Use a cartoon portfolio to expand clientele.
A cartoon portfolio is an important tool for cartoon artists. Art students use them to apply to art school. Professional cartoonists use portfolios to grow their client base. Portfolios are also used for entering competitions. Editorial cartoonist Mike Keith recently won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for his portfolio of 20 cartoons.
Hard copy portfolios are still the standard for art school submissions, but professional cartoonists are turning to the Internet to display portfolios. By creating a hard copy portfolio you'll be ready with the necessary components to add a digital portfolio later.
Instructions
1. Purchase a black or white portfolio binder filled with at least 20 plastic translucent sleeves. The binder should be large enough to accommodate images that measure up to 8 by 10 inches. Black and white binders are standard for college submissions but professionals can choose other colors.
2. Write and print out a short letter of three to four paragraphs introducing yourself and your objectives. Write about awards and recognitions received, experience--educational and professional--and include educational or professional goals. Insert this letter into the first binder sleeve.
3. Print copies of samples from your best work on high-quality card stock or photo paper. The copy should measure at least 5 by 7 and no larger than 8 by 10. Include samples that exhibit your skill and expertise along with samples that show personal vision and creativity.
4. Label the back of the image with information that includes the date the image was created, the medium used and the original size. Include two to three sentences describing the artwork. List any awards you received for the piece. If you manipulated the image using software, include that information.
5. Place one image of a sample artwork into a binder sleeve, facing towards the front of the binder. Use a small piece of transparent tape to secure the image inside the sleeve if necessary. Continue adding one image to each sleeve. Include between 12 and 20 samples of your work.
