Portfolio question.
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- uncle_helv
Having begun the quest to look for a new job, I've dug out the old folio and am considering creating a new bespoke book, I have thought about getting a cloth covered hardbound book with my work stitched into it, forming a neat personalised edition, albeit a very final piece of work, which brings me to my first thought. Does it matter that a portfolio (for seeking immediate full-time work) need to be updatable? will it be scrutinized by an employer if it's not?
The reason I want to have a hardbound folio is a most of my work is editorial design, and I'm thinking of creating a bespoke page size and the finished book will be an extension of what I'm about, I also feel like my current portfolio, plastic sheets, ringbound is ugly! I have priced up replacement portfolios, better leather, drilled rather than ringbound etc, but the cost is a little too much for what I can afford set against the cost of a hardbound book.
I have asked friends, read books, articles and the advice offered is very conflicting, so I turn to you for your thoughts and advice.
Thanks in advance...
:)
- letters20
it only needs to be updatable if you want it to. the client will care about the presentation and the work. of course, presentation is half the battle – so if you make a piece that is finished off well, its in your best interest.
Its certainly true that the older an individual gets, the smaller the portfolio tends to get. you dont need giant plastic sleeves mucking it up – small, neat, approachable.
- phatlee0
The idea sounds good to me. I personally wouldn't critise the updatable factor if it looked good.
Would it not bother you if you did want to update it?
Are looking anywhere in particular?
- uncle_helv0
Nice one guys, thanks that's good advice, things seem clearer. The binding is very cheap infact for the price of a really smart leather portfolio, sleeves etc. I could get three or four books bound, so updating it once or twice would still mean a bit of saving, plus it would feel like volumes of my work the more I update, which I quiter like the idea of! but I'm hoping for an immediate switch, so there would be no real need to update anyway.
I have been reading How to be a graphic designer without losing your soul, and Shaughnessy is of the mind of loose sheets, some of my friends say leather portfolio, a couple of them like the idea of a bound book, but would be concerned about it being a finished article! Arrrggghh confused.com
Phatlee I've got a few things lined up hopefully at some real credible agencies, around my manor, but the whole 'one chance only' thing is replaying in my head and I want to really stand out, I'd I'm hoping the craft of a book may add value to me as candidate, I'm confident that my work is of a good standard and would have no trouble talking about it.
- vespa0
you could always have an online version to partner the hardcopy with the updatable stuff in it.
- agentfour0
do you know of places in the uk that do one-off book binding helv? ive been thinking of doing the same but getting it singer sewn or having an open saddle stitch. But i have no idea whereto look for that kinda thing.
- uncle_helv0
Thanks vespa, I do have a friend who I've spoke to about an on-line version, not that web savvy so haven't really give it any thought! But see the importance of an instant window for potential employers¡
agentfour, here you go...
http://www.spinkandthackray.co.u…
Very helpful guys, the only problem is they are in Leeds, but they are very competitive on price and by their own admission they can bind almost anything!!
:)
- agentfour0
cheers helv!
- HomeCreative0
I dont know if this helps, but these are a damn site better than the iphoto books.
- phatlee0
nice linkages!!
- Dancer0
I love the idea of the bound hardback book esp if you do alot of editorial. I am also amazed you can find Co.s that do one offs...
Having said that I think there is alot to say for a leather bound padded a4 folio (with permenant pages). It feels great, you can update it (customise it for each job) and you even have you logo (if you have one) debossed on the front. Plus in the longterm it won't age and will stand the test of time.
It's your work it should be wrapped in Cow I say.
Gd Lk
- ian0
I made my portfolio and bound it with a thin hollow aluminium rod which the sheets hook onto allowing me to update the work when it needs to be. Cos I keep looking at older work and think 'what the hell is this'.
Thats just a personal thing as Im (hopefully) getting better and like my later work more...
But a friend of mine got a hardbound book together and it looks pretty cool and he's had no probs getting jobs. Its the work inside and how you present it that counts!