Tattoo portfolio help?

In need of a good/professional art portfolio, any ideas?

• I'm going on a 4 month "retreat" to work on an art portfolio, whether it be for a tattoo apprenticeship or just for possible job opportunities. I want a legit, professional portfolio. I really like the Screwpost Portfolio books found on http://www.portfolios-and-art-cases.com/index.html, and it get quite expensive. It this necessary? The below items, from this website, add up to $292. Vista 14"x11" Acrylic Screwpost Portfolio Book - Onyx (Matte Black) 14"x11" Archival Polypropylene Sheet Protectors With Black Liner - 10 Pack Screwpost Extension Pack - Black I don't know if I should really spend that much money on a portfolio that holds 40 pages, no matter how legit it looks. I really like it, but not the complete price. Any one have any ideas for a good looking portfolio book? I want to be professional, I want to have something that is durable, and similar to the screwpost portfolio books. Or is there a website to find these books at a cheaper price? I need help.

• Answer:

  I've looked at the website and the portfolio that you mentioned. It does look professional. It will probably last a long time. You could change out your work from time to time, or you could order more pages in the future. You've clearly put some thought into this, and you've probably already considered the following: What do you really want from this? Can you afford it? Will it be worth it? How badly do you want or need the portfolio? 14"x11" is a smaller sized portfolio. If it were for larger pieces, $292 would totally be worth it just because large flimsy artworks are difficult to store for much less. If you mat the artwork properly, though, small pieces are easy to store, transport, and display. You might just need an over-sized binder with proper protective covering for each piece. Keep it neat and orderly. Perhaps have a name and address stamped in a tasteful manner somewhere on the cover. Have you looked in to scrap booking portfolios, presentation books, and binders? This could save you $100 or more. Here's a site to get you started if you're looking for cheaper ways to accomplish the same task:http://www.archivalusa.com/11x14photo.html Best of luck to you on your retreat!