As an exercise we each presented our "5 best pieces" to the class, this got us thinking about what work we've produced we're most proud of and what we think displays us as an illustrator best. I included the following pieces:
These pieces I felt I was most proud of and best displayed my range as an artist and illustrator. There are pros and cons to this. If you were to have a portfolio of limited range with same techniques and pieces you may be limiting yourself to an employer but putting in too broad of a range you may come across not having a specialist skill and whilst it shows diversity it may be too vague. This is why keeping a general portfolio with a broad range of work is good but tailoring your portfolio to whoever it is your showing is important. In reflection I may want to make my portfolio more specific and perhaps include more prints and less of my fine art pieces.
Things to consider:
- Do not use original artwork in a portfolio - risk of damage
- Paper quality - a good quality paper enhances your work and looks professional
- Orientation - try to keep all images the same orientation
- Talk points - can you talk about your pieces
Portfolios can be presented in all manner of ways. Together we looked at making a simple Japanese stitch bound book with ballooned pages as this was a cost efficient way of making a portfolio. You can double-up images per A4 sheet with the way this type of book is folded and constructed and reduce printing costs. As I was yet to nail down a final selection of artwork for my portfolio I made a blank portfolio.