Presentation Materials

I would like some ideas of how to present samples of artwork to potential clients. What kind of binders are used for 8x10 samples, for example? Are there any particular companies that are recommended for supplies used in presentation? I am just starting out full time, and would really like to show my work in the most professional manner.

Check out www.brewer-cantelmo.com for custom portfolios. They have a variety of types, sizes and colors. They are heavier duty than most, and travel well. I have seen many with names embossed on the front and matching bags with shoulder straps that save your back. For consumers viewing your book, they recommend prints in plastic pages,(easier to flip through and less likely to get damaged) but for showing to fine art galleries a box is perferred with loose prints.

[Cynthia Daniel]

I believe that showing your work professionally is very important. If you go to the Artist Resources section on my site and then select Art Supplies, at the bottom of that page is a link to Light Impressions. They have some very nice presentation books. Portrait Artist Margaret Baumgaertner has a portfolio box from them...it's black and each portrait is mounted on a black sheet individually. That's one option of many.

[Chris Saper]

I have always been a believer that every presentation needs to be tailored to the audience. To that end, there are several different options you might consider...

For example, to show work to a potential broker, representative, gallery or other "professional" viewer, I would recommend using the portfolio boxes described above, with either the individually matted or loose images.

For my typical cllients, though, I have now adopted the use of a traditional "wedding"-type album, where the cover is leather, and the pages can be purchsed in smaller packs, with pre-cut openings..you can choose 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, etc. They assemble with a gold-toned hinge that expands as you add to the book.Most large photography shops carry a variety of these in stock.

In this way I can take the opportunity to show one or more source photographs opposite the final painting. Although I know this notion is not uniformly agreed upon, I want my clients to be able to compare the subject's appearance with the final painting, so that they can judge what to expect from me by way of likeness. Mutually shared expectations from the start make both the process and the final result satisfying.

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