Expert: Sean Trapani - 11/9/2006

Question
Hi,
I have a portfolio already — it has plastic sleeves where I slide in my work but I
feel like it looks a little messy since my work ranges from direct mail to catalogs
to emails. Do you suggest grabbing the files and pasting them into a document
so they're all the same size, then having it bound? I just want it to look
professional.

Answer
Whitney, are you a copywriter or art director?

If you're a writer, then your idea would work just fine becuase, essentially, creative directors are more interested in your concepts, headlines and body copy.

If you're an art director/designer, the CD might want to actually handle the work to see what production decisions you made, e.g., paper stock, binding, etc.

Maybe you do both. You could create a nice looking, bound portfoliio for most of your work, like the simple direct mail pieces, post cards, ads and emails. Then, keep the more involved pieces loose.

Bottom line is, the portfolio should look tight - so if you think it looks sloppy, chances are, so will other people.

Good luck!


Prof. Sean Trapani