The overall appearance of your portfolio affects your professional presentation. It need not be made
of high-grade leather to leave a good impression. Neatness and careful organization are essential
whether you are using a three-ring binder or a leather case, The most popular portfolios are simulated
leather with puncture-proof sides that allow the inclusion of loose samples. Chose a size that can be
handled easily. Avoid the large "student" size books which are too big to fit easily on an art director's
desk. Most artists choose 11x14 or 18x24. If you are a fine artist and your work is too large for a
portfolio, bring your slides and a few small samples.

....Don't include everything you've done in your portfolio. Select only your best work and choose pieces 
germane to the company or gallery you are approaching, If you're showing your book to an ad agency, for
example, don't include greeting card illustrations.

.....In reviewing portfolios, art directors look for consistency of style and skill. They sometimes like to see
work in different stages (roughs, comps and finished pieces) to see the progress of ideas and how you
handle certain problems. 

.....When presenting your portfolio, allow your work to speak for itself. It's best to keep explanations to a
minimum and be available for questions if asked, take the opportunity to talk a little bit about the piece in
question. Mention the budget, time frame and any problems you faced and solved, If you are a fine artist,
talk about how the piece fits into the evolution of a concept, and how it relates to other pieces you've shown.
......Don't ever walk out of a portfolio review without leaving the buyer a business card or sample to remember you by. A few weeks after your review, follow up by sending a small promo postcard or other sample as a reminder.