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Hi all

I need to create a portfolio. Chasing ideas on the methods used...thinking mini credit card shaped blank CDs, with a light scribe etching, running a Porta album.

Any other ideas?

Escape, thats not a bad little idea. Would make it very portable and easy for you to carry around, update and distribute. Have you any quotes on getting them made? Can you but blanks and print your own?

The problem with that idea, as goog as it is, is that unless your prospect has a computer handy (and you'd need to make it readable in both Mac and Windoze formats) then it's a very small, totally useless paperweight.

Do you want to restrict its use to only those with a computer handy? I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't, but merely asking you if you've considered this point?

...someone correct me if Im wrong but I think the 8cm discs don't play nicely in slot-loading CD-drives which is pretty much most of the mac range.

I authored a mac/win portfolio CD with Adobe Director/Flash when I was looking for work with studios.

Jonathan

gstark wrote:The problem with that idea, as goog as it is, is that unless your prospect has a computer handy (and you'd need to make it readable in both Mac and Windoze formats) then it's a very small, totally useless paperweight.

Do you want to restrict its use to only those with a computer handy? I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't, but merely asking you if you've considered this point?

Wouldn't a PDF export would solve the win vs mac problem?

But the only thing is that when you meet up with people you need to show your portfolio, you need a computer access. And if the disk is given out to someone, it might not appear under same colour on their uncalibrated monitors.

Yi-P wrote:Wouldn't a PDF export would solve the win vs mac problem?

No. The disks use different formats, and while a Mac can read a PC disk, you need some special utilities on a PC to read a Mac disk. You would need to burn the disk to be able to be read by either system, but as pointed out by Jonathan, a Mac with a slot-loading CD will not be able to load this sort of disk.

But the only thing is that when you meet up with people you need to show your portfolio, you need a computer access. And if the disk is given out to someone, it might not appear under same colour on their uncalibrated monitors.

Exactly.

I have seen the general idea of the Mini CDs as business card used before and I quite like it. While as people say the contents can only be viewed later on a computer, compatability issues aside, in effect you are giving them what amounts to a thick business card. Prior to getting to a PC it fulfils all the functions of a business card with the added impact of it's novelty value. Once they get home it then provides the added functionality that could only otherwise be achieved by carrying around a brochure or book or similar.

Is it better than a business card with a url on it? I don't know, but it can double as exactly that, so I don't see how it can be worse!

Hey folks

Lots of good points raised...

Yep, the mini disks are damned expensive, far more so than conventional CDs...

Yep, they do not play on all systems...

Yep, they display a URL as well, just like a normal business card...

Yep, you definatley need a PC to view the contents...but then you need access to the web to view a website...

Yep, monitor calibration is an issue....as it is when viewing a website...

So, does ANYONE actually have a portfolio???? If so, what method did you go with?

A portfolio is the most important and precious reference a photographer has. I would be most reluctant to judge a photographers skill from imagery shown on a computer monitor. Only a fine print can reveal the delicate nuances of colour, shade, tone and texture possible in a photograph. I have interviewed and rejected photographers for having impeccable CVs but pathetically poor portfolios. Traditional is a smart black gold embossed leather portfolio with about 20 10" x 12" prints. The prints should be separated with tissue paper and they should be of impeccable quality. A broad range of subjects and techniques would impress unless you were applying for a position in a specialised area like food or fashion.

I agree Matt, you need to be able to display the real printed article. You don't want to be saying "But the colour looks great on my monitor at home, must be your crap monitor". I am thinking of printing a book as my portfolio. I will use one of the better quality ones that print on photo quality paper. That way I can make a couple copies. The down side of my idea is that it's difficult to evolve the portfolio. On the other hand, a really nice leather album would look pretty good and would give you the flexibility to change it.

Cheers
John