No one needs to tell a professional artist or other creative professional that a good portfolio case is an important part of their repertoire of tools. Yes, portfolio cases are tools of the artist's trade. Storage and presentation are as important as creativity if you want to make a living doing what you love the most. Having your portfolio safely stored in a carrying case ensures that your work remains presentable when you meet with clients.

While it should be obvious that portfolio cases are as important to artists as their easels are, it is surprising how many artists and other creative people don't give them the thought they deserve before they buy them. Many artists and other creative individuals overlook the fact that their case is as much a part of their presentation as their work is. Inside your case is a collection of your finest work. It may be a delicately rendered drawing of a house you have designed, a selection of your best photographs or some of your finest drawings and paintings. You know that once a client or potential client sees them, he will be impressed. Why should you worry about your case?

What you need to realize is that your potential clients are going to be judging you long before they judge your work. They may not even be aware of it themselves, but subconsciously they are going to be sizing up your work even before they see it based on your appearance. This is the reason why your portfolio case is so important.

If you do have a smart looking portfolio case, it will make a great first impression on him. He will see that you have a keen eye and good taste. That first impression will carry over when you open your case and present your work to him. This is a fact that has been proven in countless psychological experiments. Subliminal impressions make a big difference in people's perceptions of everything. If you want to make a living with your art, don't leave anything to chance.

There are two basic types of portfolio cases. First there are the soft cases. The best ones of these are made of high quality nylon and have comfortable leather handles and shoulder straps. Nylon is the best material for the body of the case because of its water resistant properties and the fact that it is easy to clean. Aluminum portfolio cases are completely waterproof, chic and stylish in appearance and keep your work flat inside.

If you need an extra wide case for work up to four feet wide, then getting a large nylon case is advisable. If your work is less than 3' X 2', then you should take a look an aluminum portfolio cases. For smaller canvases and photographs, the 2' aluminum carrying cases are very popular. They are both fabulous looking and very practical.

Aside from artists and photographers, actors, models, graphic designers and architects need presentation cases. Whatever you want to present to a client, you need to present it in the most effective way you can. If you want to be a professional, you need to look professional, so don't overlook your portfolio case.