Creative Biz Note #14

A "Non-Digital" Portfolio

Next week I'll talk about deductions...I need more time on that post. But I thought I'd toss out the topic of the artist's "book".

Where can someone buy a decent book? Try these two sites--- http://store.pzdirect.com/scbi.html http://www.case-envy.com/ I bought a book with screw posts--not a 3-ring binder type. The 3-ring is annoying and art directors hate it--but 3-ring does lay flat. But a screwpost book allows the two pages of a spread to stay flush (without a big gap). Buy extra pages (of course). I bought 8.5 x 11" pages--easy for printout inserting and a smaller size helps not cover the art director's entire desk!!



Currently, I'm putting together a book request for a potential client. It seems these days that it's rare that you'll need an actual portfolio, but it may come up and pushing your book around to agency art buyers is still a good thing. I purchased two books in case one is stuck in an agency or lost somewhere. I once had a portfolio lost at a big agency for over a month--no one could find it!!!

I also purchased an inexpensive laptop carrying case to put my portfolio into--it's cheaper, lighter and less cumbersome--and the interior is soft. Attach an ID tag to your case. Also, I purchased CLEAR mailing labels (with my name/address/info) mainly for postcards,etc. I placed a label onto the back of the portfolio. Everything should have an ID on it in case things get separated. http://www.superiorlabels.com/RollLabelsText.html

Branding is important--not sure about all the embossing, etc.--in all my years of directing I rarely saw a book come in with the fancy extras. Books get beat-up and become old real quick. Always have a clean presentation. It's what's inside that counts and have plenty of tear sheets/prints/postcards/business cards for leave-behinds. I use small all-silver mini clips from Staples(the retail store) to hold all these together.

I also made stickers of my logo and put one on the front cover of the portfolio. http://www.psprint.com/stickers-labels or http://www.stickerobot.com/pricing/ (never used SR.com but inexpensive). I also use these stickers for envelopes, etc.

I use an old Epson Photo R1800 for printouts and it works beautifully!! Glossy photo paper and the images are full of rich color.

A Quick Story: Once, I was on an interview for a freelance gig and as I showed up the boss was leaving (had forgotten about our meeting). So, I literally showed her my book on the way down in the elevator (no joke) with two other puzzled commuters! Thank goodness it was in the Sears Tower and on a high floor--I needed the time!! I ended up getting the gig! Small is sometimes necessary.

The Idea: Keep it small, clean and leave an impression. Oh, and be ready to do an elevator presentation!

Next Creative Biz Note #15---Deductions: Being Smart with Your Money
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