How to make your book?

For what use?

How to present it?

Expression of your know-how, carrier of you speech and experience, the book allows you to show you career path and your level of artistic, graphic and professional skills in a meeting with a would-be employer or customer, whether it be within the framework of a paid job, of a free-lance contract or any other form of status.

How to present it?

At the beginning of their carer many young designers often present huge books, sometimes with oversized portfolios and a vast number of superfluous school works…

In the course of their path, some skilled workers present a style portfolio with not so recent sketches or creations, which, instead of increasing their standing, give them an out-dated image.

On the other hand, some people just present 2 or 3 sketches with press kits!

What’s the best strategy to convince the recruiter that you have the best profile for the proposed mission?

Ideally: Not too big a book, in A3, possibly adjustable, with parts that can be added or taken off according to interviews:

You all have more than one string to your bow and often different portfolios to present; how interesting can it be for a sportswear manufacturer to find out that half your book is dedicated to dresses!!!

Of course you have to show your other talents in order to introduce your transversal approach, but don’t linger over it!

More advice: In addition to a meticulous book, present a few current and recent works to show how your creation came into being: rough drafts, first pencil-drawings, pieces of fabric stapled in the margin, notes and arrows pointing on details, it all gives a creative research dimension!

By and large, balance press clippings, with, when possible, in front of each, the sketch you drafted for the model.

Explain a project starting at the beginning and progressing in a chronologic way: the briefing, competitor brands: trend boards, marketing summary, collection plan, a fabric and accessories research page, rough drafts of sketches, colour sketches, colour ranges, putting forward graphic creation / Logo, technical sketches, then press or catalogue photos…

In addition, to give an overview of your work without overloading yourself with files, you may bring your portable PC and, using for example Power Point, make a few minutes “slide-show” as an introduction, with a voice over to introduce your slides.

In this Internet age, you may propose your book by creating a web site illustrated with all of your creations thematically put together!

We’re interested in your opinion!

recrut@cg-conseil.com

Carole GLASMAN

CG CONSEIL R.H.