It is important to be aware of who your audience is. Make sure that you cater the pieces you choose and the presentation based on the type of viewers you’re planning to have. Certain themes and pieces will appeal more to some demographics as opposed to others. It makes a difference when you hand select your portfolio to suit certain groups and it can determine whether or not you make a sale/get hired. Put this into practice by looking at your portfolio from a clients perspective and try to get a feel for what they would be looking for and how your pieces would come across to them. Your portfolio will do a better job of explaining who you are, what you’re about, and what you can do far better than an elevator pitch or a glossy business card ever could so take the time to put your portfolio out there and see what kind of feedback comes back from it. If you’re getting new clients or sales from it then keep at it, if not it may be that you need to choose some different pieces or simply work a bit harder on your pursuits. Whatever the case may be it should be taken as helpful advice when determining
If you can manage to put together a decent portfolio and get into the hands of a few people who have the influence to do something with it you can really create quite an asset for yourself. Having a portfolio shows not only a sense of initiative (you’re prepared to show potential clients or customers your work) but it also shows a sense of professionalism. By having a portfolio you’re showing others that you take yourself seriously and your work seriously. You’ve taken the time to compile your best work and present it in a way that is attractive and appealing and you’ve shown your dedication to your artistic endeavors as opposed to just being a “hobbyist”.