How many questions arise about the portfolio, with regards to artists, creatives and designers? Undoubtedly the first one is how useful is a portfolio? Every time you will ask yourself this question in the future, think that the portfolio is what expresses your story and sheds light on your abilities and/or creative productions, even before you have the chance to meet your interlocutor. You should consider it a fundamental resource of great importance to the promotion of your work, hence you should choose wisely when you are creating its content and appearance.
How do you make a portfolio? What should always be present?
In a 2013 interview with Artribune, Mario Cresci stated “When creating a portfolio, the first rule is that there are no rules. Other than the images, the following characteristics should be taken into consideration: texts, format, paper, printing, cover page.”
In this particular occasion the photographer was talking about the most efficient method to create a hardcopy portfolio or artist book. He continued, “Never like before (…) knowledge that has little to do with photography is required. For example, one needs to know how to use graphic and design programs, in order to personalize one’s work.”
The photographer is stating a general rule, applicable to various sectors: there are no rules when creating a portfolio, what matters is that the final product will representative of one’s work.
I absolutely agree. During the course of my studies I have understood that good planning, good drafting is at the heart of whichever type of product we are trying to sell, so to speak. A disorganized or unclear portfolio, with too much information or low resolution images can definitely give the wrong impression.
Different types of portfolios for artists and creatives
An artists portfolio can be hardcopy, digital or a website. Each of these solutions has different possibilities, which should be exploited depending on the context.
A good portfolio should be clear, concise and easy to read so that the message can get across faster. To this you should add that it be complete: never forget that what is left out of the portfolio does not exist.
As Mario Cresci stated, in 2013, it is important that artists acquire new notions in order to better manoeuvrer their own advancement in this “obscure landscape”. I believe that for better results it’s always best to ask the help of consultants and professionals, so they can guide and support the drafting as well as help in finding the best solution with regards to format and context.
Why? Because a critical eye and expert hands can help understand one’s own strength, focusing on what one wants to portray and how to do it so that the portfolio isn’t just a list or a chaotic set of works/projects. They can help with restyling, or simply revise the content.
Our advice on self marketing
In the upcoming weeks we will analyse issues surrounding the portfolio, trying to answer the most frequently asked questions. If you are an artist, a creative or a designer and you’d like to find out more about the potential of a good portfolio, follow us on social media to get the latest updates!
Translated by Ludovica Sarti
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