The last class that I took in College I think stuck with me more than any other. The importance of keeping a good, up-to-date portfolio. This not only goes for designers but many types of business. I have a friend who is a contractor and he keeps a portfolio with all of his projects past and present. When he goes to meet with a prospective client he takes the portfolio with him to show off his work. I myself, keep a hard copy and a power point presentation of my portfolio. I also have a resume since I have been in the business community for many years (more than I would like to admit) I want them to know I also have a solid business background. When I go to meet with a prospective client I take both hard copy and power point.
My hard copy is laid out something like this; I invested in a nice binder and when I open the binder the 1st thing I have is my resume. But this is not your ordinary resume, I made mine in PhotoShop, it is more of a design. It has all the information of a plain resume but I put a little design into the background and it really stands out. The next thing that they see are my designs. With each design I put a bit of information about the project, such as the company I did it for and what the project was, i.e.: Website, poster ect. I printed everything in my portfolio on photo quality paper and I put them in plastic sleeves for protection. Make sure you include what you consider to be your best work, what you are really proud of. Most advisors will tell you to use 10-12 pieces of work. I have more like 20 in my binder.
My power point is a little more extensive than my hard copy. I have 30 or so pieces of work in it. I always leave my power point with them to look over at their leisure. I invested in a bulk of DVD Cases with overlay sleeves. I designed a nice insert with my logo, name, address, phone number and other information. I also stomp the CD with my name and logo.
Why go to all this work? You want to leave a lasting impression and you want them to remember you. Having that professional looking CD on there desk will make them think of you 1st, more so than just leaving a business card.
// posted by BasicAnn on 7/19/2005 07:33:00 PM / Permanent Link 
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