My portfolio is clean and professional – an image which I try to present in all my work. The binder is a fine burgundy leather (the same color as my briefcase), 1" x 8 ½" x 11" size on which I have my name imprinted. The pages were created with the aid of my computer, using my word processor, Microsoft Word, and are encased in heavy-duty plastic sleeves.

The front page is plain gray drawing paper cut to size on to which I have photocopied my professional signature. There are eighteen pages in the binder, about as many as it can accommodate, with photos of my portraits on both sides. Each photograph has been printed "not larger that 6 ½" wide Or 9 ½" high, in order to allow room within the 8 ½" x 11" format for a mat of the same gray drawing paper. This allows room for me to print out a thin-line frame around the photo plus a caption beneath it. I make the frame one half inch larger than the photo and then leave one-quarter inch space all around between the printed frame and the edges of the opening. It is similar to the procedure one would use when cutting a mat for any drawing.

The last few pages have been allotted to some awards and special attentions I have received. The very last page is a bio page. It has a small black and white photo of me, presented the same way as the rest of the photos, with the photograph taped behind a framed hole In the gray paper. I have included a biography and my pricing schedule.

After adding up the costs of all the elements, leather binder and professionally printed photographs, it is a fairly expensive piece of equipment, probably about $900.00 with the number of photos included. But I love being able to show it to people, as it represents the way I want to be seen.