Expert: Gianina L. - 4/16/2006

Question
I am hoping to gain an apprenticeship at a tattoo studio, but at the moment I have no portfolio. I understand that tattoos are not your field, but I would greatly appreciate anything you can tell me about creating a generic portfolio. I basically need to know everything about putting one together. What is the average size of a portfolio? Should I include the original art or photograph it (of course depending on medium and size)? Should all pieces be in the same medium and run along a theme or style (this I am not sure about, as tattooists need to be able to draw in various styles)? How many pieces should I include? Do I need to label them with anything if I'm not trying to sell them? How should the portfolio look? Leather bound? As you can see, I have many questions. If you are able to point me in the direction of a step-by-step guide online, feel free to do so. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Emily!

Creating a portfolio can be such a cumbersome project to undertake, and really, a portfolio is something that you will be continuously editing from now till the end of time. First off, I would highly recommend a book titled "The Ultimate Portfolio" by Martha Metzdorf. This has all the basic tips needed when pulling together your pieces into a cohesive presentation.

One main tip to remember, and one most forget without realizing, is to make sure to include your name and contact information somewhere in the portfolio, most likely at the beginning or at the end. You can display it creatively, or just have a business card that can be grabbed and kept.

What is the average size of a portfolio?
I'm not sure there is an average size, and it wholly depends on your work and the type of environment you are showing your work. I probably wouldn't go much smaller than 8" x 10" or any larger than I could comfortably carry with one arm. You could have the most gorgeous portfolio on the face of the planet, but if you can't manage it easily, or flip through pages without knocking things over, then it's not serving its purpose. Personally, I prefer 8.5" x 11" for my work. It's a casual size and easy to throw in a bag to take with me. I do own larger ones to keep for when the occasion calls for it.

Should I include the original art or photograph it?
I never include original art in my portfolio. Some artists do, but I prefer to keep the originals safe at home where I know that no one will spill their coffee on it or it won't die when I get caught in some freak rainstorm. With digital cameras and scanners, you can get good quality reproductions to use. If photographing, make sure you have even light on the piece, and take several shots so you have plenty to choose from. If it's a particularly detailed drawing, feel free to take a detail shot as well.

Should all pieces be in the same medium and run along a theme or style?
I definitely don't think you need to keep everything in one medium, and it's possibly you already have an inborn style to your pieces. I'm not sure what tattoo studios look for, but if appropriate, definitely show off your ability to do different styles, but make sure to organize it in a way that doesn't make the work look like it's all over the place. For example, you can have a progression that moves from graphite, to black and white pen, to pieces with a little bit of color, to marker, to paint to digital. Whatever you have, make it flow.

How many pieces should I include?
Again, I'm not sure what the expectations are for a tattoo studio, but I usually stick between 16 and 20 good pieces. You may need more in your case. A good test is to assemble a portfolio and have different people look at it - friends, family, other tattoo studios - and pay close attention when they flip through. If they get bored, or start flipping too fast, or close the book half way, then maybe you have too many pieces; if they reach the end and seem to want more, then perhaps you have too few. It's a balance and a guessing game, but trust your instincts. After all, it's your portfolio, so it should speak for you.

Do I need to label them with anything if I'm not trying to sell them?
No, labeling is not needed and is a personal choice. If you want to label a title, medium, or whatever, make sure you do it for every piece to keep it consistent. Always know your pieces well and be prepared to speak about them if questioned. Have intelligent answers to questions like why you made a particular drawing or where your inspiration came from or what medium you prefer.

How should the portfolio look? Leather bound?
It doesn't necessarily have to be leather bound at all. I've used normal document portfolios found at neighborhood office supply stores before. Let it fit you and your style, and keep it clean and accessible.

I hope this helps, and let me know if you have further questions. Good luck in seeking your apprenticeship!

Sincerely,
Gianina