PORTFOLIO SERIES - SHOP SMART FOR A PORTFOLIO CASE (article 4) : mostly for creatives such as freelance graphic designers, illustrators, artists, etc

The portfolio to the left, the Classic Spiral Book, has a black leather cover with spiral binding system which allows easy opening and page turning. This portfolio comes with a removable cartridge of 20 archival sheet protectors, and more can be purchased by 10s. This specific type of portfolio is good for professionals who want a specific order sequence for their presentation. To the left I have listed the sizes that this specific variety of portfolio comes in.

I suggest that beginning artists select the Classic Spiral Book for simplicity sake. Until you are able to perfect your presentation skills, it will be easier for you to dictate the order in which you present your work with this book. Many artists mount their samples against the black background page. Others just insert their sample behind the sheet protector, allowing the client to view the work more closely. I suggest that you don't permanently mount your work on the black background page, simply because you will want to add to your collection as you gain more experience. However, you can always get more inserts so naturally it is your choice. For writers : employers might want to remove a tear sheet or sample of your writing to read later. It would be easier for them to do this if you don't mount your work permanently

The Classic Spiral Book includes a pocket, which I personally like. Designers can place bulky pieces of work in this pocket. Photographers can place slides (within plastic slide sheets) in this pocket. Other items that can be placed in the pocket are disks, cds, resumes, reference sheets, annual reports, booklets, etc.

For those of you who want to spend a little more money, the Prat Elite Partook might be for you. The Prat Elite Partook, covered in soft bonded natural leather, features a removable binder and strong spine-mounted handle made out of genuine leather. This one also has an inside pocket and includes 10 archival sheet protectors with black paper inserts. The manufacturer highly recommends this case for digital images. As you can see to your left, this portfolio case is pretty expensive. I think that the Prat Elite Partook is a bit nicer, but the Classic Spiral Book is just as professional as the Prat Elite.

The Prat Classic Easel Binders (to your left) are an amazing presentation tool. They double as both a portfolio case and a presentation stand. This is the most impressive of all of the cases that I am going to show to you. Depending on the size of the room that you are giving your presentation, you would place the easel stand on either the board room table or the client's desk (If it is a really small room place the stand on your lap). You would face the samples outwards towards the interviewer. Since you cannot see the samples that you are showing to the client, I would suggest placing labels on the back of the previous page, in order to remind you of what the next sample page is. I have listed sizes and prices of this portfolio case to your left.

For the more experienced professional, I suggest The Start Carry Case (pictured to the left). This is a kind of an attaché case for carrying your work securely. The rugged black laminated waterproof cover will protect your valuable artwork from the elements and rough handling. The reason that I only suggest this case to the experienced professional is because until you are able to perfect your presentation skills, it would be easier for you to display your work with a spiral book.

With The Start Carry Case, you will need to mount your work first on black foam boards or mat board cards. Mounting your work on mat board is explained later on in this series. Mounting each sample on an individual board allows the employer to focus on one piece at a time and this also protects the samples while being handled. Make sure that when you are finished with your interview to store away your art within either this case or a similar case to prevent damage from occurring.