![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/0ea7dbe1-92fd-49b5-8f27-778d0e721793/e21ae16b-b599-4291-b475-8331b8f401c7_rw_3840.jpg?h=56b9e39badcbea8b13d710955951cffc)
Steel Portfolio Box, 1996
Portfolio Boxes
1996
1996
The necessity of setting myself apart from other photographers was imperative for my success within the emerging Austin, TX market. I determined that a custom made portfolio was necessary since the selection of ready made presentation products didn't fit within my visual brand.
The first iteration was a clam shell box with welded sheets of steel, piano hinges, and a leftover binder from an old leather portfolio (pictured above). Clients were impressed and it got me work but it was too cumbersome and impractical.
I designed a two piece box and contracted a plastic vendor to fabricate three sets with Lexan. I spent a few weeks transforming the transparent boxes with layers of black and silver spray paint. The interior has a hidden compartment lined in velvet. My work samples was flexible between handmade photography books, a deck of presentation cards, and often a peek into current works in progress.
These portfolios paved my way in transitioning my studio practice towards graphic design and art direction while living and working in New York City.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/0ea7dbe1-92fd-49b5-8f27-778d0e721793/aeadb353-30cd-49a3-afa1-792149f711ca_rw_3840.jpg?h=e909dd403f67919b59ba9210869cadcd)
Lexan Portfolio Box #1, 1996
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/0ea7dbe1-92fd-49b5-8f27-778d0e721793/7b21914b-006c-4983-b50f-b2d7f421b6da_rw_3840.jpg?h=5d8bd438d116f28f62cc2ca0a7ec09be)
Opening of Lexan Portfolio Box #1, 1996
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/0ea7dbe1-92fd-49b5-8f27-778d0e721793/0616762d-840b-4561-aa13-8f766e2d7bd6_rw_3840.jpg?h=9e8f325b7610b8e7fad37c708a60c63a)
Hidden compartment in Lexan Portfolio Box #1, 1996
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/0ea7dbe1-92fd-49b5-8f27-778d0e721793/3e176424-089e-4d8f-b50e-c5ae825eda81_rw_3840.jpg?h=da024df30ebdb8f5d709164b80365188)
Lexan Portfolio Box #3 with strapping closure. 1996
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/0ea7dbe1-92fd-49b5-8f27-778d0e721793/2753e3d6-2ae1-400f-912a-6412c6c1f3cc_rw_3840.jpg?h=de18ad4bc1a93e821f07f68c336ff642)
Lexan Portfolio Box #2, 1996