Portfolio

[cheftomlin]

Hi Culinarians (and Culinarians in training),
My name is Tomlin and I recently started going to school for Culinary Arts in January. I have experience in the field working as everything from dishwasher to lead line cook (even a short stint as chef at a catering business/coffee shop). I started school to learn that which I am not versed in and to work towards my ACF certification (of which I am a member).

Now onto why I started this particular thread....at a Hospitality Career Expo at my school I overheard an interviewer asking for a portfoilio. Is this a portfolio along the same lines as an artists portfoilio? I am a first semester student, is this something I should be working on now? What does it consist of?

Any help in this matter would be great!
Thanks

[Andrew Hope]

Isn't t like your personal recipes? sorry I'm just a student myself hope some one answers for both our sakes :P

[Nicholas]

I'm not exactly a authority on this subject, but I thought I'd offer my thoughts anyhow.

There's a thread somewhere in the forum about portfolios, but anyway...

I've started a portfolio recently, and here's what I'm doing for it.

Basically, it should includes pictures of your own work. I've been taking pictures of my desserts that I've done. It should not pictures of what you want to do. About the recipes, I suppose you can write them down, for future references, or for demos, you can submit them to whoever needs it to help with prep.

I suppose you can also include your CV, A list of your education, previous work experience and awards if any.

A portfolio should be a reflection of your capabilities.

Hope this helps!

[cheftomlin]

this helps alot thanks

now my other question is; as a first semester student should i worry about starting one?

[Nicholas]

Well, I'm still 20 and I'm planning to enrol in the Culinary Institute of America (I hope I can afford it!) after my National Service. That will be in 3-4 years time.

But I'm already keeping photos and updating my CV for my portfolio.

I guess it can't hurt to take pictures of your work eh?
As a student, you'd be doing alot of work hey? Take pictures and keep tabs on them!
You shouldn't worry about when to start one, but you'd have something to show for when someone happens to ask.

My friend who does design suggest taking the good pictures only, and printing them out to a B3 size, or anything smaller than an A4 size, and keeping them. Make sure they're not pixellated!

[Andrew Hope]

I have taken a few pictures of my desserts that iv made at home, but I'm sure i will have my recipes more fine tuned by the time i make my portfoillo.

[cheftomlin]

thanks for the information. i actually have decent photography equipment because i do freelance graphic design so the picture aspect shouldnt be a problem (although i may buy a smaller camera to take into the kitchen with me at school)

[Nicholas]

Hey you guys, sorry I couldn't get back earlier, I've been really busy.
Anyways, I hope you guys have fun with your portfolio hey?
I know I am. I've put most of my pictures on a blog. The links below if you want to have a look.
Best wishes for your portfolio's and careers!
Cheers!

[cheftomlin]

nice blog Nicholas. I have just recently gotten into doing a blog (on yahoo 360 under cheftomlin). as much as i am on my computer you would think that it would be easy but writing what is on my mind seems to be a hard task. anyway i have started my portfolio (it will also contain my commitment to the service/foh end) i figure by the time i get through my thrid semester i should have a pretty decent portfolio and it will grow from there. my instructor did tell me however that there is a difference between a student and professional portfolio so i will use this one mainly to prepare for my professional outing. i am also revamping my graphic design site to section ff to include food art.