Hey guys, I decided to make this post because at the moment my portfolio is a mess because I’m at the stage where I’m seriously progressing and deciding what designs should go in and what shouldn’t. So along with my research and my personal experience I’m going to tell you how to make a really good portfolio in terms of fashion. I thought this would be nice to post and I’ve also had requests that I should post this so here we go.
You will need; something to hold your work (a presentation binder, a box file or something), Dividers and that’s all for now.
1. Complete Fashion sketches/ designs.
You may have thousands but only pick only your best designs and make sure there finished. Aswell as designs have design specifications because it can’t be all writing, try to have a little writing in it.
2. Choose how your going to present your work. For example I have a presentation binder. You can choose to have a box file or some sort of file. If you love DIY, make your own storage! Have to portfolios. Have an E-Portfolio for people abroad or people who aren’t able to see your files. Simply do it on word and convert it into a PDF file or find a portfolio hosting website online. The problem with them is that there is limited pages and features you can use in your portfolio with free accounts so I prefer creating it in word where you are in total control.
3. The content – Your portfolio should say everything about you. If someone you’ve never met before asks to see your portfolio. The person should be able to tell your style, technique and way of doing things from the content in your portfolio. Meaning that the content in your portfolio has to be your VERY BEST work as well as your bad work to how you improved over time. As well as loads of pictures and drawings have some writing explaining what they are. This could include Diary Entries, Blog updates but don’t write things that have nothing to do with your subjects. Remember your references should not just come from fashion, these should be broad, displaying your knowledge of other areas of society and culture.
4. Have a feedback page. This page should be at the end of your portfolio so when there finished looking at it. They can leave GOOD feedback and then hopefully the next person who sees it will know others would recommend you to them.
5. You may be like me. Amazing at the drawing and then when your say in front of a sewing machine your like ”what is this?” I decided that 2014 will be my year of learning how to sew dresses and by the end of this year I should have seen at least one. So what does this have to do with the portfolio? Lol nothing BUT add fabric swatches because if you don’t sew it gives the viewer the slightest idea of what the garment will look and feel like.
6. Creativity. Like I said in the first step. You’ve got a presentation folder or whatever you are going to hold it in. Literally sitting in front of you is a bland white/black (or any colour) folder in front of you. It’s boring. It’s annoying and it’s bland! Be creative! Decorate it. Do it how you want to. Warning – Creativity can lead to over doing. Decorate it but keep it professional. Overdoing of flowers, bows and glitter is not good. It makes you look like a 6 year old who’s just got a craft kit for Christmas.
7. Organisation. Work should be in time order. Most recent at the front. Fill every page – by this I mean do not have any blank pages in your portfolio. Do not include fine art or anything that isn’t fashion illustration.
Laurey xxxo
Lauren Williams 