How to Build a Cosmetology Portfolio You Can Be Proud Of
It is essential to have a dynamic cosmetology portfolio to display your talents and creativity. You need to show yourself off to prospective employers and eventual clients. So, you will want to begin building a portfolio of your best work while in cosmetology school. Creating an excellent portfolio takes preparation, and forethought.
Here are some guidelines to help you build a cosmetology portfolio you can be proud of, and set you on your way.
Display Versatility
Before you can begin building a portfolio, you will need to decide what styles and work you want to showcase. Selecting a range of models with various hairstyles varying from short, medium and long lengths. Also shoot for an assortment of intricate designs and styles that can display your talents. Be sure to highlight only your outstanding creations that you will be truly proud to display. While you will want to exhibit all your abilities, if you have a certain type of styling you prefer to do, include more of these images in the cosmetology portfolio. For example, if you prefer to do unique, bold hairstyles, then put more of these into your portfolio.
Professional Photographs
Hiring a professional photographer who can create your images can make all the difference. Take Headshots with a high-resolution camera. Proper lighting will help display the styles and textures in detail. Be sure you have images of your models before and after you do the work.
Hardcopy Portfolios
Once you have the photos, you will want to display them. This is where your cosmetology portfolio really starts to take shape. You will need a 3 ring binder with photo page sheets, or photo album.
If using a 3 ring binder, mount each photograph onto black cardstock so that the images are secure and sturdy in the photo pages. Write a brief description, explaining the techniques used to create each style and print them on small cards. Then mount the cards below the photographs.
If you cannot do this, handwrite the description onto the small note cards and mount them. Dividing the cosmetology portfolio into sections makes it easier to go directly to the section the client wants, such as “short styles.”
Digital Portfolios
Welcome to the 21st Century. In today’s digital age, professionals need a digital presence as a major portion of their promotion. By putting your cosmetology portfolio online, you are making your work visible to far more potential employers and clients. As this will be a professional website, it might be wise to hire a professional web designer. And possibly a writer to create professional content for your site. Internet users judge a business by their website. A poorly designed website and portfolio can harm your efforts.
Creating a cosmetology portfolio can be exciting, and greatly increase your chances of getting the position you want. If you have any questions, click here or call us today!
