Are portfolios necesary?
You do not need to send a portfolio when you first contact a market. But after buyers see your samples they may want to see more, so have a portfolio ready to show. Many successful illustrators started their careers by making appointments to show their port- folios. But it is often enough for art directors to see your samples. Gallery directors sometimes ask to see your portfolio, but they can usually judge from your slides whether your work would be appropriate for their galleries. Never visit a gallery to show your portfolio without first setting up an appointment. Some markets in this book have drop-off policies, accepting portfolios one or two days a week. You will not be present for the review and can pick up the work a few days later, after they’ve had a chance to look at it. Most businesses are honorable and you don’t have to worry about your case being stolen. However, since things do get lost, include only duplicates that can be insured at a reasonable cost. Only show original
