Let the work itself do the talking. Sure, you want to show off how well you can put together a folio, but that means letting pieces you’re most proud of reveal themselves to your potential clients. Unnecessary graphic elements will only distract from what’s really important – your work.
Choose the paper you use carefully. Print is designed to be held and admired close up, so make the most of the support you choose for your work. Weight, finish, color – all of these things will have an effect on the clients perception of your folio. But bear in mind that handling inexpensive material well is as much a skill as turning out luxury items.
Keeping your folio unbound so you can switch out elements and change their running order is a good idea. This folio should be of a good size, perhaps A3, and can form the basis of your presentations. A bound folio or brochure is a nice reminder to leave with you client. Backing this up with a disc also helps.