posted
Following Robert's post and Vic's response, I was curious about how others do their portfolios.
I used to use the photo album. Now, I scan the photos in (or use the digital camera) and create a custom page of a specific job. This allows me to provide additional information and to edit the pages as the need arrises.
I use my deskjet to print them out on 37# paper that has a 92 brightness rating.
posted
That's a great look Glenn. Very impressive!
I group several of the same type of signage on a single sheet, also with brief descriptions. These are placed in my portfolio.... A black leather presentation binder that has individual pockets for letter size prints.
Keeps them clean and organized.
I also have several pages that show the original designed artwork along with a small photo of the completed sign. Some folks really like the idea of seeing that a sign can actually be produced and actually "look" like the original design.
Off topic, but I'm also always snapping photos of "other" folks signs and try to keep these in a type of morgue binder for inspiration on those "mindless" days.
posted
Glenn, Great idea. Very professional. If you use just a photo album, the customer see too much. I try to show only what they are interested in.(I don't want to confuse the simple soles)I'm going to set up a book like this with multiple copies of all pages to hand them one if "the boss is not there". Thank again for some real professional ideas, this is why I hooked on this web site!
-------------------- John Arnott El Cajon CA 619 596-9989 signgraphics1@aol.com http://www.signgraphics1.com Posts: 1443 | From: El Cajon CA usa | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted
I have a photo album that only gets used about once a year now. I printed some trifold brochures with a photo collage that doubles as a portfolio for the type of work I enjoy doing and want to sell.
Occasionally, I print up a custom photo page for the customer showing similar jobs or construction techinques we have done. I have also printed up photo pages showing customers the bad things that can happen if they believe they will be the exception to the adage: "You get what you pay for."
There are still major players in the market here who are pushing Medex for outdoor use (highly experienced companies that know much better). A photo page of some two year old Medex signs compared with my decade old Granite signs sometimes helps them realize they can actually save money by spending more up front.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5105 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Once again you have created a first class presentation. We have been working on a brochue and liked it very much. When it was 85% complete I looked at it and it's all other companies logos and such. Do you ask the customer for permission to use the photo when the sign is complete? Our customer base is mostly corporate and they really protect their trademarks.
Regards,
Jim Mulligan
Posts: 121 | From: Indianapolis, IN | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
No organization to my pictures. Have the better part of forty years worth in the envelopes they came in when returned from the developer. Most are undated, and they are tucked away in a drawer in a workbench in the shop/cellar.
I never claimed to be neat, or very professional for that matter.
-------------------- Bill Preston Fly Creek, N.Y. USA Posts: 943 | From: Fly Creek, N.Y. USA | Registered: Jan 2000
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posted
Hey Glenn ,NiceIdea,Netti I use Century Business Solutions for photo albums etc. 800 767-0777 They have every type of pages and albums you could ever need, I use#ezv460-000 Pages for my 4x6 photos , and they take a heck of a beating at the car shows . see ya where it smells like paint AJ
-------------------- Alan Johnson Alan Johnson Grafix Blairstown, NJ 07825 [URL=http://www.alanjohnsongrafix.com] Posts: 261 | From: Blairstown, NJ | Registered: Dec 2001
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The most important thing I've learned about portfolios is that they aren't too show samples of everthing you've ever done or even what you've done well. They need to be examples of the stuff that you want to do again. Stuff you really enjoyed doing or find easy and profitable and want to more of.
We use a similar approach, only a little more casual. I like to tip the photos at slight algles to each other instead of lining them all up straight. I then add a double freehand thin penline around them. I also use a letterhead with a slightly off white background.
I put the pages into a looseleaf binder which my lovely wife Janis sewed a denim cover for. On this cloth cover is stitched our logo (same as on our denim shirts)
A well designed portfolio is the very best way to show off the work which you are capable of doing. Its the best selling tool you can have.
I've seen too may folks who do outstanding work simply 'stuck' in a photo album.
We shouldn't have to appologize about how we show our work. With todays tools and technology at our fingertips there is no excuse.
I constantly go through my album to weed out old work. Only the very best should be there.
One final note... I take lots of photos of my work. Some jobs are difficult to shoot and I wait until I have great shots of the piece before I include them in the portfolio. It's better not to be there than have a poor shot. Now that I'm getting starting to a handle on Photoshop I can edit out background clutter and such to show the work off to its best advantage.
-dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8759 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Photos of my work are for my own reflections of improvements and/or STUCK in layout rut. The word "porfolio" creates the idea that there is a need to QUALIFY ones self for one reason or the other. My gaurantee(sp)if you don't like it,you don'y have to pay for it. Has worked for over 30 years.
-------------------- PKing is Pat King The Professor of SIGNOLOGY Posts: 3113 | From: Pompano Beach, FL. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I use several albums, each one a different subject. In my case, it breaks down like this: 1) Magazine articles I wrote, 2) commercial signs, 3)airbrush stuff, 4) window splashes, 5) Prop & 3-D stuff and 6) giant inflatables that I paint. I think photo albums are way too bulky; I use presentation folios from OfficeMax that have about 24 clear top-loading pocket/pages which are much more compact than a ring binder system. I keep them in a open-top hanging file box, with lots of touchy-feely stuff as well (faux finish panels, airbrush panels, etc) The whole box weighs about 20 pounds! Obviously, if I'm going to sell a splash, I just grab the right album and leave the rest at home.
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