Thread: Stupid Question - How do I Make a Portfolio?

A hard copy portfolio, that is, not an online one.

I'm going on a meeting with a huge corporate client tomorrow (Unilever - eep!) and I really, really want to look slick. Like I mean business ..g.:

For those of you who have a portfolio, is there any specific type of binder, folder or blank book that you find works best? What else do you bring on meetings with large corporate clients? Talk to me!

Art stores generally carry portfolios that you can purchase. It can be a binder kind of thing that holds photos and graphic material, or it can be a large case to hold flat files like paintings and drawings. They aren't cheap, but they look very professional.

I have one somewhere... I should dig it out and put together promo portfolio as well... good idea as always, Satin!

While I've never put together a portfolio, I was just wondering if the kind the models use when applying to a big agency would work? Then again, with your photos, Satin, I think they will forget what the cover looks like fast enough! And keep us posted on how this works out for you. Break a bedlah!!

I'd create a leave-behind portfolio for this. I'd go for a fantastic folder and maybe put a label on the front-- one of your gorgeous photos with your name on it would be great.

Transparent folders with pockets for business cards and/or a DVD or CD should be available through a large office supply store. Brochures, Stationery, Invitations and Award Certificates - PaperDirect has the most GORGEOUS and amazing folders and things. Look for 'presentation folders'

I'd load the folder with any of the following that you have on hand or can produce quickly--

- business card
- DVD
- photos (action shots!!)
- performer resume (past performances and references, especially, they won't care who you've studied with)
- price list/services
- Info about bellydance -- brief!

And *maybe* a specific proposal for the client, based on convos you've had, detailing several options for show lenght, pricing, inclusions, etc.

The contract could be slipped in the back.


When I used to do media kids, I'd cut each sheet a little shorter than the one behind it and 'stack' them in the folder so it's easy to find whatever info the client wants. You can find kits like that at Brochures, Stationery, Invitations and Award Certificates - PaperDirect and pull info from your website to put onto the pages.

Paper Direct isn't the cheapest place to get this stuff, but all their stuff is very high-end and I know you're looking for a quality image.

Here:
Presentation Folders & Report Portfolios

The black tie one with your pic & name printed on a label would be fabulous!

this one's nice, too
Glisten Crescent Folders by PaperDirect

ok, going away now...

Get one of these
Print out some of your photos on high quality photo stock paper, with your dance resume on the backside of one, events/restaurants you've worked at on the backside of another, any additional pertinant information on another. This way when they look at your stats they will also look at your face and presentation. Include 3-5 business cards, and make a CD with a professional looking label (don't write in sharpie please.) You may want to include any flyers for events you've done in the past and if you're feeling like getting the business out of the way include a quote sheet for reference.

when i modeled, we had pics that showed all the diff looks we had.perhaps that carried over in shots of diff costumes.

Are you going to translate dancing into Dove soap? Will dance for soap.

Unilever is actually very big on cultural diversity and corporate sustainability.

Hey, as long as I'm not dancing in an Axe Deodorant commercial, it's all good. Actually, that might be kind of humorous...