When meeting with a potential client, always take your design portfolio.
Although it is possible to have examples of your work on a notebook computer and scroll through concept plans, design styles, and before-and-after photos of spaces you have worked on, computers can be intimidating for many clients, and we favour developing an ‘old-fashioned’ bound folder of printed drawings and images.
So, a binder with before-and-after images, examples of your best work, and a collection of garden styles work well. Simply scrolling through garden styles and listening to the client’s response can provide you with a good foundation for a future design that meets their needs.
Tip: If you do not have examples of designs suitable for a portfolio, make a scrapbook of clippings of landscape styles you like.
Tip: Just because you love a Japanese-style garden does not mean you should propose using it if the client is ambivalent about that style.
Tip: You might print and laminate a copy of your most colourful and detailed design on a large sheet. Such a sheet can also be helpful if you attend landscape shows where you may have taken a booth to promote your services.
Please send us a photo of your design portfolio to show your favourite design.