it. When he sees how good that one is, he'll be anxious to see the next one. And so on. (At least, that's the way it's supposed to work.)
If you don't like the idea of presenting your ads and storyboards without having them mounted on something more substantial than the paper on which they're drawn, you can mount your stuff on boards with glue or a hot press. Most colleges and art schools have a hot press. There's always someone around to give you help if you need it; and a hot press usually doesn't cost much to use plain that you're trying to get a job in advertising, that you have a portfolio and would like to mount your stuff with a hot press. Don't feel intimidated about asking to use anyone's hot press. The worst they can say is, "Get the hell outta here."
Another good way to prepare your portfolio for presentation is to have your work laminated. Sometimes it costs a few bucks to do, but it's one of the nicest ways there is to assemble a portfolio. Just check the Yellow Pages under "lamination" for places where you can have it done.
Still another way to get your book ready for circulation is to use a loose-leaf case or notebook with acetate sleeves. Just slip your work inside the acetate sleeves and presto! Not only do you have a handsome way to assemble your portfolio, you have something in which to carry it around to boot.
This brings us to the subject of portfolio cases. Portfolio cases come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Depending upon the sizes of the pieces in your book, you have a lot to choose from.
If your pieces are publication size: 7" x 10", 8" x 10", or even as large as 11" x 14", you can use any of several different loose leaf cases. They all have acetate sleeves, they're all good looking, and any of them would help your portfolio look professional. You can find them in a couple of different sizes, and you can usually find one that zips closed to offer maximum protection from the elements. They're available at most art stores, and you can sometimes find them in leather and luggage shops, too. They come in several colors. As for their cost, you can find a nice one for as little as twenty dollars if you look hard enough or find a special sale. You can also spend a hundred dollars or even more and carry around a magnificent genuine leather case.
Naturally, the more you pay, the better your case will look. But it's not your case that will get you a job, it's what's inside your case that counts. If you can't afford an expensive model, don't worry. The cheapest one you can find will serve the same purpose.
Loose-leaf cases with acetate sleeves aren't the only portfolio cases you can buy. Aside from two pieces of cardboard taped together along the sides and bottom, the cheapest thing you can get away with is an envelope large enough to contain all of the pieces that make up your book. You can get them almost anywhere: an art store, stationery store, hobby shop, or department store. You can even find them in Five and Ten Cent stores.
A large envelope won't make your portfolio look professional, but it will serve the purpose. And if you pay more than two or three bucks for one, you're getting robbed.
