The Art of Portfolio Printing: 9 Tips for Making Your Work Stand Out

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The portfolio is a word that is far more prominent in our lives than we give it credit for. It is the one source through which we could be lucky enough to land the dream job we have been aiming for a long time. Finalizing the best projects and then composing them to create a portfolio is the most incredible and satisfying work.

However, with the rapid growth of digitalization, is it even required to print the portfolio? The short answer is yes! Something is astounding about going through a printed version of your works and ideas to get the most out of it. Furthermore, many portfolio printing services offer affordable and high-quality prints, so now you don’t have any excuse to skip printing your projects!

If you have decided to try out printing your works, go through some tips to help make your portfolio stand out.

Tips For An Outstanding Printed Portfolio

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When a portfolio is composed, various factors are analyzed and checked before deciding on the final output. This is especially necessary when you print the portfolio. Everything should go smoothly, and the result should be worth every penny and time.

Relax because by following some of the below-given tips, you can ace this like a total pro.

1. Planning Is The Key

Of course, planning things is not always essential in life. Some people like to do things impulsively when it comes to certain things. However, if you want a specific job and hope to get selected, then the best way to start the journey is by planning.

Plan until you finalize everything that will be added to the final output. This will also help you to have an idea about the layouts and the number of pages needed with the appropriate size before printing.

2. Keep It Simple But Unique

As you compose your portfolio, it is expected that you might want it to be awe-inspiring and perfect. Perfection is necessary; however, too much information and details could spoil the overall composition. Ensure that you choose only the best pieces and try to showcase them in a way that will be both proficient and compelling to the viewers.

3. Choose The Best Quality Paper

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Always keep a budget before deciding on the paper used for printing. The people who check your portfolio during job interviews should be satisfied enough to check and view your work. Therefore choose a paper that is around your budget but at the same time has a good finish, color, and weight. The paper should hold a good impression, so choose wisely.

4. Finalize On The Size And Layouts

The size and shape you decide always matter; this is a great tip to make your portfolio eye-catchy. After selecting the projects and works to be displayed, consider what type of layout and size will make it more attractive.

Sure, the information and details of your work are essential. But, in addition to that, the way the portfolio is splendid enough to make the clients and employers view it is your winning point.

5. Binding Or Not

Binding is one of many options everyone goes for. But with every style and format chosen, the result of making your portfolio stand out can vary. The bound portfolio is heavier than the usual one, so do it only if you think your work will look better when bound. These are excellent options if you are in art and have projects with graphical presentations.

6. Consider The Number Of Copies

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This is important to save you from spending more unnecessary money than your planned budget. Your portfolio should be updated every year with every new work you do. Therefore, having one copy or a few depends on your purpose and use with the portfolio.

If it is for job opportunities, usually one is a nice number to start. However, more copies should be available if you are self-employed and need to show your work to every client. In such a situation, you can opt for a small-size portfolio, in the brochure format, for easy print and access to all your clients. Keep an A1 size for general purposes.

7. Budgeting Is Crucial

Budgeting can often be tricky and challenging for many reasons. Take it as a way to make your portfolio stand out rather than a task you have to accomplish. Printing can be expensive depending on the paper you choose and the number of copies.

Therefore, make a budget beforehand to know how much would be spent. Then, you can proceed to make decisions by adding or subtracting things.

8. Good Quality Photographs

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Whatever your profession, adding photos always helps and makes the portfolio better. This is an excellent traditional tip followed by everyone for years. Get good quality pictures with fantastic lighting and angles to enhance viewers’ experience.

You can even add 3-D versions of the projects you created to narrate your concept and ideas more diligently. This is also a great way to make people interested in your work instantly.

9. Embrace Your Work

Last but not least, love your work and be confident about it. Of course, all other tips are essential and will add quality to your portfolio. But the portfolio can only be exceptional if you are passionate and confident about what you show others.

Understanding the formats and layouts you pick for the portfolio has a significant role in deciding your future. So embrace and appreciate your hard work and try to think about how to make the portfolio better every year. After all, incredible creation is born from consistency and patience.

Printing your portfolio is not an option people choose nowadays, especially with everything being digitized. In this time of depletion of print media, it is vital to understand the beauty of having printed works in hand to witness your incredible work.

Therefore, get your portfolio printed instead of viewing it in digital format. Follow the tips mentioned above for excellent output and keep it for a long time to inspire and encourage others and yourself.