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There
is a tool that is just as important to your faux-finish business as your
ladder or your brushes. That tool is your portfolio. In order to market
and grow your business to its maximum potential, you need to work on
building a great portfolio.
A complete portfolio consists of a picture
portfolio and a sample portfolio. This article will discuss both of those
elements, starting with the picture portfolio.
Worth a
Thousand Words...
Sixteen years ago, when I started as a faux
finisher, I had only a few magazine pictures in a notebook.
I though it was simplistic, I had something in my hand to show
clients. Many of the students I have taught either have a few pictures in
an envelope or nothing at all.
We know that faux finishing is a creative and
lucrative business. Why do we expect top dollar, but have nothing to show
creditability and experience? Let's remember that this is a visual
business. Clients expect us to give them creative ideas and expertise. We
need to present ourselves in a professional manner.
Let us break down the picture portfolio into
sections. The first page should be a "reward" page in case you
lose your portfolio. This page should have your name, address and
telephone number. Also, include the offer of a reward if the portfolio is
lost and safely returned to you.
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The first section of your portfolio should be what I
consider the credibility section. This part would include such things as
certificates of workshops that you have completed or courses that you have
taken pertinent to our industry. You also could include show houses,
magazine articles, a brief biography or notable work in your community
such as a local restaurant or a bed and breakfast inn. Remember, this
section is to build the client's confidence in you. Clients will not hire
you until they are comfortable with your skill level.
In the next section, I like to include plenty of
"before and after" pictures. This helps a client visualize their
own "before" becoming a lovely "after." Remember to
always take your "before" picture at the initial visit. For the
after effect, be sure to include an abundance of larger pictures and close
ups in your portfolio. I usually do not dedicate more than two pages to a
room so as not to lose the client's interest.
To
get a nice "after" picture of a room, I usually go back several
days after the designer or client has put the room back together. Always
get an "after" picture, particularly if there is a designer
involved, to build your portfolio. Remember, YOU will sell what
you show. Do not rely on words alone. Use your portfolio as a
selling tool. If you want to feature work on such things as fireplaces or
columns, one picture can tell it for you again and again.
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For
the faux finisher starting in the business, I would suggest using pictures
from magazines or catalogs. When using such pictures, be careful to always
indicate that you can do an effect, never saying that you did do
that particular effect. Never plagiarize someone else's work. Also, it is
crucial to update your picture portfolio regularly.
Showing Samples
Another important element is the sample
portfolio. I always try to have sample boards available that correspond
with my picture portfolio as well as multiple color combinations for each
finish. If you use pictures from a magazine, you will need to have a sample
similar to that picture.
In order to be taken seriously as a professional
faux finisher, we must have the right tools. A picture portfolio and
sample portfolio are tools of the trade that are essential to a long
lasting and successful business.
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