Portfolio Help

Hey guys,

I have a website started to show off my work. However, I have yet to start a portfolio. I know, I know, carriage before the horse. I just was looking for some help on how to create one. I have used sites like www.mypublisher.com for photos and such, but first I need this done in the next day or so. Second, I want to be able to add to it as I continue to create. Can you guys please throw some ideas out there on how you have created yours? Books…Photo Albums…Folders...What have you used?

-Alan

On my website I used slideshows from Picturetrail.com. You can continually add photos to them. You upload a lot of pictures to albums and then choose which ones to put in the slideshow.
I found it easy to use and it did the job I wanted it to for free. You can pay a little and it removes the ads.
I did one for the August challenge if you'd like to see an example.
Hope this is of some help to you.

Glenda

Thanks for the info Glenda! I was looking for help with an actual physical portfolio. I have a website set up. I am looking for something actuallly carry around with me. I think I am just going to make a photo type book.

Thanks

A

Hey Alan! nice to see you here
I don't really have much of a portfolio myself, I have an idea book which has a page of some of my paintings to show my actual work, and a little photo album that I don't manage to carry around much
I saw a photographer's portfolio at the last jam though, and it was basically a very nice black photo album with pages holding about (guessing here because it's a standard photo size) an 8x10. It looked very professional.

Kathy

I have all of my photos printed 4x6 and laminated with holes punched in the top corners. I hang them from a string between two stanchions at events to show where the kids can line up and they can look at the pictures while they wait. By the time they get to me, they know what they want. Also, I have an A or B on each picture to show what price level it is (that way my sign says A designs $X... and I can change the price if needed).

For private parties, I just take out all the pictures in a pile and let them spread them all over. Pick them all up and throw them back in the tool box when I'm done, but the kids aren't fighting over a book when the pictures are all spread out.

I used to have a model's portfolio - found it at an art supply store. It is for larger format sheets (like tear sheets from print media). You can also use the larger format artist's portfolio. They have clear acid free plastic pocket pages with heavy back paper inserts.

I found that the larger size wasn't necessary and switched mine to a letter size scrapbook album, using the acid free pocket pages, heavy black acid free paper... I can adjust the album by adding extenders to add in more pages. 8X10's fit perfectly, it holds letter size documents... and I scan and reduce newspaper and magazine clippings to fit.

What I use for festivals is in my gallery. It's a clear-plastic shoe caddy. It perfectly holds 4x6 photos, so I can change out which ones I want to use. I also use one of the openings for my price. It works really well. I will have to find something to weight the bottom better. I want to get another one.



As for a portfolio, I have one for my art, but nothing for facepainting. But I did find plastic inserts for 3 ring binders that have 4x6 openings, so I will probably use those when the business moves indoors.

I should mention that my portfolio is not what I use for face painting display purposes. It is my print portfolio for professional presentation purposes - of all my services including straight make-up, actors' head shots, sfx, bridal, body and face painting, and press clippings, awards, etc.

JBAX - What size is your banner????It's perfect!

Banner is 4'x6' and was a blissfully lucky wonderfulness of serendipity!!!!! I got it from Kinkos (when it was still Kinkos). My aunt is a vendor rep, and knew the manager at a Kinkos, and the had a program that a local business could get a free 4x6 banner if you let them put their little bit of advertising at the bottom. No problem I say. I paint up my daughter, make my design. (Although they really like to help, but I didn't like their suggestions) and the printed it up. But, Oh NO! The cut the margin too small, so they automatically made a second one and gave be both for free! (I would never have noticed, but was not going to turn down the second banner that is already printed). Here's where we put the second one for this event. (There was a hill and a sidewalk right behind us).


The original design had a web address, but it never got off the ground, so we just markered it out. Kinkos is no longer Kinkos, but they might still have the deal... who knows?

Love it! I've got a friend in the biz... just thought that was a great size!

What a steal you got.

Excellent, a question in an area I actually consider myself an expert!

I started modeling when I was 6 months old. I have had MANY portfolios of the decades. I owned a modeling agency as well. Any art supply shop will carry portfolios from this size to huge.

This one is 9"x12". It holds 8"x10" size pictures and zippers closed.
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This one does not have a handle or a zipper.
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And now you know what I look like too.

Like Shannon said, I do not use these at events. I only use these if I am meeting with a corporation or business to help sell my face painting service.

I use a regular 3 ring binder or display of pictures on site.

Haven't had a use for one. I just use my homepage and direct people to that. Maybe bring my computer, doing a slideshow of pictures when at events where I would like to show people more of my work.

JBax, where did you find your clear shoe display? I have hunted and haven't found one for a reasonable price.
Love the idea of one on the roof also.

[quote="creative lady"]JBax, where did you find your clear shoe display? I have hunted and haven't found one for a reasonable price.


I use JBax's idea for when I use a tent. I found my shoe holders at Wal Mart. I bought two just in case and each one was under $10.00.

Thanks Annette, my Walmart doesn't carry them, I have looked in the others close by and no luck.