In this 6-week self guided course, you will learn to curate a market focused portfolio with clear messaging and your unique branded touch that will help you attract your ideal client base.
In this 6-week course, you will create a market focused portfolio with clear messaging and your unique branded touch that will help you attract your ideal client base.
Sometimes we design and design away wondering why we are not seeing any sales. Why clients are not chasing after us. It's in these moments we must stop, dig deep and do the work to establish strong foundation, design from a place of intention and speak to an aligned audience...and the Portfolio Bootcamp will help you to do just that.
why aren't my prints selling?
From in house designer, to freelancer to boutique print studio
Over the years, I have reviewed hundreds of portfolios from students, freelancers and seasoned artists looking to work with White Buffalo Studio or even just looking for some guidance. I know what I want from a portfolio as an art director and what work in our industry. If you are looking to get that in house job, to grow your freelance client base, or to simply learn more about portfolio presentation for apparel, then this course is for you.
This first week we get clear on your desired outcome, your personal style and what market you align best with. There is an initial process that is necessary before you begin creating or curating your work.
Getting familiar with your aesthetic as well as the aesthetic of your ideal audience. Finding the balance here to make the most impact once your work is in front of your prospective clients.
This is the week that we begin to build out your mini collections. Depending on if you are starting from scratch or not, you can spend more time here if you need it.
Wether you are building this portfolio from scratch or incorporating in a few new pieces to freshen things up, motif mapping will allow you to develop and showcase your unique style while appealing to your market.
LET'S BREAK it DOWN
Now that you have a beautiful new portfolio to share, we will discuss how to properly save and deliver your file as well as creating a template for reaching out to prospective clients. Congratulations, you did it!!
This week we learn all about layout styles, mock up options, information to include and all those final little bits to get your portfolio finalized.
"Leslie's detailed advice from market focus to page layout made everything much more clear"
In the Portfolio Bootcamp, Leslie generously shares an incredible amount of helpful, insider information about putting together a portfolio that will help you get the textile print design work you want. Before taking the bootcamp, I had a vague sense of what I might include in my portfolio, but had never seen any real-world examples, and didn't know where to start, or what type of additional info to include. - Kelly Irvine
Kelly
"I honestly gained so much knowledge and understanding of who I am as a designer."
After finishing the portfolio bootcamp workshop, I have to say that I honestly gained so much knowledge and understanding of who I am as a designer. Leslie delivered the content in such a clear, concise and relaxed way about finding your design niche. The workshop was broken down into really simple and achievable steps. I feel that I really learnt a lot about myself as a designer when putting together my brand vision and market mood board. Since completing the workshop, I have updated my portfolio and created an instagram page with a clear vision in mind for who I am a designer. - Fiona White
Fiona
"I’m grateful for your insight and direction as an artist in an often overlooked field."
After moving through the portfolio workshop I have better direction on cohesively representing who I am as an artist within the niche market that I want to work in. Historically I have tried to conform to what I thought someone wanted to see, for a large market and a wide array of styles. I feel much more confident going forward that having a clear path and presentation will allow me to showcase my talents for a specific and intentional audience. - Marisa Davis
Marisa
"The amount of information that you provided to us was above and beyond my expectation"
Hi Leslie, I wanted to say thank you for a wonderful portfolio bootcamp. I’ve taken your Market Magic class and Consignment 101 class as well. The amount of information that you provided to us was above and beyond my expectation.
Being in the fashion industry for over 17 years I was surprised that I didn’t know some of the requirements when presenting a portfolio to a potential client. Your detailed power point presentations are valuable which I took snap shots to reference back when I was revamping my portfolio. I can’t thank you enough and I can’t wait to see what else you provide.
- Manni Singh
Manni
"It's honestly the best industry course I have done."
I completed the 4 week portfolio boot camp and it is honestly the best industry course I have done. Leslie provided me with a system to build a portfolio that is current and designed to get me the work I want. I had a clear process to follow and crucial information about what art directors want and how they want it presented. - Julie Bunyard
Julie
"I now know what I need to do to begin marketing."
I learned so much from both of your workshops: Market Magic: Branding and Marketing for Surface Pattern Designers and the Portfolio Bootcamp. I've been designing patterns for a few years, building up my portfolio. The timing of these workshops was perfect for me. I now know what I need to do to begin marketing. I can't thank you enough, Leslie, for your generosity in sharing your knowledge and experience. Thank you! - Beth Krommes
Beth Krommes
Beth
"Her wealth of knowledge opened my eyes to the fashion industry's expectations."
I really enjoyed White Buffalo’s Portfolio Bootcamp. I learned how to find and focus on my style through exercises Leslie shared. Her wealth of knowledge opened my eyes to the fashion industry’s expectations. - Renea Gallagher
Renea
"Print design workshops and advice tailored specifically for fashion are rare, so these were really valuable."
Leslie’s advice to clarify and focus in on my design niche, and study that market to truly understand and design for it in a commercially successful way, was career changing. Print design workshops and advice tailored specifically for fashion are rare, so these were really valuable. - Kelly Lahl
Kelly
"I am extremely grateful for the generosity and support Leslie has offered freelancers at this time of uncertainty."
It's hard to pick one thing that's been valuable to me from Leslie's workshops, but if I had to, I would say the workshops have really encouraged me to focus my work, and find my unique selling point as a Surface Pattern Designer. The actionable tips and information shared in both the brand workshop and portfolio bootcamp have made the process of doing this so much more intentional and effective. I am extremely grateful for the generosity and support Leslie has offered freelancers like myself at this time of uncertainty through these workshops and the facebook community.
- Tanya Freitas of Wild Coral.
Tanya
I completely understand, every dollar invested in your business is an important one! If you have any additional questions...
on the fence?