Fig Taylor, the author of this fab book came to my university to talk to us about putting together a portfolio. Fig is an extremely inspiring and very straight talking woman, and I found her lecture so honest, inspiring and refreshing, I just had to buy the book, and it really hasn't disappointed.
I'm an illustration student, and I can already see how useful this book will be to me when I graduate, but equally I can see how it would be useful to existing practitioners who feel their portfolio needs a refresh, or they need some new ideas on how to promote themselves.
The book itself is extremely thorough, its not just about putting together an attractive looking portfolio, but also discusses in depth everything from the marketplace, creating a good portfolio, what kind of portfolio to use and making yourself known/ how to approach potential clients. There is also a resources section at the back with useful websites, annuals and competitions, advice and professional bodies, just to name a few!
Any graphic designers or illustrators in their second or third years, this book will be invaluable to you in helping you get up and running as soon as you graduate. Too often in art schools they teach you so much about how to be fantastic image makers, but little about portfolio skills and promoting yourself, so books like these really are invaluable.