Material Selection

Fashion Illustration 3(1+2)

Lesson 16: Portfolio

Material Selection

One of the important steps in creating a folio is to choose how to present it. Selecting the right material can be quite a task. Almost any kind of material can be used as art supply – sometimes the most unlikely or unconventional materials help make good presentations. For example, you can use dried leaves or tea stained papers to create a vintage feel. You also use old post cards or black and white photos to create the mood. So, depending on the theme, it is important to think out of the box to make a good presentation.

Another thing to consider is the technique. As a fashion student, you might have worked with different media. It is advisable to stick to the media that you are most comfortable with. Experimenting with media can be a choice too, but you must remember to keep the folio clean and easy to go through.

Cases: Portfolio cases are readily available in the market. However, one can make them as well. If you think that is not a possible option for you, then you can buy a ready case and add details to it to reflect your personality. You have a wide variety to choose from which include zipper leather cases, binder boxes, zipper cases with binders, easel presentation cases, etc.

Focus: The mark of a professional is focus. Your portfolio should be market specific and consistent in its presentation. The importance of focusing on a specific market and customer is directly linked to the job search process. Each clothing company has a reputation for a particular kind of clothing and styling. When interviewing for a company, it is important to research that company for its range, style, look, and price. Knowing this will help you choose what you want to present in your portfolio.

For example, if you want to work for Reebok, you would want to include sports wear collections with specific emphasis on durability and wear and tear of the garments during the sport played. Also, on logo design and how you can include their logos on to the individual garments.

Different categories include:

  • Sportswear/Active sports wear
  • Knit wear
  • Formal Wear
  • Casual Wear
  • Evening wear
  • Intimate Apparel
  • Lounge wear
  • Sleep Wear
  • Bridal Wear
  • Kids Wear
  • Men’s Wear

Once, you decide which part of the market you want to work with, it is easier to plan the collections accordingly. Also, it is important to consider the role you want to play. If you want to be an illustrator, it is advisable to showcase different kinds of illustration styles and make it the focus of your presentation.

Index
Previous
Home
Next
Last modified: Saturday, 2 June 2012, 9:58 AM