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PERSONAL PORTFOLIO REVIEWS

Guidelines provided by Rafael Jaen

Part of the excitement in putting a portfolio together is the ability to plan details such as page layout, content variety, and aesthetic sequencing. The portfolio then becomes a showcase of the Designer/Technician's process, resourcefulness and artistry. This showcase is key in opening new doors and getting new jobs in their field. Putting a portfolio together for presentation can seem like an impossible undertaking, yet there are ways to facilitate the process. First, it is always helpful to get feedback from other artists, teachers and colleagues. Second, there are some key aspects to consider when planning the presentation of a portfolio. These are:

  1. Presentation of self: This includes grooming, appearance and manners. This also includes your resume and references --Include show program information, including personnel and dates. Hold yourself as if you already had the job you want.

  2. Presentation of work: Clear labeling and keys are extremely important tools that will help describe your work even when you are not in the room. If you are presenting in person it will be important to have a plan, to have clear voice articulation and to listen carefully to feedback. Let your portfolio present itself.

  3. Presentation organization: This refers to the layout of the project; does it have a beginning, middle and end? Are there transitions between projects? Are there organizational charts and paper work that help describe the scope of the project? Your portfolio showcases your process, resourcefulness and artistry.

  4. Presentation Knowledge: Do you have all the necessary research materials that you used for your project and are you current with the information? Do you have clear design concepts? Do you have the proper garment names and period references? Your portfolio features the scope of knowledge that you can offer.

  5. Presentation Aesthetics: Does your portfolio feature different sketching styles? Does it feature different theatrical styles and historical periods? Does it include technical work and other design fields? Your personal style and the variety of your work will get you known.

The Portfolio Reviews at the USITT Annual Conference and Stage Expo are truly valuable sessions that can assist a Designer/Technician in all the aforementioned aspects. Each USITT Commission offers review sessions where professionals volunteer to offer productive feedback to scheduled participants. In past conferences, close to 50 review sessions have been organized for Costume Design & Technology Commission members, alone. This year, Rafael Jaen as Design Co-Chair and Pam Knourek as Technology Co-Chair will head the Costume Design & Technology Commission's portfolio reviews. The Commission highly encourages all participants of the USITT Annual Conference and Stage Expo to share in the excitement of these sessions. Volunteering as a reviewer can be quite inspiring and helpful to both the interviewee and the mentor. Having the courage to get a critique from professionals in the field can be of great value for the young Designer/Technician in building self-confidence and setting next steps.

We look forward to many volunteers and participants. For more information and to sign up, please feel free to contact

Rafael Jaen at