Have you ever looked with pride at the nameplate on your desk? There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing your name, monogram, or logo on an item. So why not feel that same power by customizing portfolios that you can use at work or school?
Your work will seem more refined if it’s housed inside of a personalized portfolio. This buying guide will help you put yours together!
Why Do You Need Custom Portfolios?
Custom portfolios are excellent gifts for artists, students, teachers, writers, entrepreneurs, and many others. Print your monogram, logo, or even a heartfelt message on the front cover to make it special.
Do you need gifts or swag? Personalized portfolios are great for all of the following:
Job Seekers
Job seekers can keep their cover letters, resumes, and work samples in custom printed portfolios. A professional appearance goes a long way, and carrying a nice portfolio may be all it takes to nail that interview!
Business Travelers
Air travel is a nightmare, but a customized portfolio with a strap and handle can make it easier. Keep your laptop and charger inside, along with any other professional materials that you need. A sophisticated portfolio eliminates the risk of you looking like a fool as you fumble around with bulky luggage.
Students & Teachers
College students may turn in theses and dissertations inside of custom portfolios, while teachers can use them for syllabi and lesson plans. Buy custom portfolios in your school colors and decorate the covers with your name and mascot.
Financial Advisors
Investment portfolios are extremely popular in the world of finance. Why not keep all that paperwork in personalized leather portfolios? Your clients will be impressed and feel like they can trust you with their hard-earned money.
Realtors
Whether it’s for listings, open houses, or closings, realtors can use personalized portfolios in all areas of their work. Portfolios are much more sophisticated than pocket folders and make you look like a real expert in the field. Now go find your clients their dream homes!
Event Planners
Event planners have to keep track of venues, handle payments, and compare costs for caterers. Never worry about losing track of info by storing everything in a custom printed portfolio. This will be a real lifesaver if you help plan big events like weddings or reunions.
Lawyers
Lawyers work on multiple cases at one time, so it’s important to keep everything separate and confidential. Dedicate a personalized portfolio to each client, and you won’t be found guilty of looking disorganized and uncommitted to the case at hand.
Models
Strike a pose! If you’re a model, a custom portfolio is a great place to keep headshots and pics from photo shoots. It’ll be great to bring along to casting calls and auditions.
Artists & Designers
Painters, architects, and graphic designers can use personalized art portfolios to display their masterpieces. You’ll be happy to have all your work organized when it comes time to book exhibits or pursue new job opportunities.
Writers
Don’t end up like Paul Sheldon in Stephen King’s “Misery!” You should have a physical portfolio of your writing as well as a digital copy saved on a USB flash drive. Custom printed portfolios are also handy for turning in query letters and the first few chapters to publishers.
Photographers
People are going to want proof that you’re an amazing photographer. Choose the work that best represents your skills and have a custom photo portfolio that you can share with potential clients. This is especially useful if you’re a wedding photographer.
Marketers
Ad agencies can use custom portfolios to hold printed ads, commercial scripts, or examples of digital ads. You’ll want to prove that your campaigns are successful!
Tips for Customizing Portfolios
A portfolio is an excellent gift, but it has to be stylish and professional. A personalized design also doesn’t hurt. Are you ready to customize portfolios that everyone will love? Follow these design tips!
- Select a leather or plastic cover
- Choose between ink printing or debossing
- Use an elegant color scheme
- Pair the portfolios with a stylish pen
Tip 1. Select a Leather or Plastic Cover
What is a Leather Portfolio?
Leather portfolios are carrying cases or folders that you can use to hold your work samples. They’re extremely professional and can be used for assignments, presentations, or formal interviews.
Best Custom Leather Portfolios
Handled Leather Portfolios
Brown Leather Portfolios
Button Leather Portfolios
Navy Leather Portfolios
If you’re a college student with a big assignment to turn in for grading, or if you work in an industry that’s more formal like law or finance, then leather portfolios are a good investment for you!
What is a Plastic Portfolio?
Plastic portfolios are carrying cases or folders that are less formal in appearance. They’re usually cheaper to buy in bulk and can be used as substitutes for pocket folders or binders.
Best Custom Plastic Portfolios
Think of plastic portfolios as baby’s first portfolio. They’re a good choice for middle school or high school students who are learning how to professionally showcase their work for the first time.
Tip 2. Choose Between Ink Printing or Debossing
What Should I Print on My Portfolio’s Cover?
Now that you know the material for the cover, the next step is deciding on an imprint process to get that design on front. You can choose to have the design printed in ink or debossed, whichever you think looks best!
Ink Printing
Your design is printed in plastisol ink on the cover of the portfolio.
Debossing
Your design is pressed into the portfolio, creating a deep, indented look.
Next, choose what you want to print on the cover of your custom portfolios. All of the following are excellent choices!
- Logo & Name
- Name Only
- Monogram
- Name & Contact Info
Logo & Name
Name Only
Monogram
Name & Contact Info
Tip 3. Use an Elegant Color Scheme
What Color Should My Portfolio Be?
Bring color to your custom portfolios! You can either select something bright for the cover or use a fun ink to make the design pop. Overall, you want to pick a color scheme that looks good and isn’t too loud or crazy.
Try any of these looks for your personalized portfolios!
Black & White Portfolios
Black and white is always a classy pairing! Your custom portfolios are black, while the design on the cover is printed in white. This simple look is not only refined, but also budget-friendly since 1 ink color is usually all that’s included for free.
Colorful Portfolios With Black/White Ink
Bring some personality to your work samples by keeping them in colorful portfolios. The ink on the front cover should be white or black, so it’s not overly vibrant. Try this look if you’re an artist, model, or photographer with a unique style!
Two Tone Portfolios
A two tone portfolio gives you a little pop of color, providing a nice complement to the custom printed design. The ink color can be any color of your choice, whether it matches the accent color or is a simple white like the monogram leather portfolios pictured here.
Monochrome Portfolios
Use an ink color in the same color family as the portfolio. You can do violet portfolios with lavender ink, navy portfolios with sky blue ink, or fuchsia portfolios with pale pink ink. A monochrome look is a great choice for personalized art portfolios!
Portfolios With Silver Accents
Why should custom portfolios be boring? Pick one that has sleek silver accents on the cover and print the custom design in white. These portfolios are professional, but are a little more unique and unexpected.
Gold Tip Portfolios
Choose portfolios that have a simple black cover and gold tips on the edges. You can then use whatever colors as you want for the ink imprint. The gold is a classy touch and will make you feel like the real deal when you’re presenting your work!
Tip 4. Pair the Portfolios With a Stylish Pen
What Are the Best Pens for Portfolios?
A classy portfolio will look even better if you pair it with a stylish executive pen. It should be comfortable to hold, have some kind of metallic accent, and write in a thick, black ink.
Here are the best pens to pair with your custom portfolios:
Other Considerations When Buying Custom Portfolios
It’s almost time to order custom portfolios! Before you get started, here are a few other things to keep in mind:
Type of Closure
Portfolios don’t open and close by magic! Each one is equipped with a zipper, snap button, or elastic strap. This is a minor detail, but it can make a difference in how professional your portfolios look.
Charging Capabilities
Some custom printed portfolios have a wireless charger or power bank stored inside. Anyone who frequently uses their laptop or any other gadget might want to consider going with this style.
Interior Storage
What do you need to put inside of your portfolios? Ultimately, it’s important that they’re big enough to fit everything you need.
Straps & Handles
Even though most personalized portfolios look like folders, you can find some that are carried as briefcases, complete with a strap and handle. This style is more expensive, but worth it if you frequently travel.
Number of Ink Colors
With screen printing, you only get 1 free ink color included in the cost. If you want a colorful design on the cover, it’s much better to look for options that are decorated with full color printing.
Minimum
Many promotional items require bulk orders, but custom portfolios are a bit different. You can order as few as 5 at one time if you need a small quantity.
Price
You can buy personalized portfolios in bulk for under $1. If you’re willing to splurge, there are custom leather portfolios that cost over $50 each. Think about what you’re willing to spend before you order.
Why Should You Use a Portfolio?
A portfolio is a professional way to present your work, whether you’re an entrepreneur pitching an idea or a student trying to get an “A” in class. These carrying cases keep your papers organized and prevent them from getting crumpled up or destroyed.
Do you want custom portfolios for your school or business? Reach out to the team at Quality Logo Products®!
The Bottom Line
You should feel like a design expert! It’s really not difficult to customize portfolios, especially if you have a few ideas in mind ahead of time. It’s time to look like a true professional!
Quality Logo Products®
are experts on all things printed and promotional. Let our team of awesome, incredibly good looking, and fun promo nerds help you select awesome promotional swag today!
