A portfolio is a collection of samples of the work of an organization or an individual. These can be photographs, excerpts from articles, links to websites or other projects, preferably supplemented with reviews from previous customers.
The word “portfolio” comes from the Italian portfolio, which means “document folder”. This is a package of work performed by a specialist of a certain profile, who have already received approval and payment from customers. A portfolio is necessary for further successful work and search for new clients for designers, architects, photographers, illustrators, models, actors, etc.
The portfolio reflects the style, focus and nature of the author's work, his professional abilities. Portfolio is of great importance for remote workers (freelancers), as they themselves look for customers.
The copywriter's portfolio contains texts and articles written by him on topics that are well known to a specialist. The future customer of a certain profile can immediately determine whether the hired remote worker is sufficiently savvy in his issue and how well he knows the grammar and style of the language used (native or foreign).
An architect's or landscape designer's portfolio contains photographs of objects designed by him, from cottages to public buildings, from private gardens to city parks and courtyards.
Web designer's portfolio - links to websites made by him, complemented by colorful screenshots.
The portfolio of people in the public profession, such as models or actors, should consist of high-quality photographs taken by a professional photographer from the most advantageous angle. It is advisable to take several photographs in different ways so that the employer can appreciate the artistry of the specialist and his photogenicity.
A portfolio is a business card of a specialist, so it must be carefully and properly designed. It should be a beautiful folder with plastic liners or laminated pages to protect papers, photos. Appearance is of great importance, so it's best not to skimp on quality material, such as leather.
An online portfolio needs to be beautifully executed and user-friendly. If a specialist has his own website, then it is important to make optimal navigation for quick access to his work without unnecessary intermediate links that can quickly tire the customer and reduce his initial interest.
It is not necessary to list all the completed works in the portfolio; it is enough to select a few bright and memorable samples. A big plus for a specialist will be personal recommendations of past customers or their positive feedback.
