I have taught this class for almost ten years, so here’s my basic rules of thumb: • No more than twelve pieces/projects. • Black or Charcoal Grey backing paper (neutral color). • Throw out the paper that comes with the portfolio and replace with Canson pastel paper. • Use 3M double stick, acid free tape to hold the items down. • A small piece of tape on the back, 1/3 of the way down will do. Don’t over tape it. • When the book is open in front of you, the piece should be on the right-hand side. • Never put a piece on the facing left-hand page unless it is directly related to the piece on the right (of the same project/campaign). • Only exception to this is the very last page. • Leave approximately a 2” border of backing paper around each piece. • Bottom border should be a smidgen wider than the rest (1/4”). • Do not include your resume or any self promotion pieces in the portfolio. • Self promotion items should be separate (in an envelope or in the pouch). • Unless you have an amazing printer at home, have your work professionally printed. • First page, middle spread, and last page are where your “wow” pieces should live. And MOST importantly…Build yourself a self promotion/portfolio web site. Hardly anyone looks at physical portfolios anymore.