Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
It talks about us, makes us known and it shows what we’re able to do.
It’s the portfolio, technical term to define our work folder.
1. The portfolio it’s the selection of our best artworks.
For its use to present us, it has to be a tough and ruthless selection.
It’s our outfit for the best moments.
Would you go to a job interview wearing a pajama?
If the answer is yes, well… should be someone else to deal with this stuff.
Otherwise we can keep speaking ‘bout that.
I was saying… a though and merciless selection.
Don’t be anxious, trying to fill with stuff the portfolio.
It has to be basic and it has to show the best of you.
Quality, not quantity. A minimum of 12 images to a maximum of 20.
Special note: put away the school stuff! The naturalistic frog, the arm’s section from anatomy,
the model’s portrait and the hyperrealistic apple with the twinkle on the right…
everybody have them. And when I say everybody, I say EVERYBODY.
2. If someone affected by acute “I-know-everything-itis” told you should know how to do everything
and therefore in your portfolio there has to be all kind of panels,
from the naturalistic to the graphical, passing through the fairytale and landing to the fantasy…
better listen only to the useful advices.
Better an homogeneous and specialized portfolio.
If your heart beats for both fantasy and naturalistic, for example, make two different portfolios and show them to those interested in one or the other.
Obviously, every portfolio has to contain the minimum of 12 artworks… 12 beautiful pictures and made at your best.
Special note: someone could say: I’m not able to do everything at the best!…
Exactly! Every artist focalizes himself just on one type of drawing, and it’s absolutely right!
Initially we’re never sure about the path to take. It seem that we like everything and we experience. It’s part of our growth.
3. I don’t what to seem a fanatic of look, but if you are that kind of person that keeps in his wardrobe tens of clothes,
unweared since the last ice age, because It’s not my style anymore!,
you should know you can’t do the same with the drawings.
Inside the portfolio there has to be what you are Today, in this moment,
what you like to do, better! what you Love to do, and what you’re sure about.
Nobody wants to hear Oh, I don’t use that style anymore! or Ah, that’s an experiment. I don’t usually draw like that...
If he answers And why the heck did you bring me that?, don’t you think you’re in front of an impolite person.
In that case the impolite would be you.
Special note: the portfolio must be updated regularly.
The selection is though and it will prove you, but it has to be done.
The selection is a constant process, of growth and willingness (it seems I’m talking about martial arts sometimes)
4. Not only the portfolio it’s your best outfit, but it must be kept as it is.
Exactly. Having an Armani’s pinstripe with a stain of sauce it’s like going to work with a pajama (same thing).
The portfolio must be ordered and signified, because it represents you.
YES purchasing of a good nylon portfolio-suitcase (maybe with an handle, if you care about your cervical).
You find them in arts shops or in Amazon. You find examples in the infobox.
NO funny folders with retina-killer colors that show How much nice you are!
For sympathy there’s still the chat-by-the-coffeemachine (could happen).
Special note: you have to keep ordered even the content. It’s useless wear an Armani’s pinstripe with slippers.
Good quality material. Printings are admitted, providing them in very high resolution. No shelled images or (your PC) printer paper.
Special note IN the special note: sketches, unless you’re a concept artist level 1000 who Disney would be proud of,
must be kept for other opportunities. Maybe they’re beautiful but not suitable to be in a portfolio.
5. Lately even tablets are used to show the portfolios, so think ‘bout it, because it could be a good purchase.
They’re not heavy, unwieldy. You don’t spend for printings and carry the originals. But they must be have appropriate dimensions.
Nobody wants to see a stamp. Everyone has the zoom function,
but if someone looks at an enlarged panel he’ll lost a bit the overall composition of the drawing.
Same rules are applied to the digital portfolio.
Good pictures, good quality, order and selection. Absolutely NO to the portfolio on smartphone.
Even if it’s the coolest of the universe. That’s not the right support.
Special note: when you’ll have the meeting, don’t come with *** backgrounds (on the phone) or disorganized folders.
These simple and basic rules are not intended to throw a monkey wrench in the works
but like a guide line. They help you to propose yourself at the best.
Remember that drawing belongs to the visual arts.
A visual artist sell pictures and his ability to make them. So… appearance is everything.
P.S. the pinstripe suit is your portfolio. You don’t need to wear it ;)