How to Make a Good Portfolio

Fig Taylor Five Top Tips - Portfolios from Careers Falmouth on Vimeo.

This month I received a visit from Fig Taylor for a consultation and lecture. All in the goal of finding out how to make a good portfolio. Ideally a virtual portfolio is not preferred as you must provide your own net connection, power outlet and so on. An exception that Fig does not mind is the iPad but that should only be used as a backup for the printed portfolio, having it backed up on a pen drive should be a last priority. A printed portfolio should be the standard size of A3/A4, if it can't pass the "read on the coffee table" test then it is too big. Alarming to myself is that through meeting her I realised that my portfolio isn't very good. Very frustrating since I'm near graduation. To rectify this problem I have decided to take to these methods. This doesn't apply to everyone:

1.)   Maybe divide the portfolio into 2 so to find a distinctive style appropriate for client and respective portfolio.
2.)   In future focus less on children's or book illustration and more on fashion and concept illustration, zone in on that area.
3.)   Don't worry and do what you love, for me I love portraiture.